New Application of Chemically Modified Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes with Thiosemicarbazide as a Sorbent for Separation and Preconcentration of Trace Amounts of Co(II), Cd(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) in Environmental and Biological Samples Prior to Determination by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

The present article reports the application of Thiosemicarbazide‐modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs‐TSC) as a new, easily prepared selective and stable solid sorbent for the preconcentration of trace Co(II), Cd(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions in aqueous solution prior to the determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The studied metal ions can be adsorbed quantitatively on MMWNTs at pH 5.0 and then eluted completely with HNO₃ (1.5 mol L^?1) prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The separation/preconcentration conditions of analytes were investigated, including the pH, the sample flow rate and volume, the elution condition and the interfering ions. The maximum adsorption capacity of the adsorbent at optimum conditions were found to be 32.5, 27.3, 44.5 and 34.1 mg g^?1 for Co(II), Cd(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II), and the detection limits of the method were found to be 0.28, 0.13, 0.21 and 0.17 μg L^?1, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied for extraction and determination of the analytes in well water, sea water, wastewater, soil, and blood samples.     

Ion‐flotation Separation of Cd(II), Co(II) and Pb(II) Traces Using a New Ligand before Their Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometric Determinations in Colored Hair and Dryer Agents of Paint

A simple, rapid and inexpensive method for separation and preconcentration of some traces of hazardous elements is presented prior to their flame atomic absorption spectrometric determinations. At pH 6.5; cadmium(II), cobalt(II) and lead(II) were separated simultaneously with 1,2‐bis((1H‐benzo[d]imidazol2‐yl)methoxy)benzene (BBIMB) as a new complexing agent and floated after adding sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a foaming reagent. The floated layer was then eluted by concentrated nitric acid in methanol and introduced to the flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS). The effects of pH, concentration of BBIMB, type and amount of surfactant as the floating agent, type and amount of eluting agent and influence of foreign ions on the recoveries of the analyte ions were investigated. Also, by using a non‐linear curve fitting method the formation constants of Cd(II), Co(II) and Pb(II) complexes were obtained 1.02 × 10⁶, 1.17 × 10⁶ and 1.46 × 10⁶, respectively. The detection limits of Cd(II), Co(II) and Pb(II) ions were 1.2, 0.7 and 0.5 μg/L, respectively. The enrichment factors were 45.0, 42.0 and 39.0 for Cd(II), Co(II) and Pb(II) ions, respectively. The proposed procedure was then successfully applied for determination of those heavy metals in colored human hair and dryer agents of paint samples.     

Solid-phase extraction and preconcentration of trace Pb(II) from water samples with folic acid modified silica gel

A chelating matrix prepared by immobilising folic acid on silica gel-bound amine phase was used as a new solid-phase extractant. This sorbent has been developed only for preconcentration of trace Pb(II) prior to determination by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Experimental conditions were investigated by batch and column procedures. The optimum pH value for the separation of Pb(II) on the new sorbent was 4.0. The adsorbed Pb(II) was quantitatively eluted by 2.0?cm³ of 0.5?mol?dm^?3 of HCl. Common coexisting ions did not interfere with the separation and determination of Pb(II). The maximum static adsorption capacity of the sorbent under optimum conditions was found to be 69.23?mg?g^?1 for Pb(II). The detection limit of the method defined by International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry was 0.28?ng?cm^?3. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the method was lower than 2.0% (n?=?8). The developed method has been validated by analysing certified reference materials and successfully applied to the determination of Pb(II) in water samples with satisfactory results.     

