Chemists at the University of Burgos (Spain) have manufactured a sheet that changes colour in the presence of water contaminated with mercury. The results can be seen with the naked eye, but when photographing the membrane with a mobile phone the concentration of this extremely toxic metal can be quantified. Mercury contamination is a problem that is particularly affecting developing countries. It poses a risk to public health since it accumulates in the brain and the kidneys, causing long-term neurological illnesses, It is emitted from industrial and mining waste, especially small-scale gold mining.
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