Application of stripping voltammetry method for the analysis of available copper, zinc and manganese contents in soil samples

Determination of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) micronutrients in soil samples have been studied for an efficient fertiliser application. Plant-available micronutrients of soils were extracted with DTPA extraction procedure, then differential pulse stripping voltammetry (DPSV) and square wave stripping voltammetry (SWSV) methods were performed with inexpensive and disposable pencil graphite electrode for determination of Cu(II), Zn(II) and Mn(II). Parameters such as deposition potential, deposition time, pH and concentration of the supporting electrolyte were optimised for these ions. Under optimised conditions, the limits of detection were found as 0.01mg L-1 for Cu(II) and 0.02mg L-1 for Zn(II) and 0.25mg L-1 for Mn(II). Relative standard deviation (%RSD) was 6.80, 8.86 and 3.29 for Cu(II), Zn(II) and Mn(II), respectively. The experimental study was conducted using a flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. The described stripping voltammetry methods were successfully applied for the determination of Mn(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) in soil samples.