Trace Determination of Selected Heavy Metals by Differential-Pulse and Stripping Polarography in Environmental and Biological Samples

Abstract

A sensitive, economical polarographic methodology for trace determination of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Se, As) in environmental and biological matrices is described. The method combines sample digestion/pretreatment with optimization of supporting electrolyte and differential pulse/stripping polarographic parameters for low-ppb detection. Method performance (linearity, limit of detection, precision, accuracy, interference studies) is reported, and results are compared with established electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques. The polarographic approach is shown to be rapid, cost-effective, and suitable for on-site or lab screening where expensive instrumentation is unavailable.

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