Highly selective fluorescent probe for detecting mercury ions in water

Mercury ion (Hg(2+)) is a well-known toxic heavy metal. It has become one of the most significant environmental pollutants in the world because of its serious physiological toxicity, persistence, easy migration, and high bioconcentration. Thus, the development of methods for monitoring Hg(2+) is indispensable. Herein, we have designed and synthesized a new fluorescent probe, TPH, for the detection of Hg(2+) in the water environment. The TPH probe could quantitatively detect Hg(2+) between 0 and 5 μM (LOD = 16 nM), with a linear range of 0–2.5 μM. In addition, the TPH probe was used to monitor Hg(2+) in water samples successfully. Thus, this probe is suitable for monitoring Hg(2+) in the actual water environment.