Development of a new methodology for determination of Cd, Ni, and Co at trace levels by mixed ultrasonic-assisted cloud point/solid phase extraction in micro micellar media: Optimization through response surface methodology

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate a new method of ultrasonic-assisted modified cloud point/solid phase extraction (UA-MCP/SPE) using silver nanoparticles and fast sequential module- flame atomic absorption measurements (FS-FAA) of Cd2+, Co2+, and Ni2+ in tuna fish samples. In this project, 2- acetyl benzofuran thiosemicarbazone (ABT) was synthesized and used as a complexing agent to functionalize Ag nanoparticles. Based on the specific properties of micro-micelle systems, the optimal conditions for phase separation and the effect of different parameters on the cloud point extraction were investigated. Some of the parameters include pH, temperature, surfactant volume, sonication time, and the amount of ABT-Ag.Nps have been selected and optimized by experimental design. Under optimal conditions, the calibration curve is linear from 0.32 to 550.00 µg L−1 for Cd2+, 0.21–620.00 µg L−1 for Co2+ and 0.11–590.00 µg L−1 for Ni2+. The detection limits of the method for Cd2+, Co2+, Ni2+ were 0.02, 0.01, and 0.03 μg L−1 respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) for twelve replicate for Cd2+, Co2+, and Ni2+ was 2.9%, 3.2% and 2.7%, respectively. The enrichment factor for them was 53.3, 69.2 and 56.9, respectively. The method has been successfully applied for the extraction of heavy metals in tuna fish samples.