Simultaneous Voltammetric Determination of Zn(II), Pb(II), Cu(II), and Hg(II) in Ethanol Fuel Using an Organofunctionalized Modified Graphite‐Polyurethane Composite Disposable Screen‐Printed Device

A disposable screen‐printed device containing working, auxiliary, and reference electrodes is proposed for the simultaneous voltammetric determination of Zn(II), Pb(II), Cu(II), and Hg(II) in ethanol fuel. The working electrode was printed using an ink modified with 2‐benzothiazole‐2‐thiol organofunctionalized SBA‐15 silica, in order to increase sensitivity. The performance of this electrode was compared with that of bare and SBA‐15‐modified electrodes. After optimizing the experimental parameters, the device was applied in determination of the analytes in commercial ethanol fuel samples, using 0.10 mol L^?1 KCl/ethanol ratios of 30 : 70 (v/v), with [H⁺]=10^?5 mol L^?1. After 5 min of preconcentration at ? 1.3 V (vs. pseudo‐Ag/AgCl), four well‐resolved signals were obtained, enabling simultaneous determination of the four analytes using a differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) procedure. The limits of detection were 0.30, 0.065, 0.030, and 0.046 µmol L^?1 for Zn(II), Pb(II), Cu(II), and Hg(II), respectively. The results of these analyses were in agreement with those obtained using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS) for Pb(II), Cu(II), and Hg(II), and high‐resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry (HR‐CS‐FAAS) for Zn²⁺, at a 95 % confidence level. Analytes originally present in the samples could be detected, and the interference of some cations and anions was evaluated.     

铜（II）离子对脱镁叶绿素-a荧光猝灭的研究

本文介绍了一种利用荧光熄灭定量的测定铜（II）的新方法。从新鲜菠菜中提取叶绿素-a,用高氯酸溶液处理,制得脱镁叶绿素-a。测量脱镁叶绿素-a的紫外-可见吸收光谱,观测到505和535nm处有特征吸收峰。在60 ℃水浴中,脱镁叶绿素-a的丙酮溶液与铜（II）离子水溶液混合,5分钟后发现混合液颜色变绿,505和535 nm处吸收峰消失。铜（II）离子水溶液与脱镁叶绿素-a的丙酮溶液混合后发生荧光猝灭现象,而类似浓度的其它生理离子在相同反应条件下对脱镁叶绿素-a的荧光猝灭现象不明显。 研究了铜（II）离子与脱镁叶绿素-a的反应时间,反应温度对荧光强度衰减的影响。并通过阿累尼乌斯经验关系估算铜（II）离子与脱镁叶绿素-a反应的活化能约为10 ±1kJ·mol-1。研究了铜（II）离子的浓度对脱镁叶绿素-a的丙酮溶液荧光强度的影响,在8.0×10-5 ～8.0×10-7 mol·dm-3范围内,铜（II）离子的浓度与混合液的荧光强度成线性衰减关系,检测限可达8.0×10-7 mol·dm-3。利用脱镁叶绿素-a的丙酮溶液的荧光强度变化测量,有望发展成为一种检测铜（II）离子的新方法。     

Biosorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions by Agave sisalana (sisal fiber)

The present work proposes the use of Agave sisalana (sisal fiber) as an natural adsorbent for ions Pb(II) and Cd(II) biosorption from natural waters. The flame atomic absorption spectrometry was used for quantitative determination and study of the ions Pb(II) and Cd(II) adsorption on the solid phase. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT IR) was used to investigate the sisal structure and the specific BET surface area was analyzed. The biosorption potential of sisal as biosorbent for the removal of the ions Pb(II) and Cd(II) from aqueous solution was investigate considering the followings parameters: pH, biomass amount and contact time. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were used to evaluate adsorption behavior of the ions on this solid phase. The results showed that sisal has a surface area to adsorption of 0.0233 m² g^{− 1}, and the OH and CO functional groups are the main involved in the biosorption. The best interpretation for the experimental data was given by Freundlich isotherm that proposes a monolayer sorption with a heterogeneous energetic distribution of active sites, accompanied by interactions between sorbed molecules. The maximum monolayer biosorption capacity was found to be 1.85 mg g^{− 1} for Cd (II) and 1.34 mg g^{− 1} for Pb (II) at pH 7 and 296 K. This phase solid can be used for biosorption of cadmium and lead in polluted natural waters.     

