Electrochemical determination of sulfide and sulfite ions by pneumatoamperometry

Sulfide and sulfite ions in aqueous solution are converted through acidification to hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide, which are purged from solution with nitrogen carrier gas. The volatile species are detected through oxidation in 1 M sulfuric acid at an anodically polarized platinum electrode separated from the gas stream by a gas-permeable polymer membrane. Mixtures of sulfide and sulfite are separated and determined independently through pH control during acidification. Interferences from metal ions, which form sulfide precipitates, and other anions, which form volatile species on acidification, are discussed.