Platinum and rhodium in a polluted environment: studying the emissions of automobile catalysts with emphasis on the application of CSV rhodium analysis

An analytical approach is presented that utilizes CSV (cathodic stripping v oltammetry) determination of Pt and Ph in polluted common grass, successful ly discriminating trends in the imission situation. A sampling strategy was developed leading to clear spatial trends. It is shown that additional det ection of Ph helps to confirm accuracy even of peak Pt concentrations. Appl icability and reliability of CSV Ph (and Pt) detection is proven during com parative measurements in other laboratories. Independent instrumental metho ds (ICP-MS, docimasy) confirmed CSV results, particularly in the case of Rh . In 1997, concentrations of Pt and Ph in grass samples were found to be 2. 7 times higher than in 1994, and in dust samples 3.9 times higher than in 1 994, respectively. Percentage of cars equipped with catalytic converters, o n the other hand, was 2.4 times higher in 1997 compared with 1994. Some of the first rhodium concentrations in environmental samples are reported.