Microliter Volume Determination of Cosmetic Mercury with a Partially Crosslinked Poly(4‐vinylpyridine) Modified Screen‐Printed Three‐Electrode Portable Assembly

We successfully demonstrated microliter (μL) volume determination of Mercury (Hg) using an in‐built screen‐printed three electrodes containing partially crosslinked poly(4‐vinlylpyridine) (designated as pcPVP) modified carbon‐working, carbon‐counter, and Ag⁺‐quasireference electrodes (SPE/pcPVP) in a pH 4 acetate buffer solution with 2 M KCl by using the square wave anodic stripping voltammetric (SWASV) technique. Instrumental and solution phase conditions were systematically optimized. Experiments were carried out by simply placing a 500 μL‐droplet of Hg containing real sample mixed with the base electrolyte on the SPE/pcPVP surface. The SPE/Ag⁺ quasi‐reference system shifted the Hg‐SWASV detection potential ca. 250 mV positive, but the quantitative current values were appreciably similar to that of a standard Ag/AgCl reference electrode. Under optimal condition, the calibration graph is linear in the window of 100–1000 ppb of the Hg droplet system with a detection limit of 69.5 ppb (S/N=3). Finally real sample assays were demonstrated for prohibited cosmetic Hg containing skin‐lightening agents in parallel with ICP‐OES measurements.     

Copper(II) ion sensor based on electropolymerized undoped conducting polymers

A solid state copper(II) ion sensor is reported based on the application of electropolymerized undoped (neutral) polycarbazole (PCz) and polyindole (PIn) modified electrodes. The new sensor shows high selectivity to Cu²⁺ ions with a detection limit of 10^–5 M. PCz and PIn are formed respectively by the anodic oxidation of 50 mM carbazole and 5 mM indole monomers in dichloromethane containing 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium perchlorate on a platinum electrode using a single compartment cell. Potentiostatic polymerization of both the monomers are carried out at 1.3 V and 1.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl, respectively. Perchlorate ions were electrochemically removed from the polymer films by applying – 0.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Polymer-coated electrodes are incubated in 1 M KCl solution for 8 h followed by incubation in distilled water for 2 h before using as a metal ion sensor. The undoped PCz and PIn electrodes were found to be highly selective and sensitive for Cu²⁺ ions with little selectivity for Pb²⁺ and negligible response towards Ag⁺, Hg²⁺, Cu⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺ or Zn²⁺. Potentiometric responses for Cu²⁺ ions are recorded for both the sensor electrodes together with a double-junction Ag/AgCl reference electrode. Calibration curves for Cu²⁺ are reported for both ion sensors. The polymer-modified electrodes were found to be stable for several weeks. Electronic Publication     

Anodic Stripping Voltammetry with Galinstan as Working Electrode

The liquid alloy galinstan is used to determine low concentrations in microgram per liter level of trace metals like copper, cadmium, lead, bismuth, antimony and thallium using anodic stripping voltammetry. Like the conventionally applied HMDE, the hanging galinstan drop electrode (HGDE) is able to accumulate the investigated metal ions at the electrode surface. Hence, simultaneous determination of Pb and Cd is possible. Both, DPASV and SWASV were used as measuring methods. The influence of different parameters like accumulation potential and time and the frequency in SWASV were studied. By the use of acetic buffer solutions, the potential window reaches from ?900 mV to 150 mV. The limit of detection (LOD) varies from 6 ppm (worst case, Sb³⁺) to 2 ppb (best case, Pb²⁺). Therefore, the use of galinstan in the form of the HGDE is possible as a “mercury‐free” and environmentally friendly electrode in stripping analysis.     

