Nitrate ion-selectve electrodes - new constructions and applications in the monitoring of nitrate ions in environmental samples

Abstract

Ion-selective electrodes, due to many advantages, such as simplicity of use, low cost and high speed of measurements, as well as very good analytical parameters (low detection limits and high selectivity), have been widely used in recent years to determine various types of ions in environmental samples. Nitrates are ubiquitous in the environment, both in air, soil and water, and are essential for the proper growth of plants and animals. Research is still ongoing to unambiguously determine the influence of consumption of increased doses of nitrates on human health. Therefore, it is important to develop appropriate methods for determining their content in natural samples and in food products. The paper reviews articles on the latest knowledge on the influence of nitrates on human health as well as on the development and application of potentiometric sensors for determining the content of nitrates in environmental samples, including food products and various types of natural waters.