Selective solid phase extraction of trace cadmium(II) and lead(II) from biological and natural water samples by ofloxacin-modified-silica gel

Ofloxacin was successfully used as a chemical modifier to improve the reactivity of silica gel in terms of selective binding and extraction of heavy metal ions. This new functionalised silica gel (SG-ofloxacin) was as an effective sorbent for the solid-phase extraction (SPE) of Cd(II) and Pb(II) in biological and natural water samples and their determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Experimental conditions for effective adsorption of trace levels of Cd(II) and Pb(II) were optimised with respect to different experimental parameters using the batch and column procedures. The time for 70% sorption for Cd(II) and Pb(II) was less than 2 min. Complete elution of the adsorbed metal ions from the SG-ofloxacin was carried out using 2.0 mL of 0.5 mol L^?1 of HCl. Common coexisting ions did not interfere with the separation and determination at pH 4.0. The maximum static adsorption capacity of the sorbent at optimum conditions was found to be 39.17 and 48.69 mg g^?1 for Cd(II) and Pb(II), respectively. The detection limits of the method were found to be 0.29 and 0.13 ng mL^?1 for Cd(II) and Pb(II), respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the method under optimum conditions was lower than 3.0% (n = 5). The method was applied to the recovery of Cd(II) and Pb(II) from the certified reference material (GBW 08301, river sediment) and to the simultaneous determination of these cations in different water and biological samples with satisfactory results and yielding 100-folds enrichment factor.     

Flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of trace amounts of Pb(II) and Cr(III) in biological, food and environmental samples after preconcentration by modified nano-alumina

A new solid-phase extraction sorbent was used for the preconcentration of Pb(II) and Cr(III) ions prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. It was prepared by immobilization of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine on nano-alumina coated with sodium dodecyl sulfate. The sorbent was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, N₂ adsorption and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and used for preconcentration and separation of Pb(II) and Cr(III) from aqueous solutions. The ions on the sorbent were eluted with a mixture of nitric acid and methanol. The effects of sample pH, flow rates of samples and eluent, type of eluent, breakthrough volume and potentially interfering ions were studied. Linearity is maintained between 1.2 and 350???g?L^-1 of Pb(II), and between 2.4 and 520???g?L^-1 of Cr(III) for an 800-mL sample. The detection limit (3?s, N?=?10) for Pb(II) and Cr(III) ions is 0.43 and 0.55???g?L^-1, respectively, and the maximum preconcentration factor is 267. The method was successfully applied to the evaluation of these trace and toxic metals in various water, food, industrial effluent and urine samples.

Preconcentration and Determination of Copper(II) by Novel Solid-Phase Extraction and High-Resolution Continuum Source Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Amberlite XAD-4 modified with N-para-anisidine-3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylaldimine was investigated as a new chealting sorbent for the selective separation and preconcentration of Cu(II). The metal ion was retained by chemical sorption on the modified resin, eluted by hydrochloric acid, and determined by high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The prepared resin was characterized for the solid-phase extraction of Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Cr³⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, Mn²⁺, Ni²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Zn²⁺ in a column. The influence of the pH, the mass of solid phase, eluent, flow rate, and sample volume was optimized. Using the optimum conditions, only Cu(II) showed quantitative sorption at the 95% confidence level, and the recoveries of the other metal ions were below 80%. A preconcentration factor 125 was obtained for Cu(II) with a limit of detection of 0.56?µg?L^?1. The method was used for the determination of Cu(II) in tap water, river water, tomato leaves, and fish. The relative standard deviation and the relative error were lower than 7%.     

Silica gel surface modified with sulfanilamide for selective solid-phase extraction of Cu(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II)

A new chelating matrix has been prepared by immobilising sulfanilamide (SA) on silica gel (SG) surface modified with 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane as a sorbent for the solid-phase extraction (SPE) Cu(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II). The determination of metal ions in aqueous solutions was carried out by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Experimental conditions for effective sorption of trace levels of Cu(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II) were optimised with respect to different experimental parameters using the batch and column procedures. The presence of common coexisting ions does not affect the sorption capacities. The maximum sorption capacity of the sorbent at optimum conditions was found to be 34.91, 19.07 and 23.62 mg g^?1 for Cu(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II), respectively. The detection limit of the method defined by IUPAC was found to be 1.60, 0.50 and 0.61 µg L^?1 for Cu(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II), respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the method under optimum conditions was 4.0% (n = 8). The method was applied to the recovery of Cu(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II) from the certified reference material (GBW 08301, river sediment) and to the simultaneous determination of these cations in different water samples with satisfactory results.     

