Abstract

As (III) was determined by differential pulse polarography (DPP) in 1 mol L-1 HCl as supporting electrolyte. For quantification, the -0.35 V peak (versus Ag/AgCl) was chosen. The obtained detection and quantification limits were 2.7 (3 SD) and 8.9 (10 SD) μg L-1 respectively. The method was used for the determination of As (III) on surface water samples from Camarones River, located in Camarones area, province of Arica, Chile (this area’s water contain high levels of salinity). The results indicate that the proposed methodology is a suitable analytical alternative for As determination in natural waters with high levels of dissolved salts, as the waters of Camarones River. The method is not time consuming, nor tedious no prior treatment of the sample is required. The results show that As (III) concentrations in waters of Camarones River are about 10 times higher than the guide values established by WHO for water intended for human consumption.