Determination of thallium in soils by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry by means of a mercury film electrode

Trace amounts of thallium can be determined in soils by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry with a mercury film electrode. The mercury film is plated ex situ on a glassy carbon surface. By using a supporting electrolyte of ascorbic acid and EDTA at pH 4.5 and the optimum electrolysis potential, interferences from lead and other metal ions can be eliminated. The method does not require any separation of thallium from the matrix. The results are in satisfactory agreement with those obtained by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.