Nitrite: From Application to Detection and Development

Nitrite, a collective term for a group of inorganic compounds containing nitrite ions (NO2−), is widely present in the natural environment and in the human body. It has a wide range of applications in the medical, food and environmental fields, such as food additives, water treatment agents and drugs. However, the excessive intake of nitrite poses indirect carcinogenic, teratogenic and mutagenic risks to humans. With the in-depth study of the functional properties of nitrite, there is an increasing demand for accurate and efficient methods for its detection. This paper presents a review of methods for the detection of nitrite, which will cover different principles and technologies, including traditional methods, optical methods, electrochemical sensors, and biosensors, and their prospects. By comparing and evaluating the different methods, it will provide references and valuable suggestions for choosing the most suitable nitrite detection methods and the scientific selection of alternatives for nitrite.