In Situ Voltammetric Sensor of Potentially Bioavailable Inorganic Mercury in Marine Aquatic Systems Based on Gel-Integrated Nanostructured Gold-Based Microelectrode Arrays

Evaluation of a gold-nanoparticle-modified carbon-fiber microelectrode to quantify mercury in canned tuna sold in Ecuador

Seafood consumption is the primary exposure route for trace metals like mercury. Accordingly, canned tuna meat has been focused on by researchers because of the potential bioaccumulation of high amounts of mercury. This study aimed to test a novel and reliable electroanalytical method employing a working electrode consisting of gold-nanoparticle-modified carbon microfibers to quantify total mercury in canned tuna samples. Determination was achieved via differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. The proposed method had a limit of detection of 3.9781 ± 0.0001 μg L-1 and a limit of quantification of 33.6634 ± 0.0001 μg L-1, with a sensitivity of 0.3275 nA μg L-1. The modified electrode was evaluated in samples taken from three canned tuna brands sold in the Sangolquí parish in Rumiñahui, Ecuador. These brands, coded A, B, and C, represent 47.92%, 27.08%, and 11.98% of all canned tuna sold in the Ecuadorian market, respectively. The resulting respective total mercury concentrations were 0.5999 ± 0.0001 mg kg-1; 0.9387 ± 0.0001 mg kg-1; and 0.3442 ± 0.0001 mg kg-1 for A, B, and C. Method accuracy was determined through the recovery percentages of ≥98%, which indicated acceptable accuracy for the final optimized method. Mean mercury concentrations for all samples did not represent a carcinogenic risk for consumers. However, the values obtained for potential no-carcinogenic risk and daily consumption rate suggest that consumers of tuna canned in water, particularly brand C, may be at risk.

Bio-mimetic selectivity in Hg2+ sensing developed via electro-copolymerized PEDOT and benzothiazole-Au nanoparticles composite

To eliminate the potential health risks of mercury, development of stable and selective mercury sensor with high sensitivity is the need of the hour. To address this, a novel PEDOT-AA-BTZ-Au-based Hg2+ selective, hybrid electrochemical sensor has been designed by following a simple protocol for electrode fabrication. The electrode was designed by carefully optimizing the onset oxidation potential of supramolecule 2-(anthracen-9-yl)benzo[d]thiazole (AA-BTZ) and conducting polymer poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), using copolymerization approach followed by dropcasting of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The designed electrode offered synergistic effects thus augmenting the electrical conductivity and adsorption capacity as depicted by its porous surface morphology. The highly sensitive analytical signal was generated by sulphur pockets present in AA-BTZ and PEDOT conducting framework. This is further complemented by the selectivity offered by the soft interactions between AuNPs and Hg2+ resulting in a low detection limit of 0.60 nM. The prepared system was further utilized for sensing Hg2+ ion in real systems including lake water and cosmetic samples. Low interference from other ions and better reproducibility further established the suitability of the designed transducer system for future on-site sensing.

Quantum Dot-Based Fluorometric Sensor for Hg(II) in Water Customizable for Onsite Visual Detection

An easy naked-eye detection technique for mercuric ions in water using silanized quantum dots is demonstrated. Cadmium selenide quantum dots were synthesized and rendered water soluble by silica overcoating. The quantum dot emission was instantly turned off by the mercuric ions in the analyte, enabling visual detection. The emission quenching was associated with a concomitant bathochromic shift, both in the absorption and emission profiles. The underlying mechanism is a permanent surface modification of quantum dots by mercuric ions, altering the electronic structure and, in turn, the photophysical properties. The results confirmed the potential of this simple system to be customized for on-site visual detection of mercury contamination in water bodies, biological fluids, and soil with high selectivity and sensitivity.

On-field high-resolution quantification of the cobalt fraction available for bio-uptake in natural waters using antifouling gel-integrated microelectrode arrays

We report the optimization, characterization, and validation of Adsorptive Square Wave Cathodic Stripping Voltammetry on antifouling gel-integrated microelectrode arrays for autonomous, direct monitoring of cobalt(II) metal species. Detection is accomplished by complexation with an added nioxime ligand. The limit of detection established for a 90 s accumulation time was 0.29 ± 0.01 nM in freshwater and 0.27 ± 0.06 nM in seawater. The microelectrode array was integrated in a submersible probe to automatically dose the complexing agent nioxime and realize an integrated sensing system. For the first time ever, the potentially bioavailable Co(II) fraction was determined in La Leyre River-Arcachon Bay continuum, enabling to evaluate the potential ecotoxicological impact of freshwater-carried Co(II) in the Arcachon Bay. The measured potentially bioavailable Co(II) concentrations were hazardous for aquatic biota along the continuum. The electrochemical Co(II) data were compared to ICP-MS data in various fractions to determine spatial Co(II) speciation.

