Simultaneous electrochemical analysis of heavy metals in atmospheric deposits

Technical difficulties and the high cost of instrumental sampling have caused few atmospheric studies to be conducted. Herein we present a study showing the potential use of tree leaves and adjacent soils as an alternative to direct monitoring of air quality. This work describes the detection and quantification of trace metal concentrations (Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Cu²⁺) in an acid-soluble fraction of atmospheric deposits on tree leaves of Ficus rubiginosa and adjacent soils, sampled at different selected points in Mohammedia city (Morocco Kingdom), using the electrochemical technique of square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). This method employs a rotating disk of glassy carbon electrode as a working electrode, modified with thin mercury film (RDGCE/TMF). This technique enhances the sensitivity of all the investigated heavy metals (HMs), with a detection limit of approximately 30 ppb. The range of heavy metal concentrations in dry tree leaves was 4-58, 4-60, and 2-18 mg/kg for Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Cu²⁺, respectively. Concentrations in dry soil were 1.32-19, 1.5-36.26, and 0.75-8.75 mg/kg for Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Cu²⁺, respectively.The concentrations of heavy metals in soil are lower in comparison to tree leaves.