Detection of heavy metal ions using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy combined with filter paper modified with PtAg bimetallic nanoparticles

The rapid and sensitive detection of heavy metal ions is important for environment and human health. Hence, the rapid and sensitive detection of multiple heavy metals simultaneously has become a critical issue. Here, we propose a method based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) combined with filter paper modified with PtAg bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) (LIBS-FP-PtAgBNPs) for the ultrasensitive detection of Hg2+, Cr3+, and Pb2+. The PtAgBNPs-modified filter paper was used to efficiently and specifically adsorb Hg, Cr, and Pb, and LIBS was used to detect the Hg, Cr, and Pb simultaneously. The limits of detection for Hg, Cr, and Pb were 0.5 μg/L (2.5 nM), 8 μg/L (0.15 μM), and 2 μg/L (9 nM), respectively. Furthermore, this method was successfully applied to determine the concentrations of Hg, Cr, and Pb in real spiked water samples. Compared with other methods based on nanoparticle sensing, LIBS-FP-PtAgBNPs is simpler to use and can achieve highly efficient enrichment, rapid separation, and sensitive detection of heavy metal ions. The optimal detections of Hg, Cr, and Pb were achieved in the pH range of 1–6. The developed method provides a new avenue to realize the rapid and sensitive detection of trace heavy metals in the environment. [Display omitted] ●LIBS-FP-PtAgBNPs was proposed for sensitive detection of Hg2+, Cr3+, and Pb2+.●The multiple heavy metals could be detected simultaneously by LIBS-FP-PtAgBNPs.●The BNPs-modified filter paper can be effectively separated from the solution.●LIBS-FP-PtAgBNPs can detect Hg2+, Cr3+, and Pb2+ without other ions influence.●Hg2+, Cr3+, and Pb2+ in real samples could be accurately detected.