1. Sustainable mercury monitoring using graphitic carbon nitride as a 2D binding layer in diffusive gradient thin filmsDmitrii Deev, Raghuraj S. Chouhan, Igor Živković, Ermira Begu, Ana Drinčić, Francisco Ruiz-Zepeda, Andraž Krajnc, Ivan Jerman, Roman Viter, Aleš Lapanje, Milena Horvat, 2026, original scientific article Abstract: Mercury (Hg) is a highly toxic and persistent environmental pollutant whose accurate monitoring remains challenging due to limitations in existing diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) binding materials, including insufficient selectivity, complex synthesis, and sustainability concerns. In this study, we report the first application of graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) nanosheets as a metal-free and sustainable binding material for Hg²⁺ monitoring in DGT systems, addressing key limitations of current approaches. Few-layer GCN nanosheets were synthesized via thermal polymerization followed by protonation-assisted exfoliation and comprehensively characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These analyses confirmed the formation of a structurally stable, nitrogen-rich framework with abundant coordination sites. The GCN–agarose (AG–GCN) composite binding layer demonstrated high mercury binding efficiency (>90%) at environmentally relevant concentrations (2.5–10 ng/mL) and near-neutral pH, attributed to strong coordination between Hg²⁺ ions and electron-donating nitrogen sites within the heptazine structure. Compared to conventional DGT binding phases, the proposed system offers enhanced sustainability, metal-free composition, and strong affinity toward mercury, highlighting its potential for next-generation passive environmental monitoring and advanced nanomaterial-based sensing platforms.
Keywords: passive monitoring, graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets, adsorbent, mercury detection, nanosheets
Published in DiRROS: 04.05.2026; Views: 315; Downloads: 292
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2. Recent progress and advancement in detecting Methylmercury using a battery of biosensors and biomolecular-based techniques : An updated overviewAllwin Mabes Raj, Raghuraj S. Chouhan, Aljoša Košak, Milena Horvat, Aleksandra Lobnik, Tomaž Rijavec, Aleš Lapanje, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: Methylmercury (MeHg) represents the most toxic form of mercury, owing to its ability to permeate both the blood-brain and placental barriers, leading to bioaccumulation in organisms. In the marine food web, MeHg concentrations can reach levels millions of times higher than those found in the surrounding environment, posing significant ecological and human health risks. This review provides a comprehensive overviews and critical evaluation of the available biosensor detection platforms for the detection of MeHg, with a focus on their performance based on key parameters such as (i) sensitivity, (ii) selectivity, (iii) response time, and (iv) adaptability to diverse environmental matrices. We examine recent advancements in MeHg biosensing technologies, emphasizing innovative approaches that surpass current methodologies regarding detection limits, reversibility, response time, and operational stability. Furthermore, we present an in-depth discussion on future directions for the development of in situ MeHg detection platforms, with potential applications in both biomedical and environmental monitoring. The review concludes by outlining the challenges and opportunities for advancing MeHg sensing technologies to enhance real-time detection in aqueous environments.
Published in DiRROS: 15.12.2025; Views: 1147; Downloads: 225
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3. The efficient method for simultaneous monitoring of the culturable as well as nonculturable airborne microorganismsBarbara Hubad, Aleš Lapanje, 2013, original scientific article Abstract: Cultivation-based microbiological methods are a gold standard for monitoring of airborne micro-organisms to determine the occupational exposure levels or transmission paths of a particular infectious agent. Some highly contagious microorganisms are not easily culturable but it is becoming evident that cultivation and molecular methods are complementary and in these cases highly relevant. We report a simple and efficient method for sampling and analyzing airborne bacteria with an impactor-type high-flow-rate portable air sampler, currently used for monitoring culturable bacteria or fungi. A method is reported for extraction of nucleic acids from impacted cells without prior cultivation and using agarose as a sampling matrix. The DNA extraction efficiency was determined in spiked samples and, samples taken from a wastewater treatment plant and an alpine area. The abundance, diversity and quantity of total bacteria were analysed by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and by construction and analysis of clone libraries. The method does not interfere with downstream PCR analysis and can cover the gap between traditional culture and molecular techniques of bioaerosol monitoring.
Published in DiRROS: 02.08.2024; Views: 1108; Downloads: 704
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