Application of potentiometric stripping analysis with constant inverse current for determining soluble lead in human teeth

A method for the determination of soluble lead in human teeth by potentiometric stripping analysis with constant inverse current in the analytic step (PSA-iR), is described. The metal ions were concentrated as their amalgams on the glassy carbon surface of a working electrode that was previously coated with a thin mercury film and then stripped by a suitable oxidant. This paper examined effect of various factors on the PSA-iR results including the electrolysis potential, the solution stirring rate, and the constant inverse current. Quantitative analysis was carried out by both standard addition and calibration curve methods; a good linearity was obtained in the concentration range from 5 to 25 (mu)g/dm^3. A detection limit of 0.64 (mu)g/dm^3 was obtained, with a 5.21% coefficient of variation. Results obtained for teeth were not significantly different from these obtained by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS).