Me-BTABr reagent in cloud point extraction for spectrometric determination of copper in water samples

Abstract

A new preconcentration method using cloud point approach is proposed for copper determination. The reagent 2-[2′-(6-methyl-benzothiazolylazo)]-4- bromophenol (Me-BTABr) was used as a complexing agent and Triton X-114 was added as a surfactant. After phase separation, dilution of the surfactant-rich phase with acidified methanol was performed, and the copper content was measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The proposed procedure allowed the determination of copper with detection limit of 1.08 μg L-1. The validation of the procedure was carried out by analysis of certified reference material. The method was successfully applied to copper determination in river and well water samples. © 2006 Sociedade Brasileira de Química.