An automated monitor to determine trace metal particle/dissolved interactions in natural waters

• Published in: Analytica chimica acta 2004-09, Vol.521 (1), p.69-76
• Main Authors: Biscombe, Angela, Nimmo, Malcolm, Gledhill, Martha, Achterberg, Eric P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry; Aerosols; Analytical chemistry; Anodic stripping voltammetry; Chemistry; Electrochemical methods; Exact sciences and technology; Seawater
• ISSN: 0003-2670; 1873-4324
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2004.05.066

A novel automated metal monitor was optimised and validated for high temporal resolution (every 45s to 5min) measurements of dissolved Cu by adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry (AdCSV), Pb and Zn by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV). The system was designed to allow the determination of both total (with UV digestion) and labile (without UV digestion) dissolved trace metal concentrations in seawater equilibrated with aerosol particles. There was negligible contamination or adsorption of trace metals from the experimental system and reaction vessel. Observed recoveries from certified reference materials for Cu, Pb and Zn were within the certified values; detection limits for total Cu, Pb and Zn were 28, 4 and 63nM, respectively. The system was applied to the investigation of the desorption of trace metals from an urban aerosol end-member (Liverpool Urban Particulate Material; LUPM, 50mgl−1) in seawater. Carefully controlled and optimised experimental conditions were implemented. The analytical limits of detection of Cu, Pb and Zn were