Detection of Trace Fluoranthene in Marine Environments Using a PANI/Nano-Fe3O4-Based Immunosensor

In this study, an electrochemical immunosensor based on polyaniline/nano-Fe3O4 (PANI/Nano-Fe3O4) nanocomposite (PANI/Nano-Fe3O4/Anti-FLA/BSA/GCE) was developed for the highly sensitive and selective detection of trace levels of fluoranthene (FLA) in marine environments. Fluoranthene antibodies (Anti-FLA) were covalently immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with PANI/Nano-Fe3O4 via an EDC/NHS activation strategy, enabling specific recognition of FLA based on the antigen–antibody binding mechanism. The performance of the sensor was systematically optimized using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The results demonstrated a linear inverse relationship between peak current (Ip) and FLA concentration in the range of 0.5~80 ng/mL, with a regression equation of I = −1.55C + 174.602 (R2 = 0.996). The limit of detection (LOD) was as low as 0.354 ng/mL (S/N = 3). In real seawater sample analysis, spiked recovery tests at three representative sites in the Maowei Sea, Guangxi, yielded recoveries of 95.44%~97.51%, with RSDs below 3%, confirming the sensor’s resistance to matrix interference. The synergistic effect of the porous conductive network of PANI and the high specific surface area of Nano-Fe3O4 significantly amplified the electrochemical signal, while the molecular specificity of the antibody ensured targeted recognition. This sensor provides a novel and effective approach for the on-site rapid detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollutants in complex marine environments, offering both high sensitivity and selectivity.