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2008
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In the Laboratory
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An Environmentally Friendly, Cost-Effective Determination of Lead in Environmental Samples Using Anodic Stripping Voltammetry
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Michael J. Goldcamp, Melinda N. Underwood, Joshua L. Cloud, and Sean Harshman
Department of Chemistry, Wilmington College, Wilmington, OH 45177
Kevin Ashley
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, 45226
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July 2008
Vol. 85 No. 7
p. 976
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| Abstract |
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Contamination of the environment with heavy metals such as lead presents many health risks. Simple, effective, and field-portable methods for the measurement of toxic metals in environmental samples are vital tools for evaluating the risks that these contaminants pose. This article describes the use of new developments in anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) in an experiment that analyzes environmental samples for Pb content. In this experiment, students extract a sample such as riverbed sediment with dilute acid, facilitated by ultrasonic extraction, and analyze it for Pb using ASV. Owing to complex matrix effects of these samples, the standard addition method is used to determine the concentration of Pb. Determinations of Pb in sediment from the Little Miami River in Ohio showed average Pb levels of 9.3 ± 1.4 ppm. This experiment replaces traditional, costly working electrodes such as glassy carbon with inexpensive, disposable graphite pencil "lead" electrodes. Additionally, bismuth film electrodes are used, which are more environmentally friendly than traditional mercury films and eliminate the cost and hazards of mercury usage and disposal. The primary goal of this experiment is to teach the analytical electrochemical method of ASV for trace metal analysis, and it is targeted for an upper-level undergraduate instrumental methods course, with possible applications in an environmental chemistry course.
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| Supplement |
Student handouts; Instructor notes
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| More Information |
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Citation |
Goldcamp, Michael J.; Underwood, Melinda N.; Cloud, Joshua L.; Harshman, Sean; Ashley, Kevin. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 976.
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Keywords |
Analytical Chemistry; Electrochemistry; Environmental Chemistry; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; Instrumental Methods; Laboratory Instruction; Lead; Metals; Transition Elements; Upper-Division Undergraduate
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History |
Created:
Last Updated: |
5/27/2008
6/4/2008
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 Caution! | | Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations. |
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976
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