Abstract
There is an increasing demand for analytical techniques which are able to measure “technology-critical elements”, a set of elements increasingly used in technological applications (e.g. Pt-group elements, Nb, Ta, Te, In, Ga, Ge, Tl). For most of these their environmental and toxicological effects are unknown. Recent advances in voltammetric methods for determining these elements in environmental media are reviewed, mainly covering results published in the last decade. Methods ready to be applied, along with others which are promising, though in need of further development, have been critically evaluated and clearly identified. This review is a contribution from the COST Action TD1407: Network on technology-critical elements—from environmental processes to human health threats.
Highlights
The environmental implications and adverse effects on living organisms due to metal contamination are well documented [1] and have led to the development of a range of environmental guidelines, policies and laws (e.g. EU Water Framework Directive; WHO Drinking Water Guidelines) for several of these elements (e.g. As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb)
Sensitive and selective analytical techniques are needed if we are to assess the extent to which these new and expanding technologies may influence the environmental impact of these technology-critical elements’ (TCE), which are present at ambient ultra-trace concentrations
Rather than presenting a full list of published methods, we have focused largely on those with a successful track record in analysing real environmental samples
Summary
The environmental implications and adverse effects on living organisms due to metal contamination are well documented [1] and have led to the development of a range of environmental guidelines, policies and laws (e.g. EU Water Framework Directive; WHO Drinking Water Guidelines) for several of these elements (e.g. As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb). There is a range of trace elements (e.g. Pt-group elements, Nb, Ta, Te, In, Ga, Ge, Tl) for which there is still a gap in our knowledge and understanding of their environmental levels and cycling as well as of their potential (eco)toxicological impact [2] This is mainly explained by two factors: (i) their typical ultra-trace concentrations, making it extremely difficult and/or time-consuming to determine them analytically, and (ii) no significant previous industrial role, no apparent environmental implications. This situation is changing rapidly and substantially, since most of these trace elements are key components in the development of new technologies, including information and telecommunications technology, semiconductors, electronic displays, optic/photonic or energy-related technologies [3]. The situation is certainly less favourable for Pd, Ir, Os and Ru; despite the availability of electroanalytical pro-
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