Determination of trace elements in acid rain by reversed-phase extraction chromatography and neutron activation

A preconcentration neutron activation analysis (PNAA) method involving reversed-phase extraction chromatography on 8-hydroxyquinoline-loaded Amberlite XAD-2 resin has been developed for the simultaneous determination of selected trace elements in acid rain and natural water samples. Quantitative retention has been achieved for Co, Cu, Hg, V and Zn at pH 6.0 and for Cd at pH 7.0. Various factors that can influence the preconcentration procedure have been studied in detail. Concentrations of the elements have been determined by the direct irradiation of the resin without eluting them from the column. Both precision and accuracy of the PNAA method are very good. The detection limits vary between 0.01 and 3 ppb.