Electroanalysis of Nitro and Amino Derivatives of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Electrochemical methods used for the investigation, determination and monitoring of carcinogenic nitro (NPAHs) and amino (APAHs) derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are reviewed. Special emphasis is placed on the mechanisms of electrode reactions of NPAHs at traditional mercury electrodes and electrodes based on silver amalgam, and of APAHs at electrodes based on the different types of carbon materials, e. g., glassy carbon electrode, carbon paste electrode based on glassy carbon microbeads, or boron-doped diamond film electrode. Recently developed voltammetric and amperometric methods making use of electrochemical reduction or oxidation of NPAHs or APAHs for their sensitive and selective determination are discussed as well together with a brief survey of occurence and biological properties of these substances.