Atomic absorption spectroscopy of trace elements in water using extraction techniques with 8-hydroxyquinoline in selected organic solvents

Abstract

The principal objective of the work reported herein was a study of selected organic solvents for the determination of trace elements in water using solvent extraction for the separation technique, 8-hydroxyquinoline as the chelating agent, and atomic absorption spectroscopy for the analysis of the separation. The organic solvents used gave a good representation of the different types of solvents used for solvent extraction which can be coupled with atomic absorption. The metals analyzed (Ni and Cu, transition elements, and Pb, post-transition element) gave a good representation of the elements for which this analytical method was appropriate. Calcium, an alkaline earth element, was also studied, but it did not apply to this method. The system was important because of the gain in sensitivity observed by use of the organic solvents, the ability of the system to separate and concentrate desired consitituents from very complex aqueous solutions, and the ability to control extraction selectivity by control of pH. Good standard analytical procedures were developed for the analysis of these metals by atomic absorption spectroscopy.