Simultaneous determination of copper, lead, cadmium and zinc using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry in a flow system Original Research Article

The use of differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) in a flow system for the simultaneous determination of Cu, Cd, Fe, Pb and Zn was evaluated for applicability with a glassy carbon electrode. Simultaneous quantitative analysis for these elements is possible at low concentrations of Fe when using pyrophosphate as a supporting electrolyte (pH 4.0). An application of the proposed method is reported for the determination of these elements in water samples. The working ranges are 50–500 μg l−1 for Cu, Cd and Pb and 100–400 μg l−1 for Zn. The Fe content was negligible in these samples. Recovery studies and metallic interferences are reported. Detection limits of 39, 9.6, 16.6 and 14.7 μg l−1 for Cu, Cd, Pb and Zn, respectively, were obtained.