Photokinetic voltammetric method for the determination of thiocyanate

Thiocyanate traces have a strong inhibitory effect on the oxidation of Neutral Red by potassium bromate under UV irradiation in diluted phosphoric acid. Neutral Red exhibits a sensitive second derivative oscillopolarographic wave at –0.6 V(vs. SCE) in diluted phosphoric acid and sodium acetate solution. The oscillopolarographic behavior of Neutral Red was selected as indicator component for its photo-activated oxidation. The photochemical reaction rate equation was determined. A detection limit of 0.3 ng mL^–1 (3σ/k) and a linear calibration curve from 2.0–48.0 ng mL^–1 thiocyanate were obtained. The method was applied to the determination of thiocyanate in urine, saliva and serum with satisfactory results.