Theory of cyclic voltammetry at the mercury film electrode: Reversible case with substrate initially present in the mercury phase

The theory of cyclic voltammetry has been developed for a case describing the behaviour of a reversible system at the mercury film electrode with a metal present initially in the mercury phase. Theoretical results are presented in the form of a simple equation coupled with a set of the calculated current function values. In addition, several simple relationships are given for the parameters characterizing the cyclic curves. The rapid exhaustion of the metal from the mercury film and the generation of the metal ions into the solution free of metal ions offer better conditions for the resolution of adjacent peaks than those existing in cyclic voltammetry at the HMDE and at the MFE with substrate present initially in solution. Theoretical predictions were compared with experimental results obtained for lead and thallium at the silver-based mercury film electrode.     

Increased sensitivity of anodic stripping voltammetry at the hanging mercury drop electrode by ultracathodic deposition

An improved approach to the anodic stripping voltammetric (ASV) determination of heavy metals, using the hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE), is reported. It was discovered that using very cathodic accumulation potentials, at which the solvent reduction occurs (overpotential deposition), the voltammetric signals of zinc(II), cadmium(II), lead(II) and copper(II) increase. When compared with the classical methodology a 5 to 10-fold signal increase is obtained. This effect is likely due to both mercury drop oscillation at such cathodic potentials and added local convection at the mercury drop surface caused by the evolution of hydrogen bubbles.     

Use of binary metal deposits on a cylindrical carbon-fiber microelectrode in the voltammetric determination of metal ions

The effect of binary metal deposits on a cylindrical carbon-fiber microelectrode on the determination of metals by direct and stripping voltammetry was studied. The electrolytic deposition of a binary system of copper and thallium, cadmium, lead, or mercury on the electrode in an alkaline solution resulted in the disappearance of the electroreduction peak of dissolved oxygen in the potential range from -0.8 to -1.4 V and in a decrease in the background current. Under the conditions of limited diffusion, the peak currents of Ni(II), Co(II), and Zn(II) in differential pulse voltammograms were 3–7 times higher than those calculated for a reversible electrode process under the conditions of semi-infinite diffusion. Because of this, the determination limit for metal ions in direct voltammetry was lowered to 1 X 10^-6 M. With a binary copper-thallium system, the peak current of zinc(II) reduction can be be detected in the presence of 5000-fold molar amounts of copper(II). The deposition of binary copper-lead and copper-thallium systems under the conditions of limited diffusion reduced the effect of negative interaction between the components of these systems and made possible the determination of lead(II) and thallium(I) by stripping voltammetry using additional peaks.     

Voltammetric method for ultra-trace determination of total mercury and toxic metals in vegetables. Comparison with spectroscopy

A new procedure for the determination of mercury(II), copper(II), lead(II), cadmium(II) and zinc(II) traces in food matrices by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry and standard addition method is proposed. A rapid, inexpensive and multi-analyte analytical method suitable for food safety control is provided. Comestible vegetables were chosen as samples. A two-step, sequential determination was defined, employing two working electrodes: a gold electrode (GE) for mercury(II) and copper(II), and subsequently a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) for copper(II), lead(II), cadmium(II) and zinc(II). No sample pre-treatment was needed. Spinach leaves, tomato leaves and apple leaves were employed as standard reference materials to optimize and defined the analytical procedure. The new method shows good selectivity, sensitivity, detectability and accuracy. A critical comparison with spectroscopic measurements is discussed. Spinach, lettuce and tomato samples sold on the market were analysed as real samples. Lead(II) and cadmium(II) concentration exceeded the relevant legal limits.      

Application of a copper-based mercury film electrode in cathodic stripping voltammetry

The utility of a copper-based mercury film electrode (MFE) in cathodic stripping voltammetry (c.s.v.) is tested by comparing the cyclic and stripping voltammograms obtained with this electrode for thiocyanate, tryptophane, cysteine and benzotriazole against those obtained with the hanging copper-amalgam drop electrode (HCADE) and the HMDE. The cathodic stripping peaks obtained at the copper-based MFE and the HCADE are usually narrower and higher and are located at more negative potentials than the peaks obtained at the HMDE. Lower detection limits and better separations of adjacent peaks are thus achieved, and useful peaks can be separated from the mercury waves obtained with the conventional HMDE. The advantage of the copper-based MFE over the HCADE is its simplicity of preparation and maintenance. Thiocyanate, tryptophane, cysteine and benzotriazole can be determined at the copper-based MFE by c.s.v. with detection limits of 1 × 10^?8, 1 × 10^?8, 5 × 10^?8 mol dm^?3, respectively.     

