Electrochemical sensors based on polymer-modified screen-printed graphene electrodes for the detection of pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments

Abstract

Detecting contaminants in aquatic environments, including wastewater and natural water bodies, is essential for safeguarding environmental health and ensuring water quality. Pharmaceuticals, often incompletely metabolised by humans and animals, persist in the environment and pose risks to ecosystems due to their bioactivity and accumulation potential. Water, as a vital resource for all industries, including mineral and metallurgy, faces increasing challenges from pollutants, making advanced detection methods crucial. This study investigates the application of polymer-modified screen-printed graphene electrodes for the sensitive detection of doxorubicin. The use of graphene not only in energy storage devices but also in sensors makes such materials important for a green and sustainable economy. Electrode performance was evaluated at three pH levels, within a linear concentration range from 1.5 to 7.4 µmol L⁻¹. The electrodes’ excellent stability and enhanced sensitivity highlight their potential as cost-effective and rapid tools for monitoring pharmaceutical residues in aquatic environments, contributing to pollution management and environmental protection.