Voltammetric determination of trace levels of Hg in ayurvedic medicine and in cobalt-containing samples using a carbon paste electrode.

An analytical method has been described for the determination of mercury using a carbon paste electrode. Conditions for the preparation of the carbon paste electrode were optimized for low background current in order to use it for the determination of ultra trace levels of mercury. The carbon paste electrode was found to be a good electrode material for the determination of mercury. The optimized pH for the determination was in the range of 2.5 to 3.5. The three sigma detection limit of mercury was obtained as 0.095 µg L(-1). Method has been modified for determination of mercury in cobalt sulfate samples.