Frequently Asked Question

## Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (ASV)
1. Introduction:
Anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) is an electroanalytical technique used for the highly sensitive determination of trace metals in various samples, including environmental, biological, and industrial samples.
2. Principle:
ASV involves two steps:

Electrodeposition: The analyte metal ions are first pre-concentrated on a working electrode (typically a hanging mercury drop electrode or a thin film mercury electrode) by applying a negative potential. This results in the deposition of the metal ions as a thin film on the electrode surface.

Anodic Stripping: The potential is then scanned in a positive direction, causing the deposited metal to oxidize and dissolve back into the solution. The oxidation current is measured, which is directly proportional to the concentration of the analyte metal in the original sample.
3. Procedure:

Sample Preparation: The sample is typically dissolved in a suitable electrolyte solution and purged with an inert gas (e.g., nitrogen) to remove dissolved oxygen.

Electrodeposition: A negative potential is applied for a fixed time, allowing the analyte metals to deposit onto the electrode surface.

Stripping: The potential is scanned in a positive direction, leading to the oxidation and dissolution of the deposited metal.

Measurement: The current generated during the stripping process is recorded as a voltammogram.
4. Advantages:

High Sensitivity: ASV offers excellent sensitivity, capable of detecting trace metals in the ppb (parts per billion) or even ppt (parts per trillion) range.
Versatility: It can be used for a wide range of metals, including heavy metals, transition metals, and precious metals.
5. Limitations:

Limited to Electroactive Species: Only metals that can be electrochemically deposited and stripped are amenable to ASV analysis.
Matrix Effects: The presence of other metals or organic compounds in the sample can interfere with the analysis.
6. Applications:

Environmental Monitoring: Detection of heavy metal pollutants in water, soil, and air.
Food Safety: Analysis of trace metals in food and beverages.
Biological Samples: Determination of metals in blood, urine, and tissue samples.
Industrial Processes: Monitoring of metal concentrations in plating baths, wastewater, and other industrial processes.