As part of the IMERMAID project, researchers at UNIFI have developed a breakthrough technology for real-time environmental monitoring: the Heavy Metal Monitoring (HCM) Box. This portable, standalone device leverages advanced electrochemical sensors to detect heavy metals in water with high precision, addressing the growing need for continuous in-situ monitoring of pollutants that pose risks to human health and ecosystems.
Designed for robust field deployment, the HCM Box provides real-time remote data access, streamlining on-site screening workflows and enabling fast, informed decision-making. Its compact form—40 × 30 × 60 cm and 15 kg—houses a flow cell with interchangeable sensors, two peristaltic pumps, an integrated potentiostat, and a touchscreen PC. Operated via standard 220V power and connected through Wi-Fi, the device delivers results within just five minutes.
The system currently detects zinc, cadmium, lead, and copper, with the flexibility to expand its detection range by integrating additional electrochemical sensors. Using Square Wave Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (SWASV), the HCM Box achieves parts-per-billion sensitivity across up to 100 measurements per sensor.
The technology has already been deployed in Use Case 3 (Brindisi), where it supports heavy metal monitoring at a wastewater treatment plant. Upcoming integrations in Use Cases 4 and 5 will extend its application to seawater and landfill leachate, demonstrating its versatility across diverse environmental matrices.
By combining speed, portability, precision, and remote operability, the HCM Box stands as a powerful tool for environmental protection, substantially advancing the IMERMAID project’s mission to safeguard Europe’s water resources.
