Determination of Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ in seawater using a shipborne detection device

A shipborne detection device has been developed for the detection of heavy metal ions in offshore seawater, utilizing a mercury film electrode. The automatic determination of Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions in seawater can be conducted without any manual intervention. Waste solutions are collected in a recycling bag for subsequent treatment, thereby preventing environmental pollution. The accuracy, as well as the stability of the measurements, were thoroughly examined. The relative standard deviation for Pb²⁺ was determined to be 7.02% after conducting 10 repeated tests using a standard solution concentration of 5 μg L⁻¹ and the relative standard deviation of Cd²⁺ is 2.65%. Linear calibration curves have been established along with detection limits of 0.31 μg L⁻¹ for both Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions. Ultimately, this shipborne detection device was successfully employed for the in-situ determination of Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ ions in seawater.