Eco-friendly mercury ion detection and removal in water using anthocyanins: mechanistic insights through DFT studies

Key Points

• Mercury ions are effectively detected and removed using natural anthocyanins, highlighting their potential as eco-friendly alternatives.
• The approach showed a significant reduction in mercury ion concentration, with a removal efficiency reaching over 90% in controlled settings.
• Mechanistic insights were derived from density functional theory (DFT) studies, revealing how anthocyanins interact with mercury ions in solution.
• These findings support the use of anthocyanins for water treatment, indicating a promising path toward sustainable environmental monitoring.