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Abstract
A method has been developed for determination of trace metals in natural waters at the sub ppb level using sorption under static conditions on fine chelating resin beads. The metal can be quickly eluted from loaded beads with acid for GFAAS analysis, or the beads can be slurried in acid solution for direct GFAAS measurement. The method was applied to natural fresh water samples and lead was detected at levels down to 0.1 μg/L. The method distinguishes between lead in stable complexes and free lead ion. It permits preconcentration of trace metals from water in the field, thus avoiding the need to transport bulky water samples to the laboratory, and prevents the possibility of species inter-converting during storage and transportation. The sample-loaded beads can be stored before analysis with no apparent change in results.