Preconcentration and extraction of copper, lead and iron cations on modified activated carbon by using analytical solid phase extraction method and separation and determination by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry

In this article، a novel method that utilizes N،N′- bis (5- boromo salicyliden) 2،2- dimetyl 1،3- propan diamine- modified activated carbon as a solid-phase extractant has been developed for simultaneous preconcentration of trace Cu2+، Pb2+and Fe2+ prior to the measurement by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Experimental conditions for effective adsorption of trace levels of Cu2+، Pb2+and Fe2+ were optimized using batch and column procedures in detail. The optimum pH value for the separation of metal ions simultaneously on the new sorbent was 5 and the adsorbed metal ions could be completely eluted by using 6. 0 mL 4. 0 molL−1 HNO3 solution. Common coexisting ions did not interfere with the separation and determination of target metal ions. The maximum static adsorption capacity of the sorbent at optimum conditions was found to be. 8، 39. 9،77. 8 and 17. 3mgg−1 for Cu2+، Pb2+and Fe2+، respectively. The detection limits of the method were found to be 1. 47، 3. 1 and 2. 65 µgL−1 for Cu2+، Pb2+and Fe2+ respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the method was lower than 4. 0% (n = 8). The method was successfully applied for the preconcentration of trace Cu2+، Pb2+and Fe2+ in natural and certified samples with satisfactory results.