Trace element analysis of marine organisms by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV)
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Abstract
Trace element analysis of marine organisms has generally been conducted by (1) sophisticated instrumentation (e. g., atomic absorption), (2) complicated cookbook laboratory procedures utilizing a host of chemicals and glassware, or (3) a combination of the above. All these procudures present problems to the investigator. For example, analysis by methods other than instrumentation are unable to detect minute amounts of various trace elements and in general are not extremely accurate. Problems common to all procedures are (1) relatively large amounts of sample (2 grams or more) are required for analyses of even the more common trace elements and (2) contamination of samples is almost a certainty due to complicated sample preparation procedures which include large amounts of glassware, chemicals and excessive handling of the sample.
The development of new anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV methods (Matson, 1968) has provided investigators with an instrument which (1) is capable of accurately detecting trace elements in minute quantities, (2) utilizes very small amounts of sample (0.01 mg) , (3) works on a simple operating principle which simplifies sample preparation thereby reducing the possibility of contamination, (4) can be used aboard small boats, and (5) is relatively inexpensive (compared to other instruments used for trace element analysis). Recent ASV literature (Matson, 1968, Fitzgerald, 1970; Bradford, 1972) has dealt exclusively with the analysis of salt water and sediments and does not provide an adequate method for analysis of marine organic matter. This paper reports on an investigation designed to develop the methodology necessary for ASV analysis of organic material from the marine environment.
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Trace element analysis of marine organisms by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) |
| Series title | Open-File Report |
| Series number | 79-392 |
| DOI | 10.3133/ofr79392 |
| Year Published | 1979 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Description | 12 p. |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |