IDA microelectrode - A suitable sensor for ultra-trace analysis of mercuryin water

Application of interdigitated array IDA microelectrode in trace analysis of Hg in tap and environmental water was investigated. The method was tested together with two other electroanalytical techniques applying different wor king electrodes ("convention size" rotating disc electrode and single fibre microelectrode). The testing was done using synthetic samples spiked with known amounts of Hg(II) in inorganic Hg(ClO4)(2) and organic Hg(C2H5)(2) fo rms in the range of its legal limiting value by the state regulations for t ap and environmental water. All three tested methods proved to be suitable for Hg ultra-trace analysis on the concentration level required by the stat e regulations. Nevertheless, the method applying gold IDA microelectrode pr ovided the most reliable results.