Extraction of Cu2+ and Co2+ by using Tricholoma populinum loaded onto Amberlite XAD-4

Abstract

In this work, an alternative preconcentration process suggested based on using Tricholoma populinum as a fungal biosorbent for the sensitive preconcentration of Cu2+ and Co2+. Amberlite XAD-4 was utilized for the loading of the biomass in solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure. It was found that T. populinum loaded with XAD-4 resin was a selective biosorbent for the preconcentration of Cu2+ and Co2+. Experimental variables in SPE procedure such as pH, the flow rate of the sample, type and concentration of eluent, amount of T. populinum and of XAD-4 resin, sample volume, and potential interfering ion effect were studied. Surface functionalities of the metal-loaded and metal-unloaded biosorbent were determined by comparing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra and scanning electron microscopy images. Limit of detection values for Cu2+ and Co2+ were found as 0.034 and 0.019 ng mL−1, respectively. The linear range was found as 0.2–15 ng mL−1 for both analytes. Relative standard deviation values were found as lower than 3.0%. Certified reference materials were applied for process validation, and also, the concentrations of Co2+ and Cu2+ were investigated in real water, vegetable, and soil samples. So, the method developed could be utilized for the preconcentrations of Cu2+ and Co2+ for routine analysis. This method can be used as an inexpensive and accessible alternative to GF-AAS or ICP-MS methods.