The determination of trace amounts of zinc, cadmium, lead and copper in airborne particulate matter by anodic stripping voltammetry

The application of anodic stripping voltammetry, with a hanging mercury drop electrode, to the determination of zinc, cadmium, lead and copper in airborne particulate matter collected by filtration is discussed. This procedure allows for the destruction of the filter material followed by the complete dissolution (including silicates) of the collected particulate matter. A low-temperature ashing process is described and the recovery of cadmium in this procedure is studied. Analytical data obtained by anodic stripping and atomic absorption for zinc, cadmium, lead and copper are compared.