Characterization of trace metal species and measurement of trace metal stability constants by electrochemical techniques

Differential pulse polarography and differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry were used to determine copper, lead, cadmium and zinc complexes of relevance to environmental conditions. The dependency of peak current on pH and alkalinity was interpreted in terms of the variation in the metal species present. Stability constants of copper and lead complexes with carbonate were determined from the magnitude of the shift of peak potential using the method of Lingane. Inclusion of the transfer coefficient, calculated from the peak half-width for electrochemically irreversible systems, was used to determine the stability constant. By using both electroanalytical techniques, the investigator validates the correctness of his results without needing to rely on prior determinations of the stability constant for verification.