Electroanalytical Trace Metal Cations Quantification and Speciation in Freshwaters: Historical Overview, Critical Review of the Last Five Years and Road Map for Developing Dynamic Speciation Field Measurements

An historical overview covering the field of electroanalytical metal cations speciation in freshwaters is presented here, detailing both the notable experimental and theoretical developments. Then, a critical review of the progress in the last five years is given, underlining in particular the improvements in electrochemical setups and methodologies dedicated to field surveys. Given these recent achievements, a road map to carry out on-site dynamic metal speciation measurements is then proposed, and the key future developments are discussed. This review shows that electroanalytical stripping techniques provide a unique framework for quantitatively assessing metals at trace levels while offering access to both thermodynamic and dynamic features of metal complexation with natural colloidal and particulate ligands.

In Situ Continuous Measurement of Salinity in Estuarine and Coastal Sediments by All-Solid Potentiometric Sensors

Salinity is crucial for understanding the environmental and ecological processes in estuarine and coastal sediments. In situ measurements in sediments are scarce due to the low water content and particulate adsorption. Here, a new potentiometric sensor principle is proposed for the real-time in situ measurement of salinity in sediments. The sensor system is based on paper sampling and two all-solid electrodes, a cation-selective electrode (copper hexacyanoferrate, CuHCF) and an anion-selective electrode (Ag/AgCl). The spontaneous aqueous electrolyte extraction and redox reaction can produce a Nernstian response on both electrodes that is directly related to salinity. This potentiometric sensor allows for salinity acquisition in a wide salinity range (1-50 ppt), with high resolution (<1 ppt), and at a low water content (<30%), and it has been applied for the in situ measurement of salinity and the interpretation of cycling processes of metals in estuarine and coastal sediments. Moreover, the sensor coupled to a wireless monitoring system exhibited remote-sensing capability and successfully captured the salinity dynamic processes of the overlying water and pore water during the tidal period. This sensor with its low cost, versatility, and applicability represents a valuable tool to advance the comprehension of salinity and the salinity-driven dissolved-matter variations in estuarine and coastal sediments.

An antifouling gel-protected iridium needle sensor: Long-term, on-site monitoring of copper in seawater

Copper (Cu), a natural micronutrient with ecotoxicological significance, is involved in the carbon and nitrogen cycles occurring in marine ecosystems. Here, we developed a novel, antifouling gel-protected iridium (Ir) needle electrode modified with gold nanoparticles (G-IrNS) for long-term continuous and steady Cu monitoring. The gel formed an efficient membrane that effectively prevented the fouling of the sensing surface and displayed anti-convective properties, ensuring that mass transport toward the sensor surface was wholly controlled via diffusion. The repeatability, reproducibility, and stability of G-IrNS showed that it was suitable for long-term and on-site monitoring of Cu in seawater. Cu concentrations were successfully measured via fixed-point continuous monitoring for >2 weeks and onboard continuous monitoring in Bohai Sea using one sensor. Moreover, the relationship between Cu concentrations measured on-site via G-IrNS and its dissolved concentration in Bohai Sea was evaluated. G-IrNS can be applied to other metal ions as well, especially for long-term automatic on-site monitoring, thereby providing a basis for further research.

On-Chip Antifouling Gel-Integrated Microelectrode Arrays for In Situ High-Resolution Quantification of the Nickel Fraction Available for Bio-Uptake in Natural Waters

We aimed to monitor in situ nickel (Ni(II)) concentrations in aquatic systems in the nanomolar range. To achieve this, we investigated whether an analytical protocol for the direct quantification of cobalt (Co(II)) using adsorptive cathodic sweep voltammetry (Ad-CSV) on antifouling gel-integrated microelectrode arrays (GIME) we recently developed is also suitable for direct Ni(II) quantification. The proposed protocol consists of the reduction of the complex formed between Ni(II) (or Ni(II) and Co(II)) and nioxime adsorbed on the surface of the GIME-sensing element. The GIME enables to (i) avoid fouling, (ii) control the metal complex mass transport and, when interrogated by Ad-CSV, (iii) selectively determine the dynamic (kinetically labile Ni-nioxime) fraction that is potentially bioavailable. The nioxime concentration and pH were optimized. A temperature correction factor was determined. The limit of detection established for 90 s of accumulation time was 0.43 ± 0.06 in freshwater and 0.34 ± 0.02 nM in seawater. The sensor was integrated in a submersible probe in which the nioxime-containing buffer and the sample were mixed automatically. In situ field measurements at high resolution were successfully achieved in Lake Geneva during a diurnal cycle. The determination of the kinetically labile Ni-nioxime fraction allows one to estimate the potential ecotoxicological impact of Ni(II) in Lake Geneva. Additional Ni fractions were measured by ICP-MS and coupled to the in situ Ad-CSV data to determine the temporal Ni(II) speciation.

