A constat-potential pulse waveform is applicable for the polacographic analysis of buffered solutions (pH ⩽= 7) of cathodically active metal ions without voltammetric interference from dissolved oxygen. The technique is demonstrated at a dropping mercury electrode for detection of lead(II) and cadmium(II) in a conventional polarographic Cell (ca. 75 ml) as well as for small samples (2 ml) in a flow-injection system. The flow-injection polarographic technique is recommended for higher sample throughout than conventional polagraphy and is demonstrated for an electroless copper plating solution containing about 1.5 × 10 –2 M copper(II).