Anodic stripping voltammetry is used to detect which metals?

• A. Lead and iron
• B. Mercury and cadmium
• C. Zinc and copper
• D. Nickel and chromium

Answer: (A)

Anodic stripping voltammetry detects trace metal ions by first depositing them onto a working electrode at a negative potential, then oxidizing them back into solution (stripping) while recording the current. The resulting stripping peaks are specific to each metal and proportional to its concentration, giving very high sensitivity for trace metals. This technique is routinely used for metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, zinc, copper, nickel, and chromium in environmental and clinical samples. Iron is not typically targeted in standard ASV measurements because its signals can be less distinct and more prone to interference. So, ASV is best understood as a method for detecting these common heavy metals at low levels, rather than iron.