Atomic-absorption spectrometric determination of cadmium,lead and zinc in salts or salt solutions by hanging mercury drop electrodeposition and atomization in a graphite furnace

Atomic absorption spectrometric methods are described for the determination of trace amounts of cadmium, lead and zinc in salts or salt solutions. The metals are separated from the salt matrix by electrolysis on a hanging mercury drop electrode, the mercury is transferred to a graphite boat and removed by evaporation, and the metals are determined by atomization. The feasibility of the technique was tested by analysis of sea water and of reagent-grade potassium chloride. For comparison the three metals were also determined in the sea water by stripping voltammetry, good agreement being found.     

Simultaneous voltammetric determination of cobalt, nickel and labile zinc, using 2-quinolinethiol in the presence of surfactants without prior digestion

2-Quinolinethiol forms very stable cobalt and nickel complexes, which are strongly chemisorbed on the hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). This allows the simultaneous determination of cobalt, nickel and labile zinc traces; Co and Ni by differential pulse adsorptive stripping voltammetry (DPAdSV) and Zn by differential pulse sweep voltammetry (DPSV), even in the presence of a large amount of surfactant like Triton X-100. This is advantageous for determining these metals directly in natural waters, without previous UV-irradiation or acid digestion. The surfactant does not only not interfere, but shows a beneficial effect with respect to the resolution between copper and nickel peaks. The method has been tested in estuary waters. The determination limits are 1 nmol/l Ni, 10 nmol/l Co and 1 mol/l Zn, with RSD less than 6.3%.     

Simultaneous determination of trace-levels of alloying zinc and copper by semi-mercury-free potentiometric stripping analysis with chemometric data treatment

Assays of copper and zinc in brass samples were performed by semi-mercury free potentiometric stripping analysis (S-MF PSA) using a thin-film mercury covered glassy-carbon working electrode and dissolved oxygen as oxidizing agent during the stripping step. The stripping peak transients were resolved by chemometrics, which enabled simultaneous determination of both the copper and the zinc concentrations, thereby eliminating the conventional necessary pretreatment of the sample solution, such as initial addition of Ga(III) or solvent extraction of copper. The brass samples were diluted by factors in the range 2 · 10⁴– 5 · 10⁵ which resulted in quantification of the copper and of zinc contents comparable to the specified values within 10%. On the basis of the chemometric treatment, an empirical expression is deduced relating the stripping time to the recorded potential. Received: 23 December 1997 / Revised: 25 February 1998 / Accepted: 28 February 1998     

Cathodic adsorptive stripping square-wave voltammetry of the anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam

The adsorptive behavior of the anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam was studied by cyclic, differentia-pulse and square-wave voltammetry on a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). The drug was accumulated at HMDE and a well-defined stripping peak current was obtained at -1.42 V vs. Ag/AgCl (saturated KCl) electrode in acetate buffer solution (pH 5.0). A voltammetric procedure was developed for the determination of meloxicam using square-wave cathodic adsorptive stripping voltammetry (SW-CASV). The optimum working conditions for the determination of the drug were established. The analysis of meloxicam in human plasma was carried out satisfactorily.     

Metal Exchange Reactions in Metallothioneins Explored by Electrochemical Methods

Metallothioneins (MTs) are widely occurring, small, cysteine‐rich proteins, important for essential metal (Zn, Cu) homeostasis and transport and for heavy metal (Cd, Hg) detoxification. In buffered solutions of mammalian MT, voltammetry and potentiometric striping analysis (PSA) can distinguish different coordination of bound metals or follow their exchange, especially that of zinc and cadmium for copper, silver, and cobalt. The examples of different electrode applications as of hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE), of silver solid amalgam (AgSAE) electrode, and of silica gel modified carbon paste electrode (SiO₂‐CPE) are given.     

