Rapid or real-time detection of dissolved heavy metals in industrial wastewaters, mine drainage, nearly-exhausted reactive permeable barriers and fixed-bed sorption or ion exchange columns is a necessity that is not attainable at the present time. In our laboratory we have synthesized hybrid metal oxide particles which can help detect the presence of dissolved heavy metals, such as zinc, copper, cadmium simply through pH changes. The hybrid granular particle essentially consists of a mixture alkaline earth metal silicates and iron oxides. As the solution is passed through the hybrid granules, pH remains alkaline in the absence of heavy metals. The presence or leakage of a heavy metal in solution is accompanied by a sharp drop in pH. For a given solution, the time and magnitude of pH drops are correlated to specific heavy metals, thus confirming the identity of individual heavy metals. Supporting experimental data along with underlying chemistry of the hybrid particles will be presented.

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