Electrochemical and Photoelectrochemical Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide Using Cu2O/Cu Nanowires Decorated with TiO2-x Deriving from MXenes

H₂O₂ is a major transmitter of redox signals in electrochemical processes, whose detection is relevant for various industries. Herein, we developed a new fabrication method for a Cu₂O/Cu nanowire-based nonenzymatic H₂O₂ electrochemical sensor that was decorated with irregular TiO_2-x nanoparticles deriving form Ti₃C₂ MXene. The TiO_2-x/Cu₂O/Cu-NW electrodes possess excellent selectivity, stability, and reproducibility for H₂O₂ detection in both EC and PEC operational modes. In the EC detection of H₂O₂, the TiO_2-x/Cu₂O/Cu-NW electrode shows a linear relationship in the range from 10 μM to 42.19 mM and a low detection limit of 0.79 μM (S/N = 3), which has a similar sensitivity but a much broader linear range compared with the commercial H₂O₂ analyzer (0-5.88 mM, Q45H/84, US-QContums). It also shows excellent recovery in detecting H₂O₂ in the real orange juice and milk samples with the recovery ranging from 96.9 to 105%, indicating the potential for practical applications. In the PEC detection of H₂O₂, the TiO_2-x/Cu₂O/Cu-NW electrode shows a lower detection limit of 59 nM (S/N = 3), which is 13 times more sensitive than the EC electrode. The enhanced PEC performance can be attributed to the formation of p-n heterojunction between TiO_2-x and Cu₂O, which improves light utilization and inhibits the recombination of photo-induced electrons and holes. This work illuminates the extraordinary potential of MXene-derived TiO₂ in electrochemical and photoelectrochemical applications.

Hosseini I, Lu Y, Yedire SG, Mahshid SS, Tabatabaiefar MA, Liang C, Mahshid S. A Versatile Biomimic Nanotemplating Fluidic Assay for Multiplex Quantitative Monitoring of Viral Respiratory Infections and Immune Responses in Saliva and Blood

The last pandemic exposed critical gaps in monitoring and mitigating the spread of viral respiratory infections at the point-of-need. A cost-effective multiplexed fluidic device (NFluidEX), as a home-test kit analogous to a glucometer, that uses saliva and blood for parallel quantitative detection of viral infection and body's immune response in an automated manner within 11 min is proposed. The technology integrates a versatile biomimetic receptor based on molecularly imprinted polymers in a core-shell structure with nano gold electrodes, a multiplexed fluidic-impedimetric readout, built-in saliva collection/preparation, and smartphone-enabled data acquisition and interpretation. NFluidEX is validated with Influenza A H1N1 and SARS-CoV-2 (original strain and variants of concern), and achieves low detection limit in saliva and blood for the viral proteins and the anti-receptor binding domain (RBD) Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM), respectively. It is demonstrated that nanoprotrusions of gold electrodes are essential for the fine templating of antibodies and spike proteins during molecular imprinting, and differentiation of IgG and IgM in whole blood. In the clinical setting, NFluidEX achieves 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity by testing 44 COVID-positive and 25 COVID-negative saliva and blood samples on par with the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (p < 0.001, 95% confidence) and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation Methods for Quantitative Determination and Size Characterization of Thiols and for Mercury Size Speciation Analysis in Organic Matter-Rich Natural Waters

Asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) efficiently separates various macromolecules and nano-components of natural waters according to their hydrodynamic sizes. The online coupling of AF4 with fluorescence (Fluo) and UV absorbance (UV) detectors (FluoD and UVD, respectively) and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) provides multidimensional information. This makes it a powerful tool to characterize and quantify the size distributions of organic and inorganic nano-sized components and their interaction with trace metals. In this study, we developed a method combining thiol labeling by monobromo(trimethylammonio)bimane bromide (qBBr) with AF4–FluoD to determine the size distribution and the quantities of thiols in the macromolecular dissolved organic matter (DOM) present in highly colored DOM-rich water sampled from Shuya River and Lake Onego, Russia. We found that the qBBr-labeled components of DOM (qB-DOM) were of humic type, characterized by a low hydrodynamic size (dh &lt; 2 nm), and have concentrations &lt;0.3 μM. After enrichment with mercury, the complexes formed between the nano-sized components and Hg were analyzed using AF4–ICP-MS. The elution profile of Hg followed the distribution of the UV-absorbing components of DOM, characterized by slightly higher sizes than qB-DOM. Only a small proportion of Hg was associated with the larger-sized components containing Fe and Mn, probably inorganic oxides that were identified in most of the samples from river to lake. The size distribution of the Hg–DOM complexes was enlarged when the concentration of added Hg increased (from 10 to 100 nM). This was explained by the presence of small iron oxides, overlapping the size distribution of Hg–DOM, on which Hg bound to a small proportion. In addition, to provide information on the dispersion of macromolecular thiols in colored DOM-rich natural water, our study also illustrated the potential of AF4–FluoD–UVD–ICP-MS to trace or quantify dynamic changes while Hg binds to the natural nano-colloidal components of surface water.