Determination of the pesticide Chlorpyrifos by cathodic adsorptive stripping voltammetry

The adsorption behavior and differential pulse cathodic adsorptive stripping voltammetry of the pesticide Chlorpyrifos (CP) were investigated at the hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). The pesticide was accumulated at the HMDE and a well-defined stripping peak was obtained at –1.2 V vs Ag/AgCl electrode at pH 7.50. A voltammetric procedure was developed for the trace determination of Chlorpyrifos using differential pulse cathodic adsorptive stripping voltammetry (DP-CASV). The optimum working conditions for the determination of the compound were established. The peak current was linear over the concentration range 9.90 × 10^–8– 5.96 × 10^–7 mol/L of Chlorpyrifos. The influence of diverse ions and some other pesticides was investigated. The analysis of Chlorpyrifos in commercial formulations and treated waste water was carried out satisfactorily Received: 10 July 1997 / Revised: 1 April 1998 / Accepted: 6 April 1998     

Trace amounts determination of lead,zinc and copper by adsorptive stripping voltammetry in the presence of dopamine

A selective and sensitive method for simultaneous determination of lead, zinc and copper by adsorptive differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry is presented. The method is based on adsorptive accumulation of the complexes of Pb(II), Zn(II), and Cu(II) ions with dopamine onto hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE), followed by reduction of adsorbed species by differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry. The effect of experimental parameters such as pH, dopamine concentration, accumulation time and potential and scan rate were examined. Under the optimized conditions, linear calibration curves were established for the concentration of Pb, Zn, and Cu in the ranges of 5–150, 5–250, and 1–150 ng/mL, respectively. Detection limits of 0.06, 0.25, and 0.04 ng/mL for Pb, Zn, and Cu were obtained. An application of the proposed method is reported for the determination of these elements in some real samples such as natural waters and alloys.     

Pulsed anodic stripping voltammetry of zinc,cadmium and lead with a mercury-coated wax-impregnated graphite electrode

The use of a thin mercury-film wax-impregnated graphite electrode for the simultaneous determination of cadmium, lead and zinc in an acetate buffer by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry is described. Optimal instrumental parameters for maximum resolution and sensitivity for simultaneous analysis of these three elements in natural waters are discussed. The interference of copper with the determination of zinc is investigated in detail. An optimal mercury film thickness for this electrode is suggested.     

Comparative characterization of two techniques for selenium(IV) preconcentration on a film mercury electrode with the use of an automated solution replacement system without circuit disconnection

Two versions of selenium(IV) preconcentration and determination on a mercury film electrode (MFE) by cathode stripping voltammetry with an automated solution replacement system without circuit disconnection are compared. In one version, selenium(IV) is preconcentrated together with copper(II); in the other, selenium is preconcentrated on a copper-modified MFE. Under optimum conditions (against the 0.1 M HCl background at selenium electrolysis potentials from ?350 to ?400 mV and electrolysis times of 180–300 s), calibration curves for both selenium preconcentration versions are linear over the concentration ranges from 2.5 to 20 μg/L and from 50 to 250 mg/L. The selenium peak heights are well reproduced in both cases (in the range of the concentrations studied, S _r lie in the range from 0.02 to 0.05). Sequential copper and selenium preconcentration is more convenient: there is no need to add copper to each analyzed solution, and it is possible to optimize selenium preconcentration parameters (solution composition, electrolysis potential, and electrolysis time) regardless of the copper preconcentration parameters.     

Analyse de la fraction labile du zinc,cadmium, plomb et du cuivre dissous en milieu marin côtier par la redissolution anodique à impulsions différentielles

Analysis of the labile fraction of zinc, cadmium, lead and copper dissolved in the coastal marine environment using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. The determination of the optimal experimental conditions for the dosage of labile concentrations of heavy metals such as cadmium, copper lead and zinc, in a coastal marine environment has been performed. The method used was differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) with hanging mercury drop. To cite this article: M. El Makhfouk et al., C. R. Chimie 6 (2003).     

Simultaneous Determination of Cadmium,Lead, Copper,and Thallium in Highly Saline Samples by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (ASV) Using Mercury‐Film and Bismuth‐Film Electrodes

This paper describes a comparative study of the simultaneous determination of Cd(II), Pb(II), Tl(I), and Cu(II) in highly saline samples (seawater, hydrothermal fluids, and dialysis concentrates) by ASV using the mercury‐film electrode (MFE) and the bismuth‐film electrode (BiFE) as working electrodes. The features of MFE and BiFE as working electrodes for the single‐run ASV determinations are shown and their performances are compared with that of HMDE under similar conditions. It was observed that the stripping peak of Tl(I) was well separated from Cd(II) and Pb(II) peaks in all the studied saline samples when MFE was used. Because of the severe overlapping of Bi(III) and Cu(II) stripping peaks in the ASV using BiFE, as well as the overlapping of Pb(II) and Tl(I) stripping peaks in the ASV using HMDE, the simultaneous determination of these metals was not possible in highly saline medium using these both working electrodes. The detection limits calculated for the metals using MFE and BiFE (deposition time of 60 s) were between 0.043 and 0.070 μg L^?1 for Cd(II), between 0.060 and 0.10 μg L^?1 for Pb(II) and between 0.70 and 8.12 μg L^?1 for Tl(I) in the saline samples studied. The detection limits calculated for Cu(II) using the MFE were 0.15 and 0.50 μg L^?1 in seawater/hydrothermal fluid and dialysis concentrate samples, respectively. The methods were applied to the simultaneous determination of Cd(II), Pb(II), Tl(I), and Cu(II) in samples of seawater, hydrothermal fluids and dialysis concentrates.     

