Staircase voltammetry as a rapid detection method for anodic stripping determination of lead

Rapid-scan staircase voltammetry is used to strip lead plated on a rotating mercury film electrode. With potential steps of 10 mV every 64 μs, the entire stripping of the metals is made in only 4 ms. Noise is reduced by averaging several current measurements on each step. The method allows quantification of 0.1 μg l^?1 lead within a total time to less than 4 min. Because of the rapid scan, the rotation of the electrode can continue during the stripping step. Oxygen does not affect the measurements although a small decrease in current is observed. The method is tested on a sample of sea water. Some results are also given for cadmium.