Abstract: 3130 A. Introduction

Anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) is one of the most sensitive metal analysis techniques. For some metals, ASV is as much as 10 to 100 times as sensitive as electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy. This corresponds to detection levels in the nanogram-per-liter range. The technique requires no sample extraction or preconcentration; is nondestructive; and allows for simultaneous determination of 4 to 6 trace metals, using inexpensive instrumentation. However, ASV is restricted to alloy-forming metals, the analysis time is longer than for spectroscopic methods, and interferences and high sensitivity can present severe limitations. The analysis should be performed only by analysts skilled in ASV methodology because of the interferences and potential for trace background contamination.