HM Box - Portable Heavy Metal Sensor Box (UNIFI)

An image of the HMBox
An image of the HMBox
The HMbox installed in Brandizzo (Use case 3)
The HMbox installed in Brandizzo (Use case 3)
The HMbox installed in Brandizzo (Use case 3)
The HMbox installed in Brandizzo (Use case 3)
A picture of the modular version of the HM Box
A picture of the modular version of the HM Box
The modular version of the HM Box installed in the buoy at the Use case 4
The modular version of the HM Box installed in the buoy at the Use case 4
The modular version of the HM Box installed in the buoy at the Use case 4
The modular version of the HM Box installed in the buoy at the Use case 4
A screenshot representing the results obtained during the analysis of a wastewater sample containing Cd(II), Pb(II) and Cu(II) performed with the HMBox (raw data).
A screenshot representing the results obtained during the analysis of a wastewater sample containing Cd(II), Pb(II) and Cu(II) performed with the HMBox (raw data).

Overview

The UNIFI Portable Heavy Metal Sensor Box (HM Box) is a compact and affordable analytical device designed for real-time, on-site quantitative monitoring of heavy metals in water. It provides a practical alternative to laboratory-based analyses, enabling fast decision-making directly in the field.

The HM Box integrates sampling, pre-treatment, analysis, and data management into a single portable solution suitable for both fixed and mobile installations.

Key Features

  • Real-time quantitative detection of heavy metals directly on site
  • Portable and modular design for flexible deployment
  • User-friendly software suitable for both skilled and unskilled operators
  • Remote monitoring and data management capabilities
  • Fast analysis time, with results available within minutes

Detectable Analytes

The HM Box is capable of detecting the following heavy metals at ppb concentration levels:

  • Cadmium (Cd²⁺)
  • Lead (Pb²⁺)
  • Copper (Cu²⁺)
  • Zinc (Zn²⁺)

The system is compatible with different types of water, including freshwater, wastewater, and marine environments.

System Architecture

The HM Box consists of an integrated analytical unit including:

  • Sample collection and pre-treatment system with peristaltic pumps
  • Proprietary-designed flow cell
  • Electrochemical sensor
  • Potentiostat
  • Digitally controlled, synchronized magnetic stirrer
  • Embedded PC with dedicated control and analysis software

Software and Data Management

  • Real-time monitoring through direct connection to the device
  • Guided analytical workflow supporting all operational steps
  • Data storage in internal memory or cloud environment
  • Export of results in .CSV format for further processing and analysis
  • Remote controllability for unattended or distributed installations

Technical Specifications

  • Modular structure adaptable to existing racks or stand-alone installation with dedicated support
  • Power supply configurable from 220 V to 24 V
  • Dedicated electronic protection board against electrical shocks
  • Integrated passive air bubble trap to remove air bubbles during continuous measurements
  • ITCL software for data acquisition, processing, and visualization

Validation and Use Cases

The HM Box has been tested and validated in real operational environments, including:

  • A wastewater treatment plant in Brandizzo (Turin, Italy)
  • A marine buoy installation in Limassol (Cyprus), using a modular version adapted to site constraints

In both cases, the device demonstrated reliable performance and proved effective in supporting real-time monitoring and rapid decision-making.

Target Users and Applications

  • Environmental monitoring agencies
  • Water utilities and wastewater treatment operators
  • Safety regulators and inspection bodies
  • Research institutions
  • Emergency response teams during contamination events

The HM Box is particularly suitable as a screening tool for field inspections and rapid assessment during pollution incidents.

Contacts

For technical information, demonstrations, or collaboration opportunities, please contact:

  • Organization: University of Florence (UNIFI)
  • Department / Lab: [to be added]
  • Email: [to be added]
  • Website: [to be added]