Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetric determination of lead(II) with a 1,4-bis(prop-2′-enyloxy)-9,10-anthraquinone modified carbon paste electrode

A sensitive and selective method for the determination of lead(II) with a 1,4-bis(prop-2′-enyloxy)-9,10-anthraquinone (AQ) modified carbon paste electrode has been developed. The method is based on non-electrolytic preconcentration via complex formation with modifier, followed by an accumulation period with a negative potential (−1.5 V), and then by a proper anodic stripping. The analytical performance was evaluated with respect to the quantity of modifier in the paste, concentration of electrolyte solution, preconcentration time, lead(II) concentration, and other variables. A linear calibration graph was obtained in the concentration range 2.00×10−9–1.06×10−5 M Pb(II) (n=21, r=0.9999) with 30 s preconcentration time. The detection limit was found to be 1×10−9 M. For eight preconcentration/determination cycles, the differential pulse voltammetric response was reproduced with 5.0 and 3.7% relative standard deviations at 2.00×10−8 and 2.00×10−6 M Pb(II), respectively. Rapid and convenient renewal of electrode surface allows the use of a single modified electrode surface in multiple analytical determinations over several weeks. Many coexisting metal ions had little or no effect on the determination of lead(II). The developed method was applied to lead determination in waste waters.