Gold nanoparticle-based nanosystems for the colorimetric detection of Hg2+ ion contamination in the environment

Abstract

This review highlights the impact of heavy-metal contamination on the human population and the need for its detection. Minute amounts of mercury ions present in a soluble form in water enter the life cycle of man and produce an impact to an extent that can even affect the foetus inside the womb. Therefore, detection of heavy-metal contamination in water sources is essential. This review proposes the development of simple gold nanoparticle-based sensors for the visual detection of mercury. Gold nanoparticles that have been modified using various functional units are employed in the detection of Hg²⁺ contamination. Simple, colorimetric methods have been employed in the detection and the major advantage of these sensors is that they are not only simple but also very effective. As the presence/absence of Hg²⁺ contamination can be detected using the naked eye, these sensors are furthermore user-friendly and, above all, very cheap when compared to other methods that employ the use of highly sophisticated and costly instruments.