Thermodynamics of solid-state connected ion-sensitive membrane electrodes: The silver-Silver chloride system: Part II. Standard potentials (ε0′+εj) between 5 and 90°C of the 2nd kind silver-Silver chloride reference electrode with 3.5 M and sat'd KCl measured by means of membrane electrodes

Standard potentials (ε_M^0′+ε_j)_T of solid-state connected silver-silver chloride membrane electrodes (“chloride ion-sensitive electrodes”) in saturated and in 3.5 M (25°C) aqueous KCl solution (Ag|AgCl|KCl(sat'd or 3.5 M)||…) were measured between 5 and 90°C. The cells with transference comprised a Pt,H₂ electrode half-cell with NBS (DIN) phosphate buffer solution D. Identical thermodynamic behaviour of the membrane electrodes and respective 2nd kind silver-silver chloride electrodes and the small differences ΔE⁰ of their standard potentials E_M⁰ and E⁰, both reported in Part I of this work [1], allowed the application of the membrane electrode data to determine also standard potentials (ε^0′+ε_j)_T of the respective silver-silver chloride reference electrode of the second kind with “fixed potential” (Ag|AgCl(sat'd), KCl(sat'd or 3.5 M)6…). The results are discussed and compared with literature data.     

Fabrication and application of a new modified electrochemical sensor using nano-silica and a newly synthesized Schiff base for simultaneous determination of Cd,Cu and Hg ions in water and some foodstuff samples

A new chemically modified carbon paste electrode was constructed and used for rapid, simple, accurate, selective and highly sensitive simultaneous determination of cadmium, copper and mercury using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). The carbon paste electrode was modified by N,N′-bis(3-(2-thenylidenimino)propyl)piperazine coated silica nanoparticles. Compared with carbon paste electrode, the stripping peak currents had a significant increase at the modified electrode. Under the optimized conditions (deposition potential, −1.100 V vs. Ag/AgCl; deposition time, 60 s; resting time, 10 s; SW frequency, 25 Hz; pulse amplitude, 0.15 V; dc voltage step height, 4.4 mV), the detection limit was 0.3, 0.1 and 0.05 ng mL⁻¹ for the determination of Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Hg²⁺, respectively. The complexation reaction of the ligand with several metal cations in methanol was studied and the stability constants of the complexes were obtained. The effects of different cations and anions on the simultaneous determination of metal ions were studied and it was found that the electrode is highly selective for the simultaneous determination of Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Hg²⁺. Furthermore, the present method was applied to the determination of Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Hg²⁺ in water and some foodstuff samples.     

Anodic Stripping Voltammetric Detection of Arsenic(III) at Gold Nanoparticle‐Modified Glassy Carbon Electrodes Prepared by Electrodeposition in the Presence of Various Additives

The simple, fast and highly sensitive anodic stripping voltammetric detection of As(III) at a gold (Au) nanoparticle‐modified glassy carbon (GC) (nano‐Au/GC) electrode in HCl solution was extensively studied. The Au nanoparticles were electrodeposited onto GC electrode using chronocoulometric technique via a potential step from 1.1 to 0 V vs. Ag|AgCl|NaCl (sat.) in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ containing Na[AuCl₄] in the presence of KI, KBr, Na₂S and cysteine additives. Surfaces of the resulting nano‐Au/GC electrodes were characterized with cyclic voltammetry. The performances of the nano‐Au/GC electrodes, which were prepared using different concentrations of Na[AuCl₄] (0.05–0.5 mM) and KI additive (0.01–1.0 mM) at various deposition times (10–30 s), for the voltammetric detection of As(III) were examined. After the optimization, a high sensitivity of 0.32 mA cm^?2 μM^?1 and detection limit of 0.024 μM (1.8 ppb) were obtained using linear sweep voltammetry.     

Bestimmung von Arsen im sub-ppb-Bereich durch Differential-Pulse-Cathodic-Stripping-Voltammetrie

Zusammenfassung Es wird ein Verfahren zur Bestimmung von As(III)-Spuren durch Differential-Pulse-Cathodic-Stripping-Voltammetrie (DPCSV) beschrieben. Als Arbeitselektrode dient ein hängender Quecksilbertropfen. Die Anreicherung erfolgt bei –0,55 V (Bezugselektrode: Ag/AgCl/KCl ges.) aus 1 N HCl in Gegenwart von CuCl₂. Das Elektrolyseprodukt ist vermutlich eine intermetallische Verbindung der Zusammensetzung Cu₃As, die auf der Oberfläche des Quecksilbertropfens abgeschieden wird. Die Auflösung durch »cathodic-stripping« auf Grundlage der Weiterreduktion des Arsens zu negativ 3 wertigem Arsen führt zu einem bei –0,77 V bis –0,79 V liegenden Peak, dessen Höhe von 0,2 bis 20 ppb As linear zunimmt. Auf Störeinflüsse wird hingewiesen.

