Poly(4-vinyl pyridine) radiografted PVDF track etched membranes as sensors for monitoring trace mercury in water

Using Square Wave Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (SW-ASV), mercury concentrations of 1 µg/L are detected in 2 h and low ng/L concentrations are detected after 24 h of adsorption. The adsorption is passive so sensors do not require instrumentation and the analysis takes only 3-4 min. Also, the P4VP functionalized sensor appears insensitive to pH variations (pHs 3-9), high salt concentrations (up to 1 g/L) and the presence of other heavy metals in the same solution.