The Use of a Solid Bismuth Microelectrode for Vanadium Quantification by Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry in...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Conventional sensors for vanadium(V) often rely on toxic mercury.
• There is a need for environmentally friendly alternatives in water quality analysis.
• Solid bismuth electrodes offer a promising, less toxic alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an environmentally friendly solid bismuth microelectrode for voltammetric quantification of vanadium(V).
• To establish a sensitive and selective method for analyzing vanadium(V) in natural water samples.
• To replace mercury-based sensors with a safer alternative.

Main Methods:

• Voltammetric quantification using a solid bismuth microelectrode.
• Preconcentration of vanadium(V) via electroactive complexes with cupferron in acetate buffer.
• Electrode surface activation at -2.5 V for enhanced analytical performance.

Main Results:

• Achieved linearity for vanadium(V) in the range of 8 × 10^-10 to 1 × 10^-7 mol L^-1.
• Obtained a low limit of detection of 2.5 × 10^-10 mol L^-1 with a 1-minute preconcentration time.
• Demonstrated high selectivity and accuracy, with recovery rates of 96%–106% in real water samples.

Conclusions:

• The developed solid bismuth microelectrode method is a viable, eco-friendly alternative for vanadium(V) quantification in natural waters.
• The procedure offers high sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy, suitable for direct analysis of various water types.
• This approach contributes to safer and more sustainable environmental monitoring practices.