Solid phase extraction of Pb(II) in water samples using a new hybrid inorganic-organic mesoporous silica prior to its determination by FAAS

A mesoporous silica has been chemically modified with 5-mercapto-1-methyltetrazole. The newly synthesized material was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, N₂ adsorption, FT-IR, ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis, and used to preconcentrate Pb(II) from aqueous solutions. The effect of several variables on the adsorption capacity (i.e. stirring time, pH, interfering ions, presence of other heavy metals in the medium, etc.) has been studied using batch and column techniques. The adsorption capacity of the material followed the order: Pb(II) >> Cu(II) > Cd(II) >>Mn(II) > Ni(II) > Co(II). In column experiments a pre-concentration factor of 200 was obtained for Pb(II). Spiked tap water, mineral water and river water were used for the preconcentration and determination of Pb(II) by flame atomic absorption spectrometry, and a 101–103% recovery was obtained. The limit of detection and quantification values of the method were found to be 2.22·10^?6 mM and 8.20·10^?6 mM, respectively. The relative standard deviation for four preconcentration experiments was found to be ≤9% in all cases.     

Solid-phase extraction of trace Cu(II) Fe(III) and Zn(II) with silica gel modified with curcumin from biological and natural water samples by ICP-OES

Silica gel was firstly functionalized with aminopropyltrimethoxysilane obtaining the aminopropylsilica gel (APSG). The APSG was reacted subsequently with curcumin yielding curcumin-bonded silica gel (curcumin-APSG). This new bonded silica gel was used for separation, pre-concentration and determination of Cu(II), Fe(III), Zn(II) in biological and natural water samples by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Experimental conditions for effective adsorption of trace levels of metal ions were optimized with respect to different experimental parameters using batch and column procedures in detail. The optimum pH value for the separation of metal ions simultaneously on the newly sorbent was 4.0. Complete elution of the adsorbed metal ions from the sorbent surface was carried out using 2.0 mL of 0.1 mol L^− 1 of HCl. Common coexisting ions did not interfere with the separation and determination at pH 4.0. The maximum static adsorption capacity of the sorbent at optimum conditions was found to be 0.63, 0.46 and 0.37 mmol g^− 1 for Cu(II), Fe(III) and Zn(II) respectively. The time for 95% sorption for Cu(II) Fe(III) and Zn(II) was less than 2 min. The detection limits of the method defined by IUPAC was found to be 0.12, 0.15 and 0.40 ng mL^− 1 for Cu(II), Fe(III) and Zn(II), respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the method under optimum conditions was lower 3.0% (n = 5). The procedure was validated by analyzing the certified reference river sediment material (GBW 08301, China), the results obtained were in good agreement with standard values. This sorbent was successfully employed in the separation and pre-concentration of trace Cu(II), Fe(III) and Zn(II) from the biological and natural water samples yielding 75-fold concentration factor.     

Online Solid-Phase Extraction of Cd(II), Cu(II), and Co(II) Using Covalently Attached Bis(salicylaldimine) to Silica Gel for Determination in Food and Water by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

In this study, a novel sorbent material bearing a bis(aldimine) group was designed and successfully synthesized by covalently bonding a 2-[N,N′-bis(salicylaldimine)]aminoethyl amine ligand to the silica gel surface that was characterized by carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy technique. The sorbent was used for the online solid-phase extraction (SPE) of Cd(II), Cu(II), and Co(II) ions for their determination at trace concentration levels by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The effective factors for the online SPE such as the pH and the flow rate of the sample solution, and type, volume, and flow rate of eluent were investigated. The concentration levels of Cd(II), Cu(II), and Co(II) were measured in certified reference materials including Virginia tobacco leaves (CTA-VTL-2) and water-trace elements (NWTM-15.2) to validate this method. The metal levels in environmental water were determined by this method, and the values were checked by spiking and recovery experiments and independent analysis by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The adsorption capacities of the sorbent were found to be 41.2, 31.6, and 25.6?mg/g for Cd(II), Cu(II), and Co(II), respectively. This method was also successfully used for the determination of Cd(II), Cu(II), and Co(II) concentrations in rice and molasses.     

