Abstract
A simple, reliable and novel solid phase extraction procedure using the Empore™ chelating disk has been developed for determination of Tl(I) and Tl(III) in environmental water samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). The influence of humic acids on separation/preconcentration of thallium species with the Empore™ chelating disk is investigated. The preconcentration factor and detection limit are 500 and 5 ng L−1, respectively. The recoveries are in the range 93–103% for mineral, pond, sea, snowmelt, waste waters at 28–500 ng L−1 Tl and in the range 82–112% for river waters at 18–28 ng L−1 Tl.
Acknowledgement
The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education (N ВУ-Х-207/06).