A suitable polymer-based sensor for detecting heavy metal ions in aqueous solutions is the conductive polymer-based sensor, specifically, sensors made from polypyrrole PPy or poly 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene PEDOT incorporated with specific recognition elements.These conductive polymers are often combined with recognition elements such as chelating agents, ionophores, or biomolecules e.g., DNA, peptides, enzymes to selectively bind and detect heavy metal ions. The recognition elements can be incorporated into the polymer matrix during the polymerization process or immobilized on the surface of the conductive polymer.The sensitivity of these polymer-based sensors can be compared to existing detection methods such as atomic absorption spectroscopy AAS , inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry ICP-MS , and anodic stripping voltammetry ASV in terms of their limit of detection LOD and linear detection range.Polymer-based sensors generally have LODs in the nanomolar to micromolar range, which is comparable to or even lower than the LODs of AAS and ICP-MS, which are typically in the low micromolar range. However, ASV can achieve LODs in the picomolar range, making it more sensitive than polymer-based sensors. The linear detection range of polymer-based sensors is also comparable to these traditional methods, spanning several orders of magnitude.In summary, conductive polymer-based sensors, such as PPy and PEDOT incorporated with specific recognition elements, are suitable for detecting heavy metal ions in aqueous solutions. Their sensitivity is generally comparable to existing detection methods like AAS and ICP-MS, but may be lower than the sensitivity of ASV. However, polymer-based sensors offer advantages such as ease of fabrication, low cost, and potential for miniaturization and integration into portable devices, making them attractive alternatives for heavy metal ion detection.