Preconcentration of trace metals with 2-(methylthio)aniline-functionalized XAD-2 and their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

2-(Methylthio)aniline-modified Amberlite XAD-2 has been synthesized by coupling it through a NNNH group. The resulting chelating resin, characterized by elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and infrared spectra, was used to preconcentrate Cd, Hg, Ni, Co, Cu and Zn ions. Several parameters, such as the distribution coefficient and sorption capacity of the chelating resin, pH and flow rates of uptake and stripping, and volume of sample and eluent, were evaluated. The effect of electrolytes and cations on the preconcentration was also investigated. The recoveries were >96%. The procedure was validated by standard addition and analysis of a standard river sediment material (GBW 08301, China). The developed method was utilized for preconcentration and determination of Cd, Hg, Ni, Co, Cu and Zn in tap water and river water samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry with satisfactory results. The 3σ detection limit and 10σ quantification limit for Cd, Hg, Ni, Co, Cu and Zn were found to be 0.022, 0.028, 0.033, 0.045, 0.041, 0.064 μg l⁻¹ and 0.041, 0.043, 0.052, 0.064, 0.058, 0.083 μg l⁻¹, respectively.