Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry as a rapid screening technique for heavy metal intoxications

This paper describes a relatively simple and rapid analytical procedure capable to carry out systematic screening for 10 heavy metals, namely mercury, bismuth, antimony, copper, lead, tin, thallium, indium, cadmium and zinc. Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry was chosen because of its simplicity, speed, low cost, low detection limits, screening potential for a wide selection of metals and the combined qualitative and quantitative output. The method of identification is based on measuring peak potentials in 2 different types of electrolyte solution, using 2 different electrodes. Complexing agents are used to mask certain elements.