Rapid, state-of-the-art techniques for the detection of toxic chemical adulterants in water systems

Recent events have heightened awareness concerning potential hazardous threats to U.S. populace. The causes of concern include a possible contamination of water systems through harmful chemical agents resulting in sickness or death among consumers. To forestall the consequences of high-risk chemical contaminants that can potentially pollute our water resources, swift intervening measures need to be taken as a first line of defense. This aspect of environmental protection involves the design, testing, and installation of detection devices that protect U.S. water supply systems from toxic chemicals. These sensing devices are based on physical, chemical, biological, and radiological methods of detection. Traditional analytical tools are rather cumbersome, time-consuming, and expensive to operate. On the other hand, contemporary trends in the fight against toxic chemical threats to domestic and industrial water facilities comprise of sensors designed to achieve rapid, highly sensitive, and cost-effective detection, and intervention. This paper samples the state-of-the-art in detection techniques for toxic chemical antagonists with emphasis on heavy metals and cyanide compounds that can be potentially deleterious to U.S. water systems. The goal is to identify rapid, realistic and reliable methods, as early warning systems, to mitigate the effects of toxicants in water systems.