Simultaneous quantification of Bi(III) and U(VI) in environmental water samples with a complicated matrix containing organic compounds

Trace amounts of bismuth(III) and uranium(VI) can be simultaneously determined in a single scan by adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry in the presence of cupferron as a complexing agent. Optimal conditions were found to be: 0.1 mol L(-1) acetate buffer (pH 5.3), 5 × 10(-5) mol L(-1) cupferron, accumulation potential of -0.25 V, and accumulation time of 30 s. The linear range of Bi(III) and U(VI) was observed over the concentration range from 2 × 10(-9) to 2 × 10(-7) mol L(-1) and from 1 × 10(-8) to 5 × 10(-7) mol L(-1), respectively. The influence of the main components of real water samples such as foreign ions and organic substances (surface active substances, humic substances) was precisely investigated. The method was applied to the simultaneous measurements of bismuth and uranium in natural water samples.