Disposable screen-printed edge band ultramicroelectrodes for the determination of trace amounts of nitrite ion

The application of linear scan voltammetry for sensitive determination of nitrite by using a disposable screen-printed edge band carbon ultramicroelectrode (designated as SPUME) was reported in this study. The measurement with the SPUME can be performed in solutions of low ionic strength, e.g., natural waters, because the ohmic loses are negligible. The limiting oxidation current of nitrite showed a wide linear range up to 3 mM at the SPUME. A relative standard deviation of 2.46% (n = 5) for analyzing 5 mu M nitrite indicated a detection limit (SIN = 3) of 0.38 mu M. Real sample analysis of mineral and ground water samples as well as bratwurst food product showed satisfactory results. Since the SPUME is low cost and easy for mass production, the disposable nature further offers to application in diverse field of electroanalytical chemistry.