Resolving the copper interference effect on the stripping chronopotentiometric response of lead(II) obtained at bismuth film screen-printed electrode

As copper(II) is a common ion in a variety of analytical samples, its effect on the stripping response of lead(II) at bismuth film screen-printed carbon electrode (BFSPCE) was investigated. The study was conducted using a screen-printed three-electrode system (working, counter and reference electrodes), with the carbon-working electrode plated in situ with bismuth film. Copper present at significant concentration level in samples was found to affect the sensitivity of the electrode by reducing the constant current stripping chronopotentiometric (CCSCP) response of lead(II). Recovery of the lead stripping response at the BFSPCE in the presence of copper was obtained when 0.1 mM ferricyanide was added to the test solution. The ferricyanide added circumvents the detrimental effect of copper(II) by selectively masking the copper ions by forming a complex. The analytical utility of the procedure is illustrated by the stripping chronopotentiometric determinations of lead(II) in soil extracts.