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Determination of arsenic in the sub-ppb-range by differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry

Summary A method for the determination of traces of As(III) by differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry (DPCSV) is described. The hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) is used as working electrode. Preelectrolysis is carried out in 1 N HCl in the presence of CuCl₂ at a potential of –0.55 V (reference electrode: Ag/AgCl/KCl sat.). The product formed in the electrolysis is probably an intermetallic compound of the composition Cu₃As. It is deposited on the mercury surface. Its redissolution by cathodic stripping on the basis of a further reduction of arsenic to As^3– leads to a current signal at a potential between –0.77 V and –0.79 V. The dependence of peak height on concentration of arsenic shows linearity in the range of 0.2 to 20 ppb As. Interfering influences are also reported.

Die Arbeit wurde in dankenswerter Weise mit Sachmitteln der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft, Bonn-Bad Godesberg, und des Verbandes der Chemischen Industrie unterstützt. Herr Dr. A. P. Joshi dankt der Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung für die Gewährung und Unterstützung seines Studienaufenthaltes an der Universität Mainz.     

Sensing the Lactic Acid in Probiotic Yogurts Using an L-Lactate Biosensor Coupled with a Microdialysis Fiber Inserted in a Flow Analysis System

An amperometric biosensor for the determination of L-lactic acid in probiotic yogurts has been assembled using L-lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.27, LDH) entrapped in 1% (v/v) neutralized Nafion® solution deposited on Variamine blue redox mediator modified screen-printed electrodes. The Variamine blue was previously covalently linked to oxidized single-walled carbon nanotubes and used for modifying screen-printed electrodes. The electrochemical cell, containing the L-lactate biosensor operating at an applied working potential of +200 mV vs. Ag|AgCl, was coupled with a microdialysis fiber and connected with a flow system, thus obtaining a microdialysis based sampling experimental set-up. Various analytical parameters, such as the cofactor concentration (2 mM, NAD⁺), the flow rate (10.5 μL/min), the applied working potential (+200 mV vs. Ag|AgCl), the working buffer (50 mM phosphate buffer +0.1 M KCl), and pH (7.5), were optimized in batch amperometric experiments. The dynamic linear working range was comprised between 2·10^?4 and 1·10^?3 M. The proposed biosensor was challenged with real samples of yogurt, properly diluted in working buffer, and the performances of the L-lactate biosensor were compared with a commercially available kit for the determination of L-lactic acid in foodstuffs from R-Biopharm GmbH, Germany, showing a good agreement.     

Electrochemical determination of Cd<Superscript>2+</Superscript> at a titanium electrode modified with a lead film by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry

The modified titanium electrode with lead film (PbTiE) was used for determination of trace levels of cadmium using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). The measurement of cadmium on the PbTiE has the best reply under the following conditions of PbTiE preparation: 10^–3 mol L^–1 Pb²⁺ in HCl (pH 1.0), deposition potential of–1.40 V vs. Ag/AgCl/KCl_sat and deposition time of 300 s. The PbTiE reveals highly linear behavior in the concentration range 5 × 10^–8 to 10^–6 mol L^–1, with a limit of detection of 2 × 10^–9 mol L^–1. Interference of nine ionic species was evaluated. The measurements were carried out without removing dissolved oxygen from the solution.     

Simultaneous Determination of Lead,Copper, and Mercury Free from Macromolecule Contaminants by Square Wave Stripping Voltammetry

Abstract

A novel approach for the voltammetric determination of Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Hg²⁺ in the presence of macromolecule contaminants was developed. An Au nanoparticles array was directly electrodeposited onto the gold electrode surface followed by a further modification of a mercaptoethanesulfonate (MES) monolayer. Square wave stripping voltammetry (SWSV) of Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Hg²⁺ was performed on the doubly modified electrode. The electrodeposited gold nanoparticles provided a significantly improved sensitivity. Simultaneously, the MES monolayer efficiently prevented the macromolecules accessing the electrode surface. Compared with the bare gold electrode, the doubly modified electrode has the ability to detect metal ions in the presence of macromolecule contaminants, even when their concentration reach 100 ppm. Under the optimal conditions, the detection limits of 0.16, 0.15, and 0.14 ppb for Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Hg²⁺ were obtained, respectively. The calibration graphs were linear in the concentration range of 1–100 ppb. The results of the analysis of a real metallurgy wastewater sample were reported. The electrode system has a great potential for the direct determination of trace metals in the complex environment and biological samples.     

