Determination of trace elements in natural water using X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry after preconcentration with powdered silica gel

Abstract

Abstract A simple and cheap method is described for simultaneous determination of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn contents in water by means of wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectrometry after preconcentration. The method of preconcentration is based on sorbing analytes onto silica gel powder. 1‐(2‐pyridylazo)‐2‐naphthol (PAN) is used as a chelating agent. The effect of some parameters such as pH, temperature, stirring time, amount of ligand, breakthrough volume and the limit of detection has been studied. The detection limits 0.120, 9.75 × 10 −4 , 0.075, 0.070, 0.061, 0.089, 0.029 and 0.044 mg l −1 were achieved for V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn, respectively. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.