Atomic Absorption Analysis of Strong Heavy Metal Chelating Agents in Water and Waste Water

Abstract

A method for the analysis of total strong heavy metal chelating agents in water and waste water is described. The method is based upon the solubilization of copper by the chelating agents at pH 10 followed by filtration and atomic absorption analysis of soluble copper in the filtrate. The analysis gives total levels of strong chelating agents, a significant parameter insofar as the properties of natural waters and waste waters are concerned. The method is simple, sensitive, and relatively free of interferences. It can be applied to the analysis of individual chelating agents after separation. © 1973, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.