Fast electrochemical detection of nitro- and aminoaromates in soils and liquids

A prototype of a new electrochem. 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) sensor system based on cyclic voltammetry was developed for on-site measurement of land sites of former explosives factories and troop exercise areas for risk estn. During each measurement the system verifies and calibrates itself. The complete measurement including sampling of the soil lasts no longer than approx. 5 min. The possibility to distinguish between amino- and nitroaroms. demonstrates the power of the method. The variation of the electrochem. and chem. parameters allows to det. other substances, e.g. warfare agents. Results of first on-site measurements are presented.