The tin content of effluent can be quantified using the technique of stripping voltammetry, which allows determinations even at trace levels, and the process can be partially or fully automated
Trace metal analyses including tin can be performed with the same or better sensitivity for the fraction of the cost of acquiring an AAS or ICP instrument using the technique of voltammetry.
Tin is a natural element in the earth's crust and tin and its compounds are released into the environment by both natural processes and human activities like mining, burning of coal, or the use of tin compounds.
Metallic tin - itself not particularly toxic - released to the environment will quickly form inorganic tin compounds.
Studies conducted on animals and humans have shown that ingestion of large quantities of inorganic tin can cause stomach ache, anaemia, as well as liver and kidney problems.
Inorganic tin will bind to sediments and particles in water, so it is important to monitor the level of tin present in effluent discharges - and Metrohm says this can easily and reliably be performed using its 797 VA Computrace.
This is described as a modern voltammetric measuring instrument that connects to a PC directly via an USB connection.
The intuitive Windows XP based PC software controls the measurement, records the measuring data and allows full evaluation of the recorded information.
The sample and auxiliary solutions are added to the reaction vessel, and the tin content is quantified using the technique of stripping voltammetry which allows determinations even at trace levels.
The whole process can be partially or fully automated through the use of Metrohm Dosino dispensing devices and autosamplers.
The low running costs are an additional bonus point for voltammetry, requiring no expensive combustible gases or reconstruction of the laboratory infrastructure to accommodate specialist ducting and fume hoods.
Apart from the small amounts of reagents required for the analysis, only small volumes of pure nitrogen are required.
Voltammetry is an accepted technique and numerous standards exist that describe voltammetry for the determination of various trace metals including ISO, EPA and DIN methods.
