Determination of trace amounts of lead and copper in water samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry after cloud point extraction

Abstract

The need for highly reliable methods for the determination of trace metals is recognized in analytical chemistry and environmental science. A method based on the cloud-point extraction (CPE) technique for the trace analysis of Pb and Cu in water samples is described in this study. The analytes in the initial aqueous solution are complexed with pyrogallol, and 0.1%(w/v) Triton X-114 is added as surfactant. Following phase separation at 50°C, based on the cloud point of the mixture and dilution of the surfactant-rich phase with acidified methanolic solution, the enriched analytes are determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. After optimization of the complexation and extraction conditions, the enrichment factors of Pb and Cu were found to be 72 and 85, respectively. Under optimum conditions, the preconcentration of 60 mL of samples in the presence of 0.1%(w/v) Triton X-114 permitted the detection of 0.4 μgL-1 of Pb and 0.05 μgL-1 of Cu. The proposed method was applied successfully to the determination of Pb and Cu in water samples.