Salt, as food, is the most essential element for human survival due to its significant physiological functions. Here, we report the simultaneous detection of Pb and Cd in sea salt by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). Stripping voltammetric measurements were conducted using a manufactured rotating disk electrode system (MRDES). The detection limit was 3.6±0.18 µgL− 1 for Pb and 3.9±0.37 µgL− 1 Cd in NaCl solution. When the pH increased from 5.5 to 8.5, the peak currents of Pb and Cd decreased. At a pH of 8.3, the ratio of the current drop compared with that at a pH of 5.5 was 0.6 for Pb and 0.73 for Cd. The concentrations corrected by the current drop are in agreement with the concentrations obtained with ICP (inductively coupled plasma). This system demonstrates the reliable detection of heavy metals in aqueous media and, at a high Na + concentration, the successful application for the determination of Pb and Cd in sea salts.

• Yong Hoon Kim(Department of Agricultural Engineering, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration) Corresponding author
• Giyoung Kim(Department of Agricultural Engineering, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration)