Potentiometric stripping analysis and anodic stripping voltammetry for measurement of copper(II) and lead(II) complexation by fulvic acid: A comparative study

The utility of potentiometric stripping analysis (PSA) for studying the interaction of fulvic acid with Cu^II and Pb^II at pH 1.8 and 4.8 was assessed. The impact of fulvic acid on both the deposition and stripping steps was considered. In contrast to results obtained by anodic stripping voltammetry, fulvic acid influenced both these steps in PSA, and to different degrees. Surface active substances have been claimed to have self-compensatory effects in PSA; this work shows that this is not valid for heterogenous natural complexants such as fulvic acid.