Stable and reusable electrochemical sensor for continuous monitoring of phosphate in water

Orthophosphates are one of the major pollutants of water resources worldwide. However, a simple autonomous and continuous method to measure them does not exist. Here we present a novel design of electrochemical phosphate (PO₄^3-) sensor that is stable, reagent-less, can be used multiple times without degradation and is not significantly affected by common interferences. This new design has been shown to have good sensing response of phosphate in the concentration spanning clean to waste water (10^-1 to 10^-4 M). It also overcomes the two major disadvantages of other phosphate sensors, namely: lifetime and interference by its unique design. Due to its many advantages, this sensor is a viable option for autonomous and continuous monitoring of phosphates in the environment.