Development of fast methodology for analysis and speciation of mercury and arsenic in foodstuff

Abstract

Arsenic and mercury are toxic elements that can be present in foodstuff, but toxicity has been found to depend on the element species. Therefore, in addition to the total arsenic and mercury contents, the concentration of certain species such as inorganic arsenic (As(III) and As(V)) and methylmercury (speciation studies) are required. This Thesis summarises several analytical methodologies for the fast screening and speciation of inorganic arsenic and mercury (inorganic mercury and methylmercury) by using luminescent nanoparticles and molecularly/ionic imprinted polymer to enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of the analysis.