Next-generation photonic-crystal-fiber-based plasmonic sensor for heavy metal detection via spectroscopy and refractive index integration

Heavy metals (HM) contamination in water poses a serious threat to agricultural sustainability, environmental safety, human and animal health. HM contaminants like lead, cadmium, copper, and mercury can accumulate in crops, soil, and water systems, entering the food chain and impacting ecological balance. These HM containments are one of the main causes of life threating diseases. This research addresses the need for a high-precision, photonic crystal fiber (PCF) based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor integrated with spectroscopy analysis, which is capable of detecting HM traces in water.