Simultaneous determination of trace uranium(VI) and zinc(II) by adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry with aluminon ligand

Uranium(VI) complexed with aluminon (3-[bis(3-carboxy-4-hydroxy-phenyl)methylene]-6-oxo-1,4-cyclohexadiene-1-carboxylic acid triammonium salt) was determined by adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry (ACSV) using a hanging mercury drop electrode. Trace uranium(VI) and zinc(II) can be simultaneously determined in a single scan in the presence of aluminon and urea. Optimal conditions were found to be: accumulation time; 180–200 s, accumulation potential; 50 mV versus Ag/AgCl, scan rate; 40 mV s−1, supporting electrolyte; 0.1 M sodium acetate buffer at pH 6.5–7.0, and concentration of aluminon; 1×10−6 M. The linear range of uranium(VI) and zinc(II) were observed over the concentration range 2–33 and 30–120 ng ml−1, respectively. The detection limit (S/N=3) are 0.2 ng ml−1 (uranium) and 30 ng ml−1 (zinc). A good reproducibility shows RSDs of 2.5–4.0% (n=10). The procedure offers high selectivity, with the presence of urea masking some metal ions.