Simultaneous determination of trace amounts of zinc, lead and copper in rum by anodic stripping voltammetry

The determination of traces of Zn, Pb and Cu in rum samples by anodic stripping voltammetry without previous treatment or addition of a supporting electrolyte, using a hanging mercury drop electrode, is described. The choice of an appropriate stripping voltammetric method and deposition potential minimizes the influence of the organic content and ensures good reproductibility of the measurements. The reliability of the method was tested by comparing the results with those given by absorption spectrometry, the differences being about 10%. The method allows heavy metal ions to be determined in the mu g 1(-1) concentration range.