Application of CPE-FAAS Methodology for the Analysis of Trace Heavy Metals in Real Samples using Phenanthraquinone Monophenyl Thiosemicarbazone and Triton X-114

Abstract

In the present study, a cloud point extraction method was used for the preconcentration and extraction of cadmium (II) and zinc (II) ions in different environmental samples. The zinc and cadmium ions formed hydrophobic complexes with phenanthraquinone monophenyl thiosemicarbazone (PPT). These complexes were extracted using Triton X-114 nonionic surfactant. The surfactant-rich phase was diluted with acidified methanol. Then, the concentrations of the metal ions were determined by FAAS. The experimental factors controlling the process of separation are investigated e.g., pH, complexing agent concentration, surfactant's concentration, temperature, and incubation time. The present CPE-FAAS procedure has been used to preconcentrate and determine Cd(II) and Zn(II) metal ions in natural water samples, drug samples and certified reference materials. The LODs for cadmium(II) and zinc(II) ions were 0.38 and 1.85 μg/L, respectively with a preconcentration factor of 100. The recovery % of the extracted Cd(II) and Zn(II), is greater than 90% and the relative standard deviation(RSD,%) is less than 5%.