Phase-selective a.c. adsorptive stripping voltammetry of lumazine on a hanging mercury drop electrode

The electrochemical behavior of lumazine (LMZ), an important antibacterial agent, has been studied at the hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). The nature of the process taking place at the HMDE was clarified. Its adsorption behavior at HMDE has been studied by using a.c and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Both the molecule and its reduced product appeared to be adsorbed at the surface of the electrode. Controlled adsorptive accumulation of LMZ on the HMDE provides the basis for the direct stripping measurement of that compound in the subnanomolar concentration level. Experimental and instrumental parameters for the quantitative determination were optimized. Phase-selective a.c voltammetry provided the best signal and gave a detection limit of 0.15 microg L(-1) (9.0 x 10(-10) mol/L) LMZ in aqueous solution. Molecules or ions which may interfere were studied.     

Determination of lead in blood by hydrodynamic voltammetry in a flow injection system with wall-jet detector

Lead is one of the most widely distributed toxic heavy metals in the environment. It is a cumulative poison, affecting the brain and nervous system. The threshold between the normal lead level and the level where physiological effects become manifest is relatively narrow. It is therefore desirable to screen exposed populations in order to identify the danger in time. The lead concentration in the blood is a measure to the total amount of lead in the body. A fast, accurate and cheap method for the determination of lead in blood is therefore needed. The conventional method used to determine lead in blood is atomic absorption. Electrochemical methods like stripping voltammetry combine high analytical sensitivity with relatively low cost for the equipment; however, electrode preparation is critical for the success of an analysis, and highly skilled personnel are needed. We describe an automated electrochemical method, using flow injection analysis with a wall-jet detector. Lead is released from its binding site in the blood by ion exchange and quantified by stripping voltammetry with a mercury film electrode (MFE). The method allows for the detection of 0.05 ppm Pb(2+) with an accuracy of about 10%. Electrode poisoning by proteins from the blood can be effectively suppressed when a MFE modified with a Nafion(R)-membrane coating is used. Such modified electrodes can be activated in the solution without further treatment, and used for more than 100 analyses before they have to be replaced. A solid matrix MFE with a Nafion(R)-membrane and all necessary chemicals for mercury film formation and lead release has been developed. Such electrodes are discussed as disposable electrodes for a portable blood lead detector.     

Determination of mobile form contents of Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu in soil extracts by combined stripping voltammetry

The amount of mobile forms of Zn, Pb, Cd and Cu in extracts obtained by treating soil samples with ammonium nitrate were determined by an appropriate combination of anodic and cathodic stripping voltammetry with hanging mercury drop electrode. Every analysis required three mercury drops: on the first one, zinc was determined; on the second, cadmium and lead; on the third, copper was determined. Zinc, lead and cadmium were determined by conventional differential-pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. For copper determination, adsorptive differential-pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry with amalgamation using chloride ions as a complexing agent was applied. The standard deviation of the results was from 1 to 10% depending on the metal content in the sample. Voltammetric results were in good agreement with the AAS analysis. No microwave digestion of soil extracts was necessary.     

Irradiation techniques for the release of bound heavy metals in natural waters and blood

Irradiation techniques are compared with conventional acid digestion procedures for the release of bound heavy metals in natural waters and in blood, before their determination by anodic stripping voltammetry. Ultra-violet irradiation of acidified water with a 550-W mercury vapour lamp releases bound zinc, cadmium, lead and copper after 4 h. The same results can be achieved with a 30-Mrad dose of high-energy γ-irradiation. These techniques are also effective for the release of metals in whole blood and blood plasma, where sample volumes as small as 200 μl are adequate in analyses for zinc, copper and lead. By comparison with acid digestion and solvent extraction methods, irradiation treatments offer the advantages of minimum sample manipulation and negligible reagent blanks.