Pulsed anodic stripping voltammetry of zinc,cadmium and lead with a mercury-coated wax-impregnated graphite electrode

The use of a thin mercury-film wax-impregnated graphite electrode for the simultaneous determination of cadmium, lead and zinc in an acetate buffer by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry is described. Optimal instrumental parameters for maximum resolution and sensitivity for simultaneous analysis of these three elements in natural waters are discussed. The interference of copper with the determination of zinc is investigated in detail. An optimal mercury film thickness for this electrode is suggested.