A probe based on 5-bromoindole-3-carboxaldehyde ethylthiosemicarbazone (L) was synthesized by a simple and quick one step condensation reaction. L displays a great blue fluorescence in dichloromethane and the fluorescence quenched following Hg2+ coordination. Interestingly, Hg2+ cannot only be detected by this method but also can be extracted and removed from water because dichloromethane and water are immiscible. Moreover, the convenient and efficient Hg2+ test strips based on L were fabricated, which is a potential candidate for the monitoring of Hg2+ in water. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.