Modified nanoalumina sorbent for sensitive trace cobalt determination in environmental and food samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract

1-(2-pryidylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) immobilized on sodium dodecyl sulfate-coated nano alumina was developed for the preconcentration and determination of metal cations Co (II) from environmental and food samples. The research results displayed that adsorbent has the highest adsorption capacity for Co (II) in this system. Desorption by elution of the adsorbent with 2.0 ml of a mixture of nitric acid and ethanol was carried out. After phase separation, the enriched analyte in the final solution is determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) by using a micro sample introduction system. Analytical influencing parameters including pH value, amount of sorbent, equilibrium time, sample volume, volume and concentration of eluent were examined. The effect of common matrix ions has also been investigated and it was found that they had no influence on cobalt preconcentration. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the maximum capacity of sorbent was obtained as 20 mg g⁻¹. The preconcentration factor and limit of detection were found to be 250 and 0.15 µg L⁻¹, respectively. This method showed good precision with the relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.4% and 2.1% in concentrations of 20 and 50 µg L⁻¹, respectively. The accuracy of the method was evaluated by comparison of results with those obtained by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. This method was successfully applied for preconcentration and determination of Co (II) in environmental and food samples.

Keywords:

• solid-phase extraction
• nanometer-sized γ-alumina
• preconcentration
• beverage samples
• flame atomic absorption spectrometry

Acknowledgements

The support by the Research Council of University of Tehran through a grant to conduct this study is gratefully acknowledged.