ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a new sorption-based technique for sensing toxic metals such as lead, copper, zinc, and nickel in water using pH as the sole surrogate indicator through the use of novel sorbent materials. It focuses on the scientific premise complemented by research investigations for sensing the presence of toxic heavy metals in water through the use of inexpensive, commonly available sorbents or a combination of sorbents. The chapter explains the concept of sensing of toxic metals dissolved in water using pH as the sole surrogate parameter through application of hybrid inorganic sorbent materials, which are basically a granular composite of calcium–magnesium–silicate with or without a small amount of hydrated ferric oxide. For typical surface water and municipal water systems, the technique seems to be quite effective for detecting toxic metals at concentrations well below 100 µg/L.
