Stripping voltammetric determination of trace levels of uranium by synergic adsorption

A voltammetric method is reported for the determination of low uranium concentrations in natural waters. A very strongly adsorbed mixed complex of uranyl ion with 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone and tri-n-butyl phosphate is applied. Synergic adsorption is obtained compared with the adsorption obtained with either ligand alone. In 0.55 mol dm^?3 sodium chloride, the detection limit was 10^?10 mol dm^?3 uranyl ion after accumulation for 10 min at ?0.1 V vs. Ag/AgCl. For the natural level of uranium in sea water (about 10^?8 mol dm^?3), accumulation for 2 min was sufficient.