An anodic stripping voltammetric approach for total mercury determination in sea sponges from the Niger Delta region of Nigeria

Mercury pollution from ongoing crude oil refining and waste disposal activities threatens aquatic ecosystems and human health in the Niger Delta. Mercury monitoring exercise in this region is challenging due to the high cost of traditional instruments and the complexity of marine samples. This research presents a novel analytical method using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) with a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to determine mercury levels in sea sponges from the Niger Delta. Using a 2.36 M HCl + 2.4 M NaCl supporting electrolyte, −0.6 V deposition potential, and 300 s deposition time, average mercury levels were found to be 0.98 mg kg⁻¹, 0.63 mg kg⁻¹ and 0.42 mg kg⁻¹ for Ibiotirem, Kaa and Samanga, respectively. The result showed that the Niger Delta is polluted, and remediation efforts are necessary. Furthermore, the DPASV method could be used for routine mercury monitoring as it is cost-effective, user-friendly, and highly sensitive.