Plasticized open-cell polyurethane foam as a universal matrix for organic reagents in trace element preconcentration : Part II. Collection of mercury traces on dithizone and diethyldithiocarbamate foams

The analytical suitability of zinc dithizonate foam for the collection and preconcentration of traces of mercury(II) has been examined. The effect of pH, plasticizer and chelating agent concentration on the collection rate of mercury has been critically investigated. The capacity for mercury(II) of a TBP-plasticized zinc dithizonate foam at pH 6 is 23.4 μeq g^?1. The effect of plasticizer on the rate of recovery of mercury with sodium thiosulphate solution is also discussed. The preparation of zinc diethyldithiocarbonate foam is described. Traces of mercury(II) can also be collected rapidly and quantitavely by this foam.