Determination of copper(II) in wastewater by electroplating samples using a PVC-membrane copper(II)-selective electrode

Abstract

A PVC membrane containing 4-amino-6-methyl-1,2,4-triazin-3,5-dithione (AMTD) as a suitable ionophore, exhibits a Nernstian response for Cu²⁺ ions over a wide concentration range up to 1 × 10⁻¹ and 1 × 10⁻⁶ M, with a detection limit of 7.5 × 10⁻⁷ M in the pH range 3.0–7.5. It has a fast response time (<15 s) and can be used for at least 12 weeks without any major deviation in the potential. The electrode revealed a very good selectivity with respect to all common alkali, alkaline-earth, transition, and heavy-metal ions. It was successfully applied to the recovery of copper ions from wastewater. The electrode was also used as an indicator electrode in the potentiometric titration of Cu(II) ions with EDTA.