Determination of Cr (in small quantities) by adsorptive stripping voltammetry: a comparative study of square wave versus differential pulse

The usefulness of an analytical method must be measured according to its practical application possibilities. A comparative study has been carried out here between the SW (working in an open atmosphere) and DP (working with de-aerated solutions) variants of catalytic-stripping adsorptive voltammetry applied to the determination of chromium traces in triethylenetetraminehexaacetic acid (TTHA) medium. In order to optimise the analytical signal, accumulation potential, nitrate ion concentration, pH, and TTHA concentration parameters were evaluated. Four linearity ranges were established within the interval 0.5–2000 nmol L−1 chromium concentration in the cell, each with the recommended accumulation time. Quality parameters such as repeatability, linear regression, validity limits, precision, and sensitivity were evaluated. The SW variant is significantly advantageous when the chromium concentration in cell is less than 10 nmol L−1 and even more if analysis time, cost, and being able to work in an open atmosphere are considered. The results are comparable to those obtained using GTAAS. Employing a CRM (tomato leaves), the accuracy is 1–4%. The proposed procedure, using tree leaves as samples, has been successfully tested for the possible monitoring of chromium contamination of the atmosphere.