Voltam metric determination of thallium and lead in sediment samples

For thallium and lead determination in sediment samples electrochemical techniques were applied. Tl was determined by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry at a hanging mercury drop electrode. Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) added to the supporting electrolyte, allowed to determine Tl even in the presence of thousand-fold excess of Pb. Lead content was estimated by subtractive square wave anodic stripping voltammetry using Ag electrode. Additionally, in analysed samples Tl, Pb, Cd and Sn were also determined using ICP-MS and ICP-OES techniques. Samples of sediments collected from highly polluted region- Bukowno were digested using microwave high-pressure decomposition with a mixture of HNO 3 , HCl and HF.