title: Electrochemical determination of inorganic mercury and arsenic--A review.
abstract: Inorganic mercury and arsenic encompasses a term which includes As(III), As(V) and Hg(II) species. These metal ions have been extensively studied due to their toxicity related issues. Different analytical methods are used to monitor inorganic mercury and arsenic in a variety of samples at trace level. The present study reviews various analytical techniques available for detection of inorganic mercury and arsenic with particular emphasis on electrochemical methods especially stripping voltammetry. A detailed critical evaluation of methods, advantages of electrochemical methods over other analytical methods, and various electrode materials available for mercury and arsenic analysis is presented in this review study. Modified carbon paste electrode provides better determination due to better deposition with linear and improved response under studied set of conditions. Biological materials may be the potent and economical alternative as compared to macro-electrodes and chemically modified carbon paste electrodes in stripping analysis of inorganic mercury and arsenic.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Chemistry, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zaib
authors.affiliation: Institute of Chemistry, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan. Electronic address: atharmakshoof@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Muhammad Makshoof
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Athar
authors.affiliation: Food and Biotechnology Research Centre, PCSIR Laboratories Complex, Ferozepur Road, Lahore 54600, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Asma
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saeed
authors.affiliation: Institute of Chemistry, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Umar
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Farooq
mesh_terms: D001151:Arsenic / Q000032:analysis*; D003217:Conductometry / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004566:Electrodes; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D007287:Inorganic Chemicals / Q000032:analysis; D008628:Mercury / Q000032:analysis*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D007287:Inorganic Chemicals; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D008628:Mercury; D001151:Arsenic
keywords: As(III); Electrochemical methods; Hg(II); Macro-electrodes; Microbially modified carbon paste electrode; Voltammetry