Simultaneous Determination of Trace Heavy Metals in Waters by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry After Preconcentration by Solvent Extraction

Abstract

Abstract A simple and rapid method for the simultaneous extraction of heavy metals using a new reagent 5-(2′-carbomethoxyphenyl; azo-8-quinolinol(R) into methyl isobutyl. ketone (MIBK) and their subsequent determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry is described. The method has been applied to the determination of Cu. Pb, Ni, Fe, Cr, Co and Mo in drinking and bore well waters. The extraction has been carried out with an aqueous to organic phase ratio to achieve around 30 fold preconcentration of metals. Extraction parameters and the influence of diverse ions have been studied. The detection limits (36) for Cu, Pb, Ni, Fe, Cr, Co and Mo are 0.07, 0.23, 0.15, 0.09, 0.22, 0.17, 0.38 μg/l, respectively. Higher preconcentration factors can be achieved by using a higher aqueous to organic phase ratio and lower concentration of metals can be determined.