Determination of uranium(VI) in sea water by cathodic stripping voltammetry of complexes with catechol

Polarographic (d.c.) measurements showed that complex ions of uranium(VI) with catechol adsorb on the dropping mercury electrode. This effect is used to determine uranium(VI) directly in sea water. Optimal conditions include pH 6.8, 2 × 10^?3 M catechol, and a collection potential between ?0.1 and ?0.4 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) at a hanging mercury drop electrode. The cathodic scan is made with the linear-scan or differential-pulse mode (d.p.c.s.v.). The detection limit with the d.p.c.s.v, mode is 3 × 10^?10 M after a collection period of 2.5 min. Between pH 6 and 8, the peak height increases with pH and with catechol concentration up to 5 × 10^?3 M. There is linear relationship between the collection time and the measured peak height until the drop surface becomes saturated. With a collection period of 3 min, the reduction current increases linearly with the metal concentration up to about 5 × 10^?3 M U(VI). The maximum adsorption capacity of the mercury drop is 4.4 × 10^?10 mol cm²; each complex ion then occupies 0.38 nm², equivalent to the size of about one catechol molecule. Interference by high concentrations of Fe(III) is overcome by selectively adsorbing U(VI) at a collection potential near the reduction potential of Fe(III). Organic surfactants reduce the peak height for uranium by up to 75% at unnaturally high concentrations only (4 mg l^?1 Triton X-100). Competition by high concentrations of Cu(II) for space on the surface of the drop is eliminated by addition of EDTA.