Development of an electroanalytical sensor for γ-hexachlorocyclohexane based on a cellulose acetate modified glassy carbon electrode

Abstract

A simple, reproducible, environmentally friendly cellulose acetate modified glassy carbon electrode was prepared and used for the direct reduction of lindane in aqueous alcoholic medium. This modified electrode offers a high sensing current with a lower reduction potential for lindane. The lowest adsorption of pesticide molecules was observed on the cellulose acetate modified electrode when compared with a bare glassy carbon electrode which enhances the sensitivity of the sensor. This modified electrode is highly stable with respect to time, so that the single electrode can be used for the multiple analysis of the lindane sample. Cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry and amperometry were used as the sensing techniques. The reduction potential of lindane on this modified electrode is −1.5 V whereas the reduction potential of nitropesticides is around −0.600 V. This wide difference in reduction potential can be used to estimate lindane even in the presence of nitropesticides by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. The analytical utility of the proposed method was checked with a commercial lindane lotion and drinking water samples. An amperometric instrument, interfaced with the cellulose acetate modified glassy carbon electrode was designed and tested for the sensing of lindane. The performance of this instrument was assessed.