Evaluation of the electrochemical behavior of pentachlorophenol by cyclic voltammetry on carbon paste electrode modified by humic acids

Humic substances, or natural recalcitrant organic matter, have an important role in the environment for their plant nutritional functions or for their capability to control the mobility of xenobiouic substances, such as pesticides. To verify the electrochemical behavior of pentachlorophenol (PCP), cyclic voltammetry was used because of its versatility. The following two different electrodes were used: carbon paste electrode (CPE) and carbon paste electrode chemically modified with humic acid (HACMCPE). The results demonstrated that PCP was better accumulated at the HACMCPE electrode, as a consequence of a larger current signal than at the CPE electrode. Cyclic voltammograms showed oxidation steps of PCP itself and probable production of quinonelike compounds.