Scientists from the Ivanovo State University of Chemistry and Technology have presented a new, economical fluorescent probe for determining mercury in water. The created development will become a tool for more effective environmental control of industrial effluents and ensuring the quality of drinking water.
To detect traces of mercury in water, scientists have created a chemical probe consisting of acetone and fluorescein. This probe reacts with mercury ions, forming a compound that fluoresces in the blue-green range when irradiated with ultraviolet light. Thus, the presence of even a small amount of mercury can be determined by a bright glow. It takes only 20 minutes to test water using the new development.
Mercury is widely used in the chemical industry as a catalyst and in agriculture for seed treatment. It is also used in the production of thermometers and fluorescent lamps. However, when mercury enters water bodies with industrial effluents, it poses a serious threat to the environment and human health due to its high toxicity.
Read materials on the topic:
Innovative installation for diamond mining created by Russian scientists
Russian scientists have created "liquid enamel" against caries
Calls via Telegram and WhatsApp are proposed to be banned in Russia