Development of a Heavy Metal Sensing Boat for Automatic Analysis in Natural Waters Utilizing Anodic Stripping Voltammetry

Determination of the levels of heavy metal ions would support assessment of sources and pathways of water pollution. However, traditional spatial assessment by manual sampling and off-site detection in the laboratory is expensive and time-consuming and requires trained personnel. Aiming to fill the gap between on-site automatic approaches and laboratory techniques, we developed an autonomous sensing boat for on-site heavy metal detection using square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry. A fluidic sensing system was developed to integrate into the boat as the critical sensing component and could detect ≤1 μg/L Pb, ≤6 μg/L Cu, and ≤71 μg/L Cd simultaneously in the laboratory. Once its integration was completed, the autonomous sensing boat was tested in the field, demonstrating its ability to distinguish the highest concentration of Pb in an effluent of a galena-enriched mine compared to those at other sites in the stream (Osor Stream, Girona, Spain).

Advanced multichannel submersible probe for autonomous high-resolution in situ monitoring of the cycling of the potentially bioavailable fraction of a range of trace metals

We report here on the development and application of a submersible, compact, low power consumption, integrated multichannel trace metal sensing probe (TracMetal). This probe is unique in that it allows high-resolution, simultaneous in-situ measurements of the potentially bioavailable (so-called dynamic) fraction of Hg(II), As(III), Cd(II), Pb(II), Cu(II), Zn(II). The TracMetal incorporates nanostructured Au-plated and Hg-plated gel-integrated microelectrode arrays. In addition to be selective to the fraction of metal potentially bioavailable, they offer protection against fouling and ill-controlled convective interferences. Sensitivities in the low pM for Hg(II) and sub-nM for the other target trace metals is achieved with precision ≤ 12%. The TracMetal is capable of autonomous operation during deployment, with routines for repetitive measurements (1-2 h^-1), data storage and management, data computer visualization, and wireless data transfer. The system was successfully applied in the Arcachon Bay, to study the temporal variation of the dynamic fraction of the trace metals targeted. The in situ autonomous TracMetal measurements were combined with in situ measurements of the master bio-physicochemical parameters and sample collection for complementary measurements of the dissolved metal concentrations, organic matter concentrations and proxy for biological activities. The integration of all data revealed that various biotic and abiotic processes control the temporal variation of the dynamic fractions of the target metals (Me_dyn). The difference in the percentage of the dynamic forms of the metals studied and the short-term processes influencing their variation highlight the TracMetal potentiality as metal bioavailability-assessment sentinel to achieve comprehensive environmental monitoring of dynamic aquatic systems.

Reagentless Acid-Base Titration for Alkalinity Detection in Seawater

Herein, we report on a reagentless electroanalytical methodology for automatized acid–base titrations of water samples that are confined into very thin spatial domains. The concept is based on the recent discovery from our group (WiorekA.Anal. Chem.2019, 91, 14951−1495931691565), in which polyaniline (PANI) films were found to be an excellent material to release a massive charge of protons in a short time, achieving hence the efficient (and controlled) acidification of a sample. We now demonstrate and validate the analytical usefulness of this approach with samples collected from the Baltic Sea: the titration protocol indeed acts as an alkalinity sensor via the calculation of the proton charge needed to reach pH 4.0 in the sample, as per the formal definition of the alkalinity parameter. In essence, the alkalinity sensor is based on the linear relationship found between the released charge from the PANI film and the bicarbonate concentration in the sample (i.e., the way to express alkalinity measurements). The observed alkalinity in the samples presented a good agreement with the values obtained by manual (classical) acid–base titrations (discrepancies <10%). Some crucial advantages of the new methodology are that titrations are completed in less than 1 min (end point), the PANI film can be reused at least 74 times over a 2 week period (<5% of decrease in the released charge), and the utility of the PANI film to even more decrease the final pH of the sample (pH ∼2) toward applications different from alkalinity detection. Furthermore, the acidification can be accomplished in a discrete or continuous mode depending on the application demands. The new methodology is expected to impact the future digitalization of in situ acid–base titrations to obtain high-resolution data on alkalinity in water resources.