Preparation of Cu (II) imprinted polymer electrode and its application for potentiometric and voltammetric determination of Cu (II)

The Cu (II) imprinted polymer glassy carbon electrode (GCE/Cu-IP) was prepared by electropolymerization of pyrrole at GCE in the presence of methyl red as a dopant and then imprinting by Cu²⁺ ions. This electrode was applied for potentiometric and voltammetric detection of Cu²⁺ ion. The potentiometric response of the electrode was linear within the Cu²⁺ concentration range of 3.9 × 10^?6 to 5.0 × 10^?2 M with a near-Nernstian slope of 29.0 mV decade^?1 and a detection limit of 5.0 × 10^?7 M. The electrode was also used for preconcentration anodic stripping voltammetry and results exhibited that peak currents for the incorporated copper species were dependent on the metal ion concentration in the range of 1.0 × 10^?8 to 1.0 × 10^?3 M and detection limit was 6.5 × 10^?9 M. Also the selectivity of the prepared electrode was investigated. The imprinted polymer electrode was used for the successful assay of copper in two standard reference material samples.     

Standard pH values for potassium hydrogenphthalate reference buffer solutions in 10, 30 and 50% (w/w) 1,4-dioxane/water mixed solvents at temperatures from 288.15 to 318.15 K

Standard pH(S) values for 0.05 mol kg^?1 potassium hydrogenphthalate (KHpH) reference buffer solutions in 10, 30 and 50% (w/w) 1,4-dioxane/water solvent mixtures within the temperature range 288.15–318.15 K are determined from e.m.f. measurements of the cell without transference Pt|H₂|KHPh + KCl|AgCl|Ag|Pt. The consistency of the results is analysed by a recently described method of multilinear regression of the quantity p(a_Hγ_Cl) as a function of both solution composition and temperature. The standard pH(S) determined can be reproduced to within ±0.01 by the equation pH(S) - 4.004 + 3.309w + 0.408z + 1.037w³ - 14.95zw² + 27.1zw³, where w is the weight fraction of dioxane in the solvent mixture,z = (T –θ)/θ, and θ - 298.15 K. Values of the first ionization constant of phthalic acid (H₂Ph; benzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid) in the above solvent mixtures are also determined from e.m.f. measurements of the cell without transference Pt|H₂|H₂Ph + KHPh + KCl|AgCl|Ag|Pt.     

Photoelectrocatalytic degradation of 3-nitrophenol at surface of Ti/TiO2 electrode

The widely utilization of phenol and its derivatives such as 3-nitrophenol (3-NP) has led to the worldwide pollution in the environment. In this study, Ti/TiO₂ photoelectrode was prepared with anodic oxidation of Ti foil electrode and then the photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) degradation of 3-NP was performed via this electrode, comparing with photocatalytic (PC), electrooxidation and direct photolysis by ultraviolet light. A significant photoelectrochemical synergetic effect in 3-NP degradation was observed on the Ti/TiO₂ electrode and rate constant for the PEC process of Ti/TiO₂ electrode was about three times as high as its PC degradation process. 3-NP concentration monitoring was carried out with differential pulse voltammetry. Results showed that PEC degradation has highest effect on concentration decreasing of 3-NP at solution and degraded it about 38 %, while other processes degradation efficiencies were about 4, 7, and 12 % for electrooxidation, direct photolysis and photocatalytic degradation, respectively. Finally, effects of solution pH and applied potential on degradation efficiency were studied and results showed that optimum pH for degradation is equal 4.00 and optimum potential is 1.2 V vs. Ag|AgCl|KCl (3M) reference electrode.     

