Attapulgite modified with 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde as selective solid-phase extractant for determination of copper(II) in environmental samples by ICP-OES

Attapulgite modified with 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde was prepared and applied to the separation, preconcentration and determination of Cu(II) in aqueous solutions by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Experimental conditions for effective adsorption of trace levels of Cu(II) were optimized using batch and column procedures. The optimum pH value for the separation of Cu(II) on the newly sorbent was 4.0 and complete elution of Cu(II) from the sorbent surface was carried out using 2 mL of 0.01 mol L^?1 HCl. The adsorption capacity for Cu(II) was 25.13 mg g^?1. The detection limits of the method defined by IUPAC were found to be 0.24 μg L^?1 with enrichment factor of 150. The method has been applied to the determination of Cu(II) in certified reference materials and natural water samples with satisfactory results.