An anodic stripping voltammetric approach for total mercury determination in sea sponges from the Niger Delta region of Nigeria

Sunday, Nkopuyo; Honeychurch, Kevin; Newton, Lyn; Chidugu-Ogborigbo, Rachael

Abstract

Mercury pollution from ongoing crude oil refining and waste disposal activities threatens aquatic ecosystems and human health in the Niger Delta. Mercury monitoring exercise in this region is challenging due to the high cost of traditional instruments and the complexity of marine samples. This research presents a novel analytical method using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) with a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to determine mercury levels in sea sponges from the Niger Delta. Using a 2.36M HCl+2.4M NaCl supporting electrolyte, -0.6V deposition potential, and 300s deposition time, average mercury levels were found to be 0.98mgkg , 0.63mgkg and 0.42mgkg for Ibiotirem, Kaa and Samanga, respectively. The result showed that the Niger Delta is polluted, and remediation efforts are necessary. Furthermore, the DPASV method could be used for routine mercury monitoring as it is cost-effective, user-friendly, and highly sensitive.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 14, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Sep 19, 2024
• Publication Date: Nov 1, 2024
• Deposit Date: Sep 16, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 23, 2024
• Print ISSN: 0025-326X
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 208
• Article Number: 117008
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117008
• Keywords: Environmental monitoring, Niger Delta, Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV), Mercury pollution, Sea sponge
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/12891359