Graduate Abstract

Rebecca Pearson
December 2001

Electrochemical Techniques for Detection of TNT and Other Explosives Using Disposable Screen Printed Carbon Electrodes

by

Rebecca Pearson

Bachelor of Science
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
1999

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the

Master of Science Degree

Department of Environmental Studies
Greenspun College of Urban Affairs

Graduate College
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
December 2001

Dr. Shawn L. Gerstenberger, Examination Committee Chair
Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies
University of Nevada, Las Vegas

ABSTRACT

Nitroaromatic and nitramine explosives have been found in the soil and water from many government military bases due to improper storage, weapons testing and production. Run-off from contaminated soil and water can enter underground water and potentially contaminate drinking water for near-by communities. With the closing of military bases throughout the U.S. and Europe, contamination will need to be assessed and remediated before the land and water can be used again for other purposes. The use of a fast and inexpensive field screening technique can save time and money typically incurred during intensive laboratory analysis of clean samples.

Screen-printed thick film electrodes are examined as voltammetric sensors for measurement of 2,4,6- Trinitrotoluene (TNT), and Hexahydro-l ,3,5-trinitro-1 ,3,5-triazine (RDX). The square wave voltammetric (SWV) scan technique can be used to measure TNT and RDX in as little as 50 ilL sample volumes applied to the electrode surface within minutes. The detection limit of this electrochemical assay can also be significantly improved by coupling it with a solid phase extraction (SPE) protocol using Empore SDB-RPS membranes. The simple, rapid, cost-effective, and sensitive characteristics of this assay make it an excellent candidate for development as a field analytical method for onsite explosives detection. This research project successfully developed a new method to examine the capabilities, use and optimization of screen printed carbon electrodes for detection of TNT, RDX and metabolites from various matrices.