Application of modified normal pulse polarography and its differential mode to alkaline-earth metal ions in acid solutions

The simultaneous determination of alkaline-earth metal ions in acid solution was studied by modified normal pulse polarography. Well-defined waves were recorded for calcium, strontium and barium, but no limiting current was found for magnesium, because of its very negative reduction potential. The differential mode of this method gives peak-type polarograms and is useful for the simultaneous determination of species for which the half-wave potentials lie close together. The interference of dissolved oxygen was eliminated by the use of tetramethylammonium chloride as a supporting electrolyte.