Cadmium (Cd) contamination in water and soil is widely recognized as a significant environmental pollutant. The potential for food crops to absorb and accumulate bioavailable Cd has raised concerns about human exposure and associated health risks. Continuous monitoring of Cd levels in the environment is crucial to minimize potential harm to humans. The synthesis of metal complex nanoparticles presents an eco-friendly and dependable approach that finds applications in various fields.
A recent development involves the creation of a novel nano cobalt sensor specifically designed for the detection of cadmium. The nano cobalt complex was thoroughly characterized using a range of analytical techniques, including Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta potential analysis, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), contact angle measurements, BET surface area analysis, and pore size determination. These comprehensive characterizations provide essential insights into the nano cobalt complex's structure and properties.
Furthermore, this nano cobalt complex was harnessed as a simple, cost-effective, and highly sensitive Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) sensor for the rapid detection of cadmium. Using this nano cobalt complex sensor, cadmium ions can be detected at remarkably low concentrations, as low as 1 ppm. Importantly, the cytotoxicity of the cadmium complex nanoparticles was thoroughly assessed to ensure their safety.