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Electrochemical generation of volatile Pb species on Au/Hg cathodes as a sample introduction technique in the determination of Pb by atomic absorption spectroscopy

Abstract:

We have used amalgamated Au cathodes for electrochemical generation of volatile lead hydride, PbH4. An electrochemical cell was coupled to an atomic absorption spectrometer, using the lead absorbance signal as a measure of production of volatile Pb hydride and univariate approach to optimize operational parameters. Cathode of Au/Hg showed better mechanical resistance and better tolerance to interfering ions than other traditional cathodes. Under optimized conditions, a 0.02 µg.L-1 (Sbl + 3s) detection limit for Pb (II) is reported in aqueous solutions. The accuracy of the method was determined by quantification of Pb in a river water material reference (SLRS-2/National Research Council Canada).