Abstract
This study explores the development of an advanced electrochemical sensor designed for the simultaneous detection of Cd(2+), Pb(2+), Cu(2+), and Hg(2+) ions. The sensor utilizes sol-gel-synthesized bismuth vanadate (BiVO(4)) nanospheres, which are integrated onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), and employs square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) for electrochemical determination of heavy metal ions. The as-prepared sensor demonstrated exceptional analytical performance and offered a wide linear detection range from 0 μM to 110 μM, along with low detection limits of 2.75 μM for Cd(2+), 2.32 μM for Pb(2+), 2.72 μM for Cu(2+), and 1.20 μM for Hg(2+) ions. These characteristics made the sensor highly suitable for precise monitoring of heavy metal contamination in both environmental and industrial samples. Beyond their sensing capabilities, the BiVO(4) nanospheres also exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against bacterial strains such as E. coli and S. aureus, as well as fungal strains like C. albicans and C. parapsilosis. This antimicrobial effect was attributed to the enhanced surface reactivity and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which disrupt microbial cellular functions. This dual-functional approach highlighted the substantial progress in both electrochemical sensing and antimicrobial applications. This research presents a strong platform for tackling urgent challenges in environmental monitoring and microbial control.