摘要

A vibrating, gold, microwire electrode (VGME) is used here to detect low nanomolar levels of dissolved Mn by anodic stripping chronopotentiometry (ASC) and sub-nanomolar levels of dissolved Zn by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) in seawater. Mn is detected using a deposition potential (E(dep)) of -1.35 V, and Zn using E(dep) = -0.9 V, at pH 8. The method is an example of under-potential deposition (UPD), with positive shifts of the metal oxidation potentials of 0.4-0.6V compared to the mercury electrode. The limits of detection for Mn (1.4 nM) and for Zn (0.3 nM) in seawater with a 300-s plating time, are better than achieved using other non-mercury based electrodes and nearly as good as a mercury film electrode for Zn. The detection of sub-nanomolar Mn is subject to an unusual interference by arsenate, which lowers the sensitivity when the deposition time is extended beyond 300 s. The VGME has advantages related to robustness, stability and ease of use (no polishing, simple regeneration) facilitating on-site and in-situ use. Zn and Mn are readily measured in seawater of natural pH without the need for reagents, facilitating use of this method in a system for in-situ monitoring. The methods are applied here to coastal seawater (Liverpool Bay, Irish Sea) and can be used for freshwaters such as river water.

  • 出版日期2011