Polarographic and Voltammetric Determination of Carcinogenic Nitro and Amino Derivatives of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Abstract

Nitro and amino derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAH and APAH) are well‐known chemical carcinogens which should be carefully monitored in our environment. So far, mostly HPLC methods are used for these purposes, while polarographic and voltammetric methods are used less frequently. This article deals with the use of modern polarographic and voltammetric techniques (namely differential pulse polarography, differential pulse voltammetry, adsorptive stripping voltammetry and HPLC with electrochemical detection) for the determination of selected carcinogenic nitro and amino derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Optimum conditions are described for the determination of nanomolar or subnanomolar concentrations of nitro derivatives using mercury electrodes and for the determination of submicromolar concentrations of amino derivatives using solid or carbon paste electrodes or HPLC with electrochemical detection. The selectivity of all these methods can be improved by preliminary separation using liquid–liquid or solid phase extraction.

Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry of Environmental Carcinogens

“…From 2001 several reviews appeared covering the monitoring of environmental carcinogens with the use of CPE (together with other types of electrodes) [31][32][33][34]. There are many types of unmodified carbon pastes differing by the pasting liquids and the carbon powder used [5,30].…”

Electroanalysis of Nitro and Amino Derivatives of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

“…and potassium chloride (aq.) -acetonitrile [152,210] GCE Phosphate buffer (aq.) -methanol [211] CFE Imidazole (aq.)…”

“…[209] BDDFE CV, DPV BR buffer (aq.) [199] PtE [152,210] CFE Imidazole (aq.) and potassium chloride (aq.)…”

Voltammetric Determination of Carcinogenic Nitrobiphenyls at a Hanging Mercury Drop Electrode

“…User friendliness of modern computer driven HMDEs makes them very useful sensors for voltammetric trace analysis [7]. In spite of this, systematic investigation of possible applications of modern voltammetric methods for the determination of traces of chemical carcinogens started relatively recently [8]. NPAH are very promising candidates for a successful adsorptive stripping voltammetric determination at HMDE because of their easy electrochemical reducibility [9] and extensive aromatic system enabling their strong adsorption at a HMDE surface.…”