Mercury electrode as a tool/sensor for pollutants monitoring in natural waters; advantages and disadvantages regarding moving to “green” electrochemistry

Abstract

Electrochemical measurements are the most used and challenging approaches in trace elements analysis and speciation in complex natural samples. There is a wide research community that used electrochemical methods for studying critical environmental and biogeochemical processes, both natural and anthropogenically perturbed, that influence ecosystem services and human health. In recent years more attention is focused on development of environmentally friendly and sustainable chemical processes and tools which have aim to reduce negative footprint on the environment. Development in the electrochemistry is heading in this "green" direction, since EU regulations confined use of mercury, which has been established as the preferred tool/ sensor in electrochemical measurements. Therefore, development of new and more environmentally safely electrode materials is imperative. In this mini-review we discuss advantages of the mercury electrode use in measurements of organic material with surface active properties and sulfur compounds in natural waters.