Real-Sample Analysis of PMT Compounds Using Electrochemical Sensor Technology

Persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) substances represent a serious threat to water systems due to their environmental persistence, high mobility, and adverse effects on both ecosystems and human health. Common examples of such compounds include bisphenols, benzisothiazolinone (BIT), and benzotriazole (BZT), which are frequently found in household and industrial products, therefore they can be easily found in environmental and also in the human body. Detection and monitoring of these chemicals are crucial for evaluating their environmental impact and informing mitigation measures. While conventional analytical techniques like chromatography provide reliable results, they are not suited for rapid field analysis. In contrast, electrochemical sensors offer a cost-effective, sensitive, and portable solution for on-site detection. This work presents the use of carbon-based screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) for the electrochemical detection of bisphenol S (BPS) in parking tickets and BIT in river water, while modified SPEs with composite material carbon-polymer layers for BZT detection. The results showed the effectiveness of the obtained electrochemical sensors for real-time detection of PMT compounds.