A Simple and Sensitive Method for the Detection of Trace Pb(II) and Cd(II) based on Nafion‐coated Antimony Film Electrode

Nafion‐coated antimony film electrode (NCAFE) was prepared in situ by simultaneously plated antimony with analytes, and applied to the determination of trace Pb(II) and Cd(II) in non‐deaerated solutions by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). Various experimental parameters, which influenced the response of the NCAFE to those metals, were thoroughly optimized and discussed. The results indicated that the sensitivity and resistance to surfactants at the NCAFE were remarkably improved with relative to the antimony film electrode (AFE). In the presence of 5 mg·L^?1 gelatin, the peak heights at the NCAFE showed 4‐fold enhancement for Pb and a 9‐fold enhancement for Cd over a bare AFE. Reproducibility of the sensor was satisfactory, and the relative standard deviations were 4.8% for 20 μg·L^?1 Pb and 3.2% for 25 μg·L^?1 Cd (n=15) with preconcentration time of 180 s. The determination limits (S/N=3) of this sensor were determined to be 0.15 μg·L^?1 for Pb and 0.30 μg·L^?1 for Cd with accumulation time of 300 s. The NCAFE was successfully applied to determining Pb(II) and Cd(II) in vegetable and water samples with satisfactory results.     

Determination of trace Pb(Ⅱ), Cd(Ⅱ) and Zn(Ⅱ) using differential pulse stripping voltammetry without Hg modification

In this work,we reported a simultaneous determination approach for Pb(II),Cd(II)and Zn(II)atμg L 1concentration levels using differential pulse stripping voltammetry on a bismuth film electrode(BiFE).The BiFE could be prepared in situ when the sample solution contained a suitable amount of Bi(NO)3,and its analytical performance was evaluated for the simultaneous determination of Pb(II),Cd(II)and Zn(II)in solutions.The determination limits were found to be 0.19μg L 1for Zn(II),and0.28μg L 1for Pb(II)and Cd(II),with a preconcentration time of 300 s.The BiFE approach was successfully applied to determine Pb(II),Cd(II)and Zn(II)in tea leaf and infusion samples,and the results were in agreement with those obtained using an atomic absorption spectrometry approach.Without Hg usage,the in situ preparation for BiFE supplied a green and acceptability sensitive method for the determination of the heavy metal ions.     

Interaction of Cu(II) and Cd(II) ions with DNA from Spirulina platensis

Equilibrium dialysis and atomic absorption analysis were used to obtain adsorption isotherms and determine the stoichiometric binding constants of Cu(II) and Cd(II) ions to DNA from Spirulina platensis in solutions. The stoichiometric constants of Cu(II) and Cd(II) ions with DNA from S. platensis in 3 mM NaCI are 15.56⋅10⁴ and 14.40⋅10⁴, respectively. Effect of ionic strength and DNA GC content on binding constants of Cu(II)- and Cd(II)-DNA complexes were studied out. It was showed that the binding constants of Cu(II)- and Cd(II)-DNA complexes decrease with increase of ionic strength. The empirical dependences of logK on the GC content has been derived for Cd(II)- and Cu(II)-DNA complexes.     

