Voltammetric Detection of Cadmium in Groundwater

Current methods for detecting heavy metals in subsurface strata require detailed sampling procedures followed by laboratory analysis which are time consuming and laborious. In-situ detection and quantification of metal ions has been severely impeded due to the lack of a reliable, robust and sensitive detection technique. This paper presents a novel strategy for the detection of cadmium in groundwater using voltammetric techniques. Several electrochemical methods were investigated, including differential pulse and square wave voltammetry coupled with anodic stripping voltammetry. Experiments were conducted using a three electrode system consisting of a glassy carbon working electrode, platinum wire auxiliary electrode, and Ag/AgCl reference electrode. Here we report the techniques that provide optimal sensitivity for cadmium detection. The techniques display the feasibility of both the detection and quantitative measurement of cadmium in water down to 3.75 ppm. Analytical methods described herein provide an efficient, low cost, and rapid technique for heavy metal detection in groundwater.