Colorimetric and Electrochemical Dual-Signal Method for Water Toxicity Detection Based on and -Benzoquinone.

The development of simple and rapid toxicity detection methods has important practical significance. In this work, a dual-signal method with colorimetric and electrochemical properties for water toxicity detection was proposed for the first time based on a rapid color reaction between () and -benzoquinone (BQ). Here, was used as a biocatalyst and BQ was used as a mediator. An IC value of 0.75 mg L for Cu was obtained using a two-step electrochemical detection method. Strikingly, toxicity could also be estimated visually by the naked eye, and the minimum detection limit was 3.2 mg L for Cu. The dual-signal toxicity detection method extends the function of BQ, and the result is more reliable than the traditional single-signal method. This simple and rapid toxicity detection method shows certain application prospects.