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Updated: Sep 19, 2025

Two-Dimensional Visualization and Quantification of Labile, Inorganic Plant Nutrients and Contaminants in Soil
Published on: September 1, 2020
Electrochemical detection of Hg(II) in complexed soil samples using an innovative pretreatment approach based on
Shaowen Chen1, Dongfei Chen2, Yujie Shi1
1College of Artificial Intelligence, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210031, PR China.
Abstract:
Accurate detection of Hg(II) in soil is critical due to their severe environmental and heath risks. However, interference from soil organic matter, particularly humic acid (HA), complicates electrochemical detection by forming stable complexes with Hg(II), suppressing signal in square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). This study introduces a novel pretreatment method using oxygen vacancy-rich ZnCo2O4 nanocages (OVs-ZnCo2O4 HNCs) to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and generate sulfate radicals (·SO4-). These radicals disrupt HA-Hg(II) complexes, restoring Hg(II) to its free, electroactive state for accurate detection. Optimized parameters, including ZnCo2O4 loading (9 mg), PMS concentration (6 mg/L), and activation pH (3), enabled maximum signal recovery within 1.5 min. Comprehensive characterization confirmed the efficient catalytic activity of OVs-ZnCo2O4 HNCs. The method demonstrated high sensitivity (LOD = 0.27 μg/L) and robustness in real soil samples, highlighting its potential for environmental monitoring and heavy metal analysis.
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