The application of cloud point preconcentration for the determination of Cu in real samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A simple and practical preconcentration method using cloud point approach is proposed for the extraction and preconcentration of Cu (II). The analyte in the initial aqueous solution, acidified with HCl, is complexed with O,O-diethyldithiophosphate and Triton X-100 is added as a surfactant. After phase separation at 40°C based on cloud point of the mixture and dilution of the surfactant-rich phase with methanol, the enriched analyte is determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry using conventional nebulization and the analytical wavelength used is 324.8 nm. The variables affecting the complexation and extraction steps were optimized. Under optimum conditions, preconcentration of 10 ml of sample in the presence of 0.1% (v/v) Triton X-100 permitted the detection of 0.94 ng ml⁻¹ of Cu. Analytical graphs were rectilinear in the concentration range of 5-200 ng ml⁻¹ and relative standard deviations were lower than 3%. The method affords recoveries in the range 97-101%. The method was successfully applied to the determination of Cu in drinking and rainwater, serum and human hair samples.