Selection of optimum pH for the iodate determination using differential pulse polarography

The concentration of iodate in seawater samples was determined at various pH values using differential pulse polarography (DPP). The sensitivity for the iodate determination decreased rapidly below pH 7 and above pH 9. The decrease below pH 7 may be caused by conversion of iodate to iodide, followed by the successive formation of I₂ and I₃ ^–. The decrease above pH 9 is probably due to the combination of iodate and hydroxide. Theoretical calculations have demonstrated that the optimum pH for iodate determination is above pH 7.4 for Po₂ = 0.101 Pa. Received: 14 July 1998 / Revised: 2 October 1998 / Accepted: 3 October 1998