An on-line flow-injection sorbent extraction system coupled with flame atomic absorption spectrometry for thallium determination using a PTFE turning-packed column

Abstract

A novel time-based flow-injection–solid-phase extraction system (FI–SPE) coupled with flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) for automatic on-line preconcentration and determination of thallium was developed. The efficiency of poly-tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) turnings packed into a column as sorbent material was investigated for thallium extraction. Total thallium was determined by oxidizing thallium(I) to thallium(III), adding bromine in acidic solution. The formed [TlBr4]− anionic bromo complex was retained onto the PTFE turnings by on-line mixing with sodium diethyl dithiocarbamate (DDTC). The preconcentrated Tl(III)-DDTC complex was then effectively eluted with methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) and introduced into the flame atomizer for measurement and quantification. The column proved to be effective, stable, and reproducible, with a long lifetime. The enrichment factor was 105 for 60 s preconcentration time, and the sampling frequency 40 h−1. The detection limit was 1.93 µg L−1, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 3.2% at 50.0 µg L−1 concentration. The accuracy of the proposed method was estimated by analyzing certified reference materials and environmental and biological samples.