Modelling the matrix interference of iron in the multivariate determination of copper by stripping voltammetry Instrument standardization

Two different standardization procedures have been applied in order to minimize the experimental effort necessary to determine copper in presence of iron by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. The significant matrix interference caused by iron in the voltammetric determination of copper has been successfully solved by using partial least squares (PLS) regression. The use of this multivariate regression implies a large number of training set samples, so a standardization method was required. In fact, the standardization methods used have reduced the calibration samples needed in future determinations by up to 75%. Moreover, PLS regression allowed both metals to be determined simultaneously by using an adequate experimental design, without any limitation to their respective concentrations and without the need to know the level of interference.