The voltammetric response of per-cathodic activated carbon steel electrode in deaerated 0.50 M NaHCO3 solution at pH 8.72 and 25degreesC at a scan rate of 25 mV s(-1) was investigated. The influence of cycling, potential excursion and scanning rate on the anodic behavior was studied. The results revealed a specific effect of HCO3- ions on the overall anodic process. The complex reaction pathways involving possible competitive anodic consecutive steps and related intermediates were discussed and summarized.