Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry of Environmental Indicators: Determination of Zinc in Algae

The determination of persistent pollutants in the environment at trace concentrations requires techniques with high sensitivity and selectivity, such as electrochemical methods. This article describes the use of adsorptive stripping voltammetry for the determination of zinc in algae. It also describes the digestion procedure of the sample by means of an acid mixture with the aid of microwaves. This method allows students to use a standard experimental protocol together with the clean conditions required to measure trace metals. The experiment is appropriate for students involved in analytical techniques or in environmental chemistry courses.