There are several options available for measuring trace levels of metals in water and other matrices, including atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and voltammetry (VA). Each technique has advantages and limitations, therefore selecting a technique depends strongly on the details of the sample and the analysis requirements. Briefly, here are some situations where VA may be the best choice:
Samples with high salt content, such as sea water and brine. The presence of salts in the matrix is generally no problem for voltammetric analysis, but it usually complicates ICP-MS measurements.
White paper: Green alternative methods for voltammetric analysis in different water matrices
Application Note: Cadmium and lead in drinking water with a Bi drop electrode
Application Note: Cadmium, lead, and copper in brine and sodium hydroxide
Application Bulletin: Determination of zinc, cadmium, lead, copper, thallium, nickel and cobalt in water samples by anodic and adsorptive stripping voltammetry according to DIN 38406-16
Situations where portability (946 Portable VA Analyzer) is necessary, or laboratory space is limited, since VA analyzers are relatively small (the 884 Professional VA is roughly the size of your kitchen microwave) and portable options for field measurements are available.
When speciation is important, voltammetric analysis can be the ideal solution. Since VA measures the electrochemical signal produced when the ion interacts with the electrode, it is often possible to distinguish between the various oxidation states of the analyte. Examples include Arsenic, Selenium, Tin, Iron.