Next-generation photonic-crystal-fiber-based plasmonic sensor for heavy metal detection via spectroscopy and refractive index integration

Heavy metals (<i>HM</i>) contamination in water poses a serious threat to agricultural sustainability, environmental safety, human and animal health. <i>HM</i> contaminants like lead, cadmium, copper, and mercury can accumulate in crops, soil, and water systems, entering the food chain and impacting ecological balance. These <i>HM</i> containments are one of the main causes of life threating diseases. This research addresses the need for a high-precision, photonic crystal fiber (<i>PCF</i>) based surface plasmon resonance (<i>SPR</i>) sensor integrated with spectroscopy analysis, which is capable of detecting <i>HM</i> traces in water.