Electrochemical monitoring of marine nutrients: from principle to application

Abstract Monitoring the spatio-temporal distribution and concentration changes of nutrients in marine environments is significant for the protection of marine ecosystems. Electrochemical technologies are ideal candidates for marine nutrient monitoring systems with the advantage of miniaturization, low reagent consumption, and easy combination with automation devices. This review assesses nutrient determination (including nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, phosphate, and silicate) using electrochemical technologies, focusing on methods for analysis of coastal, estuarine and marine water, or with specific salinity effects. The research principles, laboratory methodology and in situ application of devices are summarized. In particular, this review focuses on the response mechanism, sensitivity and detection limit of the reported sensors, with reports on in situ instruments also reviewed. Overall, this review summarizes the advances in knowledge in terms of the modes of action of devices and deployment strategies, identifying the current limitations and future challenges for the electrochemical detection of nutrients in marine environments.