Determination of Pb2+ in natural water with a polymer electrode coupled with a flow analysis device†

Abstract

Lead (Pb²⁺) has adverse effects on the human body due to its non-biodegradability and bioaccumulation. In this study, a flow analysis device was designed for in situ determination. A poly(pyrrole thiourea) electrode was used for the determination of Pb²⁺ in water coupled with this flow analysis device. The interference of co-existing ions and the precision, as well as the repeatability were examined. The relative standard deviation of Pb²⁺ was found to be 4.35% by repeating the test 25 times of 15 μg L⁻¹ standard solution. Under the optimized detection conditions, a limit of detection (3σ/slope) of 0.25 μg L⁻¹ was obtained between 2.5 and 100 μg L⁻¹. Finally, continuous determination of Pb²⁺ in drinking water and lake water in campus was carried out, which verified the applicability of the device in the detection of Pb²⁺ in natural water.