Jornal de Química Analítica Ambiental

An electrochemical sensor is a device that uses electrochemical reactions to detect and measure the concentration of a target analyte. It is widely used in various fields, including medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, food safety, and industrial process control. The electrochemical sensor is highly sensitive, accurate, and selective. In this article, we will discuss the working principle, types, and applications of electrochemical sensors. Electrochemical sensors work on the principle of electrochemistry, which involves the study of chemical reactions that involve the transfer of electrons. The sensor consists of two electrodes: a working electrode and a reference electrode. The working electrode is coated with a material that reacts with the target analyte. When the analyte comes into contact with the working electrode, it undergoes a chemical reaction that generates an electrical signal. The reference electrode provides a stable voltage reference against which the working electrode potential can be measured.

Heavy metals are a group of elements that are characterized by their high atomic weight and density. They include elements such as lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and chromium, among others. Heavy metals have been used for various industrial and commercial purposes, such as in batteries, paints, and pesticides. However, their widespread use has led to significant environmental and health concerns. Heavy metals are toxic to humans and other living organisms because they can accumulate in the body over time, causing a variety of health problems. They can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, or absorption through the skin. Once inside the body, heavy metals can interfere with the normal functioning of cells and tissues, leading to serious health consequences.

Environmental and health risk assessment is a crucial process in identifying and evaluating the potential hazards that may arise from exposure to various pollutants in the environment. One of the major sources of environmental contamination is the self-burning waste pile, which can have significant impacts on soil quality, air quality, and human health. Self-burning waste piles are often associated with uncontrolled landfill sites, where organic waste materials, such as plastics, rubber, and other waste materials, are disposed of and are set on fire by natural or artificial causes. This paper focuses on the environmental and health risk assessment of soil adjacent to a self-burning waste pile.

Seaweeds are aquatic plants that are found in various coastal and oceanic environments. They are used in various food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products due to their high nutrient content and medicinal properties. However, seaweeds have been found to accumulate heavy metals in their tissues, which can have adverse effects on human health. Heavy metal contamination of seaweed can occur due to various anthropogenic and natural sources, such as industrial effluents, sewage, agricultural runoff, and volcanic activity. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the levels of heavy metals in seaweed species to ensure their safety for consumption.