A dual chemosensor for Cu2+ and Fe3+ based on π-extend tetrathiafulvalene derivative

A new dual chemosensor (TTF-PBA) for Fe³⁺ and Cu²⁺ in different signal pathways was designed and synthesized. The absorption spectrum, fluorescence spectrum and cyclic voltammograms changed in the presence of Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺. The optical color changed within 5 s from yellow to orange upon the addition of Cu²⁺, and it changed to dark yellow when Fe³⁺ existed. The cyclic voltammogram of Cu²⁺/TTF-PBA changed from E_ox = 0.50 V, E_red = 0.32 V to E_ox = 0.64 V, E_red = 0.80 V (vs Ag/AgCl) upon the addition of 2.0 equiv. Cu²⁺. As for Fe³⁺/TTF-PBA, its oxidation wave disappeared, and its reduction wave appeared at E_red = ?0.59 V (vs Ag/AgCl) upon the addition of 4.0 equv. Fe³⁺. The sensor displayed high selectivity for Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ over other ions including Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Ag⁺, Cr³⁺, Mn²⁺, Al³⁺, Co²⁺, Pd²⁺, Hg²⁺, Fe^2+, Cd²⁺, Ce³⁺, Bi³⁺ and Au³⁺, the detection limits for Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ion reached as low as 5.33 × 10^?7 mol/L and 5.34 × 10^?7 mol/L, respectively. Furthermore, when Fe³⁺ existed, Cu²⁺ can be detected sequentially by the sensor through the absorption spectrum and the color change observed by naked-eyes.     

Voltammetric Determination of Quercetin in Urine at Carbon Paste Electrode

Abstract

The electrochemical behavior of the quercetin (Q) at a carbon paste electrode (CPE) containing 15% paraffin oil is investigated. Square wave anodic stripping voltammetric (SWASV) was used to determine quercetin in the presence of 0.04 M phosphate buffer (pH ～4) containing 0.1 M KCl with 15 s accumulation time at 25±1°C. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the adsorbed form is oxidized irreversibly. The linear concentration ranged from 67.66 to 338.3 ppb quercetin. The detection limit of 6.77 ppb Q (r=0.9997), with 15 s accumulation time and the relative standard deviation of 0.45 (n=5) was calculated. The interferences of some metal ions and some amino acids were studied. The method was applied to the analysis of spiked urine, with recovery of 99.9±0.5, and the relative standard deviation of 3.2%. Results were compared with the reported methods.     

Selective Determination of Copper (II) Based on Aluminum Silicon Carbide Nanoparticles Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode by Square Wave Stripping Voltammetry

The morphology and structure of as‐prepared aluminum silicon carbide (Al₄SiC₄) were characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV‐vis spectra. The Al₄SiC₄ nanoparticles modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was further investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Based on this, this kind of new electrode was used for the detection of trace Cu²⁺ by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) for the first time. The electrochemical parameters influencing on deposition and stripping of metal ions, such as supporting electrolytes, pH value, deposition potential and deposition time, were also optimized. The results showed that the Al₄SiC₄ modified GCE exhibited excellent stripping response of Cu²⁺ and the stripping peaks response increased linearly with increasing concentration of Cu²⁺ in the ranges of 400 to 2200 nM. Under the optimized conditions the favorable sensitivity of the Al₄SiC₄ modified GCE toward trace Cu²⁺ was 1.49 μA μM⁻¹ and the limit of detection (S/N=3) was estimated to be 2.76 nM. More importantly, Al₄SiC₄ modified GCE had an excellent stability and negligible interference from other coexisting metal ions in the electrochemical determination of Cu²⁺.     

