Sonoelectroanalytical determination of heavy metals in fish gill mucous

Journal article

Fish gill mucous is used as a nondestructive biomarker for the detection of heavy metals by sono-square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry (sono-SWASV). The mucous sample was obtained by gently rinsing the rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) with a solution of borate buffer at pH 7. A glassy carbon electrode plated in situ with mercury was used in a face on arrangement with the ultrasonic horn to first demonstrate that voltammetric measurements can accurately be made in borate buffer. The optimum deposition potential and ultrasound power for copper from a dilute mucous solution was then determined and used to give a quantitative assessment of copper content using the microaddition technique. The results had a % RSD of less than 2% and compared favorably with an independent blind analysis. The potential of the technique for detection of other heavy metals for example lead, was also demonstrated. We conclude that sono-SWASV of gill mucous may present a novel alternative to the destructive conventional techniques due to its accuracy, rapidity and facile methodology.

Authors: Hardcastle, J; Compton, R

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: ELECTROANALYSIS
• Volume: 13
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 89-93
• Publication date: 2001-02-01
• DOI: 10.1002/1521-4109(200102)13:2<89::AID-ELAN89>3.0.CO;2-Z
• ISSN: 1040-0397
• Language: English
• Keywords: glassy carbon electrode; lead; Salmo gairdneri; sonoelectroanalysis; gills; copper; fish; anodic stripping voltammetry; ultrasound; borate buffer; mucous