ABSTRACT
Anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) is a sensitive and precise electroanalytical technique for the detection of a number of metals in trace concentrations in environmental samples. Many heavy metals are toxic to living organisms and can produce undesirable effects even when present in extremely low concentrations. Since such metals are not biodegradable, they may accumulate and persist in the environment for long periods of time. ASV involves the use of voltammetric technique to concentrate metals by reduction onto a micro-electrode, followed by reoxidation at the anode to produce a peak-shaped graph of the current response as a function of potential. The method has the advantages of preconcentration to increase sensitivity and also of selectivity due to deposition of the metal at a known, constant potential.
