Stripping voltammetry involves the deposition of trace-metal analytes on an electrode surface. This is followed by its stripping—anodic, cathodic, or adsorptive—when the current is monitored as a function of the applied potential.

Anodic stripping voltammetry encompasses two steps. First, a constant cathodic potential is applied to the working electrode, causing the ions to be reduced to the corresponding metal deposited on the electrode.

Next, as an anodic potential is applied, the deposited metals are oxidized to their ionic states and stripped off the electrode surface. The resulting anodic current measured is proportional to the sample's analyte concentration.

Cathodic stripping voltammetry involves the oxidation of the mercury electrode that combines with the analyte to get deposited as an insoluble film. This is stripped back into the solution by scanning toward a more negative potential and measuring the cathodic current.

Adsorptive stripping voltammetry involves the adsorption of the analyte on the electrode surface without undergoing electrolysis, followed by either anodic or cathodic stripping.