Determination of picomolar levels of platinum in estuarine waters: A comparison of cathodic stripping voltammetry and isotope dilution-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

A comparative study to determine picomolar concentrations of platinum in natural waters was performed using two different analytical techniques. Results obtained by cathodic stripping voltammetry (CSV) were compared with those obtained by isotope dilution-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ID-ICPMS) combined with anion exchange resin column extraction method. Using successive UV irradiations with low-pressure mercury (L-Hg) lamp for 4 h prior to CSV analysis, the results of both methods were comparable. Without adequate photolytic decomposition, the results obtained using CSV were generally lower than those obtained using ID-ICPMS in the estuarine waters around Tokyo Bay. This difference implies the presence of organically complexed Pt species in the estuarine waters. The Pt enrichment in the middle of the Tokyo Bay estuaries probably reflects the anthropogenic release of Pt from highly populated areas in Tokyo.