Uranium determination enhanced via a novel U(VI)-chloroanilic-acid-nitrate catalytic adsorptive stripping voltammetric system

Uranium is a toxic and radioactive element that poses significant health and environmental risks when present in groundwater and other environmental media. This study introduces a novel voltammetric procedure for uranium determination, demonstrating that combined catalytic and adsorptive effects can significantly enhance its voltammetric signal. Additionally, for the first time, positive-going voltammograms recorded in 0.15 M CH₃COOH, 0.02 mM chloranilic acid (CAA), and 0.01 M KNO₃ were used to determine U(VI), offering higher sensitivity and lower detection limits (S = 0.67 ± 0.02 A M⁻¹, LOD = 0.001 µM) compared to conventional negative-going scans (S = 0.283 ± 0.005 A M⁻¹, LOD = 0.005 µM). By integrating results from voltammetric, electrolytic, spectrophotometric, and colorimetric (Nessler’s reagent) tests, the product of the electrode reaction was identified and its mechanism was proposed. The applicability of this method was verified by determining uranium in aqueous extracts of concrete waste, confirming its suitability for environmental monitoring and reliable assessment of potentially contaminated sites.