Microscale quantitation of heavy metals by back-scattering interferometry in conjunction with photothermal effect using a single laser beam

A microanalytical technique based on the photothermal effect in conjunction with back-scattering interferometry (BSI) using a single laser beam was developed for quantitative detection of heavy metals. After the chromogenic reaction of an analyte in a capillary tube, the photothermal effect induced by irradiation with the same laser beam leads to a change of the refractive index of the solution, which can be “quantified” using the BSI technique. For prove-of-concept, Cu(II) was chosen as the trial analyte, for which the solution changes to purplish through reacting with the chromogenic reagent; a single laser beam of 532 nm was adapted for both inducing the photothermal effect and realizing BSI detection. With as little as 1.0 μL solution, a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.10 mg/L for Cu(II) was achieved. In addition, the versatility of the technique was demonstrated by detecting other two heavy metal ions, Fe(II) and Cr(VI), with limits of detection of 0.06 mg/L and 0.04 mg/L, respectively. The demonstrated detection sensitivity, application versatility, and instrumentation simplicity of this new technique promises it as a practical tool for environmental monitoring and beyond.