Frequently Asked Question

## Anodic Stripping Voltammetry: A Detailed Explanation
1. Introduction:
Anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) is an electroanalytical technique used to determine the concentration of trace metals in a sample. It involves two steps: preconcentration and stripping.
2. Preconcentration:
The analyte is deposited onto a working electrode (usually a hanging mercury drop electrode or a thin-film electrode) by applying a cathodic potential. This reduces the metal ions in the solution to their metallic form, causing them to accumulate on the electrode surface.
The preconcentration step is typically performed for a fixed time, allowing the analyte to deposit onto the electrode.
3. Stripping:
After preconcentration, the potential is scanned in the anodic direction (positive direction).
The deposited metal is oxidized and released back into the solution, producing a current peak.
The height of the peak is proportional to the concentration of the analyte in the original sample.
4. Advantages of ASV:
High sensitivity: ASV is very sensitive, allowing for the determination of trace metals at the ppb (parts per billion) level.
Versatility: The technique can be used to analyze a wide range of metals in various matrices (e.g., water, biological samples, food).
Simplicity: The instrumentation is relatively simple and affordable.
5. Limitations of ASV:
Matrix effects: The presence of other metals or substances in the sample can affect the deposition and stripping processes.
Interferences: Other electroactive species in the sample can interfere with the analyte signal.
6. Applications of ASV:
Environmental monitoring (e.g., heavy metal contamination in water)
Food safety (e.g., analysis of metal content in food products)
Biological analysis (e.g., determination of trace metals in blood or urine)
Industrial process control (e.g., monitoring metal content in industrial wastewater)