Electroanalysis of trace manganese via cathodic stripping voltammetry: Exploration of edge plane pyrolytic graphite electrodes for environmental analysis

The determination of trace levels of manganese via cathodic stripping voltammetry at an edge plane pyrolytic graphite electrode (eppge) was evaluated for use in environmental analysis. The response of the eppge is compared with boron-doped diamond electrodes under quiescent conditions where the former is observed to have a three times higher sensitivity. Using this protocol with a stirred accumulation period, a detection limit of 14.2 nmol dm(-3) and a sensitivity of 14.2 Tool dm(-3) A(-1) is achieved with linearity from 25 to 250 nmol dm(-3), based on a 120 seconds accumulation period. The response at a carbon paste electrode is also compared under the same conditions with the eppge found to be superior in terms of sensitivity, detection limits and reproducibility. The efficacy of the protocol utilising the eppge was assessed in the determination of manganese in a certified seawater reference material, NASS-5, from the National Research Council Canada, which was found to be in excellent agreement with the independently verified sample