A new chelating resin for preconcentration and determination of Mn(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A new polychelatogen, AXAD-16-1,2-diphenylethanolamine, was developed by chemically modifying Amberlite XAD-16 with 1,2-diphenylethanolamine to produce an effective metal-chelating functionality for the preconcentration of Mn(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) and their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Various physiochemical parameters that influence the quantitative preconcentration and recovery of metal were optimized by both static and dynamic techniques. The resin showed superior extraction efficiency with high-metal loading capacity values of 0.73, 0.80, 0.77, 0.87, 0.74, and 0.81 mmol/g for Mn(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II), respectively. The system also showed rapid metal-ion extraction and stripping, with complete saturation in the sorbent phase within 15 min for all the metal ions. The optimum condition for effective metal-ion extraction was found to be a neutral pH, which is a great advantage in the preconcentration of trace metal ions from natural water samples without any chemical pretreatment of the sample. The resin also demonstrated exclusive ion selectivity toward targeted metal ions by showing greater resistivity to various complexing species and more common metal ions during analyte concentration, which ultimately led to high preconcentration factors of 700 for Cu(II); 600 for Mn(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II); and 500 for Cd(II) and Pb(II), arising from a larger sample breakthrough volume. The lower limits of metal-ion detection were 7 ng/mL for Mn(II) and Ni(II); 5 ng/mL for Cu(II), Zn(II), and Cd(II), and 10 ng/mL for Pb(II). The developed resin was successful in preconcentrating metal ions from synthetic and real water samples, multivitamin-multimineral tablets, and curry leaves (Murraya koenigii) with relative standard deviations of < or = 3.0% for all analytical measurements, which demonstrated its practical utility.     

1-(2-Formamidoethyl)-3-phenylurea functionalized activated carbon for selective solid-phase extraction and preconcentration of metal ions

A novel method that utilizes 1-(2-formamidoethyl)-3-phenylurea-modified activated carbon (AC-1-(2-formamidoethyl)-3-phenylurea) as a solid-phase extractant has been developed for simultaneous preconcentration of trace Cr(III), Cu(II), Fe(III) and Pb(II) prior to the measurement by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Experimental conditions for effective adsorption of trace levels of Cr(III), Cu(II), Fe(III) and Pb(II) were optimized using batch and column procedures in detail. The optimum pH value for the separation of metal ions simultaneously on the new sorbent was 4. And the adsorbed metal ions could be completely eluted by using 2.0 mL 2.0 mol L⁻¹ HCl solution. Common coexisting ions did not interfere with the separation and determination of target metal ions. The maximum static adsorption capacity of the sorbent at optimum conditions was found to be 39.8, 39.9, 77.8 and 17.3 mg g⁻¹ for Cr(III), Cu(II), Fe(III) and Pb(II), respectively. The detection limits of the method were found to be 0.15, 0.41, 0.27 and 0.36 ng mL⁻¹ for Cr(III), Cu(II), Fe(III) and Pb(II), respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the method was lower than 4.0% (n = 8). The method was successfully applied for the preconcentration of trace Cr(III), Cu(II), Fe(III) and Pb(II) in natural and certified samples with satisfactory results.     

Flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of Cd(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) in tea and water samples after simultaneous preconentration of dithizone loaded on naphthalene

A simultaneous preconcentration procedure for the determination of Cd(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) by atomic absorption spectrometry is described. The method is based on solid phase extraction of the metal ions on dithizone loaded on naphthalene in a mini-column, elution with nitric acid and determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The sorption conditions including NaOH concentration, sample volume and the amount of dithizone were optimized in order to attain the highest sensitivity. The calibration graph was linear in the range of 0.5–75.0 ng ml^?1 for Cd(II), 1.0–150.0 ng ml^?1 for Ni(II), 1.0–150.0 ng ml^?1 for Co(II) and 1.0–125.0 ng ml^?1 for Cu(II) in the initial solution. The limit of detection based on 3S_b was 0.13, 0.32, 0.33 and 0.43 ng ml^?1 for Cd(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Cu(II), respectively. The relative standard deviations (R.S.D) for ten replicate measurements of 20 ng ml^?1of Cd(II), 100 ng ml^?1 of Ni(II), Co(II) and 75 ng ml^?1 of Cu(II) were 3.46, 2.43, 2.45 and 3.26%, respectively. The method was applied to the determination of Cd(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) in black tea, tap and river water samples.