Square-Wave Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (SWASV) for the Determination of Ecotoxic Metals,Using a Bismuth-Film Electrode

This article reviews the use of square wave anodic stripping voltammetry for the simultaneous determination of ecotoxic metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn) on a bismuth-film (BiFE) electrode. The BiFE was prepared in situ on a glassy-carbon electrode (GCE) from the 0.1 mol L^?1 acetate buffer solution (pH 4.5) containing 200 µg L^?1 of bismuth (III). The addition of hydrogen peroxide to the electroanalytical cell proved beneficial for the interference-free determination of Cu (II) together with zinc, lead, and cadmium, using the BiFE. The experimental variables were investigated and optimized with the view to apply this type of voltammetric sensor to real samples containing traces of these metals. The performance characteristics, such as reproducibility, decision limit (CC_a), detection capability (CC_β), sensitivity, and accuracy indicated that the method holds promise for trace Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Zn²⁺ levels by employment of Hg-free GCE with SWASV. CCa, and CCβ were calculated according to the Commission Decision of 12 August 2002 (2002/657/EC). Linearity was observed in the range 20–280 µg L^?1 for zinc, 10–100 µg L^?1 for lead, 10–80 µg L^?1 for copper, and 5–50 µg L^?1 for cadmium. Using the optimized conditions, the stripping performance of the BiFE was characterized by low limits of detection (LOD). Finally, the method was successfully applied in real as well as in certified reference water samples.     

Electrochemical Behavior of the LaF3:Eu2+/Me Interface (Me = Sm,Ce, Gd,V, Ag)

The electrochemical behavior of the LaF₃ : Eu²⁺| interface (Me = Sm, Ce, Gd, V, Ag) is studied using stripping voltammetry. Current–voltage curves for cells Ag, AgCl|KCl and KF|LaF₃ : Eu²⁺|Sm (or Ce) may be viewed as background curves for analyzing solid-phase reactions with other metallic electrodes. The substrate material is found to affect properties of interfaces LaF₃ : Eu²⁺/Gd (or V), which are characterized either by solid-phase reactions involving the fluoride ion of a solid electrolyte or by reactions involving oxygen. Regularities, obtained for silver in contact with LaF₃ : Eu²⁺, link electrochemical signals of the reaction of the silver fluoride formation with the contact area.     

Selenomethionine‐Catalyzed Nickel Ion Reduction at a Mercury Electrode: Applications in the Analysis of Nutritional Supplements

Selenomethionine (SeMet) is a catalyst for Ni²⁺ reduction at a mercury electrode in a borax buffer at pH around 9 and gives rise to a differential pulse voltammetric peak, A, at ?0.74 V vs. the Ag|AgCl, (3 M KCl) reference electrode. Peak current is directly proportional to SeMet concentration over the concentration range 0.4–10 μM. Alkali and alkali‐earth ions depress to some extent the sensitivity but the current‐concentration relationships remains linear even under these conditions. Differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry (DPCSV) in 0.01 M borax results in two partially overlapped peaks. The more negative (A, at about ?0.74 V) is similar to that recorded with no deposition and is due to the catalysis by nonadsorbed SeMet, whereas the more positive one (B, at about ?0.60 V) results from the catalysis by adsorbed SeMet. Only the DPCSV peak A appears if 0.1 M KNO₃ is also present along with 0.01 M borax. Stearic acid, which is present in nutritional supplement tablets, improves the separation of the DPCSV peaks. Consequently, the peak B recorded with 0.01 M borax buffer allows determining SeMet in nutritional supplement tablets by the standard addition method and enables discriminating between the organic and inorganic selenium forms.     

Imprinted Polymer – Modified Hanging Mercury Drop Electrode for Differential Pulse Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetric Analysis of a Diquat Herbicide

An imprinted polymer modified hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) in Model 303A system in conjunction with a PAR Model 264A Polarographic Analyzer/Stripping Voltammeter has been used for the selective analysis of a diquat herbicide viz., 5,6‐dihydropyrazino[1,2,3,4‐[lmn]‐1,10‐phenanthrolinium dichlorides in differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry mode. Complex aqueous samples (drinking water and agricultural soil suspension), spiked with a diquat herbicide, were directly analyzed by the adsorptive accumulation of the analyte over the working electrode (accumulation potential ?0.8 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), accumulation time 120 s, pH 7.0, supporting electrolyte 0.1 M KCl, scan rate 10 mV s^?1, pulse amplitude 25 mV). The limit of detection for diquat herbicide was found to be 0.34 nmol L^?1 (0.1 ppb, RSD 2%, S/N=2).