Electrochemical measurement of mercury concentration profiles in the pore-waters of sediments of the Venice Lagoon by ion-exchange voltammetry at polymer modified electrodes

Ann Chim. 2002 Mar;92(3):301-11.

Abstract

Glassy carbon electrodes modified with coatings of poly-[1-methyl-3-(pyrrol-1-ylmethyl)pyridinium], poly-MPP, were employed for preconcentrating and detecting the anionic complex HgCl4(2-), which is the prevailing inorganic Hg(II) species in salt waters such as the pore-waters of sediments here examined. The application of ion-exchange voltammetry at poly-MPP coated electrodes in combination with an in situ pore-water sampler allowed the measurement of concentration vs. depth profiles for mercury dissolved in the pore-waters of a salt-marsh and of a mud-flat located in a polluted area of the Venice Lagoon. The trends of the mercury profiles are discussed in comparison with the trends measured from the same location for other trace metals (Zn, Cd, Cu and Pb) and reduced species such as S(-II) and Fe(II).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electrochemistry / instrumentation*
  • Electrodes
  • Geologic Sediments / chemistry*
  • Italy
  • Mercury / analysis*
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Seawater / chemistry*
  • Water Pollution, Chemical / analysis*

Substances

  • Polymers
  • Mercury