Anodic dissolution polarography used for the direct determination of metals in uranium

An electrochemical method of analysis, consisting of pre-concentration and determination of the elements Cd, Pb, Tl, Bi and Cu, present as impurities in uranium salts has been developed. The anodic stripping polarography has been employed using a dropping mercury electrode. The interference of uranium itself in the determination of these elements was eliminated by changing its reduction potential to - 1,0V (with respect to the Ag/AgCl electrode), thus making possible the analysis of the elements that are reduced at more positive potentials. This was achieved by the addition of sufficient amount of K2CO3 to the uranyl chloride solution (in the 4:1 carbonate to uranyl ratio) so as to form the uranyl tricarbonate ([UO2(CO3)3]4-) complex anion. The supporting electrolyte was the uranyl complex in K2CO3 0,1M. The final concentration of uranium ranged from 2 to 5 g/l. The detection limits for the studied elements varied from 0,08 to 1,27 ppm (μg of the element/gU). This technique has proved to be very convenient since provides sensitivity and precision. The method makes possible the determination of mentioned elements directly in uranium solutions, avoiding any previous chemical separations