Characterization and application of humic acid modified carbon electrodes

Four routes for the modification of carbon electrodes with humic acids and the determination of three divalent metallic cations were studied. The determination of bound Fe2+, Cu2+ and Ni2+ was performed by cyclic and square wave voltammetry using either a batch or flow analysis system. Using the FIA system and SWV, linear relationships between the oxidation (or reduction) current and the cations concentration were obtained with the modified electrodes, while no signals were obtained for the same conditions for bare carbon electrodes. The system can be used to study the interaction between a wide range of electroactive cations and humic substances; however, the performance as an analytical tool is limited due to the high limits of detection (μM). However, some advantages like simplicity, short analysis time, inexpensive instrumentation needs and miniaturization capabilities are remarkable.