Stripping chronopotentiometric detection of copper using screen-printed three-electrode system—application to acetic-acid bioavailable fraction from soil samples

Single-use sensors, incorporating a three-electrode configuration (graphite carbon-working electrode; carbon-counter electrode and silver/silver chloride-reference electrode), have been fabricated on a polyester substrate using low cost screen-printing (thick-film) technology. These electrodes coupled with constant current stripping chronopotentiometry (CCSCP), has provided a convenient screening tool for on-site detection of trace levels of copper. Modification of the graphite carbon surface based on in situ deposition of mercury film has been carried out. By appropriate choice of supporting medium and applied constant stripping current, well-resolved and reproducible response for copper was obtained. The stripping response for copper following 2 min deposition was linear over the concentration range examined (10–2000 ppb) with detection limit of 6 ppb using 2 M hydrochloric acid (HCl). Successful applications of the sensing device to acetic-acid bioavailable fraction of a certified reference material (CRM 601, a lake sediment) and soil samples are demonstrated.