Electrochemical Sensor Development for Rapid Detection of Lead Ions in Drinking Water Sources in Mining Communities of Zamfara State

Lead poisoning from artisanal gold mining activities has caused mass casualties and persistent neurological damage, particularly in children, across Zamfara State in North West Nigeria. Rapid, affordable detection of lead in drinking water at community level is urgently needed to support environmental health monitoring and intervention programmes. This study developed and characterised an electrochemical sensor for rapid lead ion detection in drinking water from mining-affected communities in Anka and Bukkuyum local government areas of Zamfara State. A glassy carbon electrode was modified with reduced graphene oxide and bismuth film to enhance sensitivity and selectivity for lead detection. Square wave anodic stripping voltammetry was employed as the analytical technique. Sensor performance was evaluated for linearity, detection limit, selectivity, and interference from co-occurring metals. The sensor demonstrated linearity from 1 to 200 micrograms per litre with a detection limit of 0.4 micrograms per litre, well below the WHO guideline of 10 micrograms per litre. Interference from zinc, cadmium, and copper was managed by optimised deposition potential selection. Field validation with thirty water samples showed excellent agreement with ICP-OES reference measurements. These findings demonstrate the analytical capability of the developed sensor as a deployable tool for lead monitoring in Zamfara State mining communities, providing a cost-effective complement to laboratory-based methods. Keywords: electrochemical sensor, lead detection, drinking water, Zamfara State, stripping voltammetry.