The application of the ASV (Anodic Stripping Voltammetry) method using polarography for measuring trace amounts of As and Cd in water and wastewater samples

Arsenic (As) and Cadmium (Cd) among the heavy metals with detrimental effects on human health and the environment cause irreparable damage to nature and the biological species. The permissible concentration of these two cations in drinking water is 10 and 3 ppb, respectively. In this study, the concentrations of these two elements were measured seasonally over the course of one year in 22 drinking water wells in the villages of six districts in Urmia. The obtained results were compared with Iranian national standards and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. It was determined that the levels of these elements in the monitored areas was within the permissible range for drinking water. Statistical analyses showed no significant difference between the measured parameters and the national and WHO standards for drinking water (P 0.05). Considering the importance of continuous monitoring of drinking water sources and its impact on human health and the environment, it is recommended that monitoring could be conducted for all sources and reservoirs.