Development of a multi-component chemically reactive detection conjugate for the determination of Hg(II) in water samples

Abstract Mercury ions (Hg(II)) are considered highly toxic and hazardous element even at low levels. The contamination of Hg(II) is a global problem. To develop selective and sensitive technique for the detection of Hg(II) has attracted considerable attention. In this study, a multi-component chemically reactive detection conjugate for determination of Hg(II) has been synthesized and a competitive format assay was proposed. In the technique, the chemically reactive capture conjugate was coated on the plate. The reactive detection conjugate was then captured by the capture conjugate. TMB solution was added and catalyzed by HRP molecules immobilized on AuNPs. Finally, the developed enzymatic signal was measured at 450 nm. The linear range of the assay was 0.35–350 ppb with a detection limit of 0.1 ppb. The average recoveries of Hg(II) from mineral water, tap water and lake water were 100.03%, 103.13% and 102.03%, respectively. All coefficients of variation (CVs) were less than 10%. The results are closely correlated with those from inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), which indicated that the developed technique is a reliable method for and sensitive detection of Hg(II) in water samples.