Electrochemical detection and simultaneous removal of endocrine disruptor, bisphenol A using a carbon felt electrode

Abstract 2,2-Bis (4-hydroxyphenyl) propane (bisphenol A) is a precursor in many industrial and manufactural resins, plastics, and polycarbonate, as well as an endocrine disruptor in humans and animals. Therefore, the real-time sensing and in-situ removal of BPA are in strong demand. This study evaluated a method for the electrochemical detection of BPA using a carbon felt electrode. BPA was detected by cyclic voltammetry. During detection, the BPA was electropolymerized to a non-conductive lump and layer on the electrode surface. Simultaneously, the capacitance and electrochemical properties of the carbon felt decreased. The peak current and BPA concentration showed a linear correlation; the estimated detection limit was 4.78 × 10−7 M. The BPA-electropolymerized carbon felt could be regenerated successfully by ultrasonication. The detection and quantification of BPA in real water samples showed satisfactory recoveries of 98.4–101.0%. The carbon felt-based electrochemical analysis exhibited high sensitivity and reusability, making it applicable to the in-situ and on-site detection and removal of endocrine disruptors, such as BPA.