Preconcentration of some trace elements using surface imprinted solid phases and determination with HR-CS-AAS

In this study, the new sorbents have been synthesized using surface imprinting method. Cu(II) imprinted multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) (Cu(II)-IMWCNT) and Co(II) imprinted activated carbon (Co(II)-IAC) were used as solid phases in the solid phase extraction method. After the preconcentration procedure Co(II) and Cu(II) ions were determined by HR-CS-AAS. The effects of the optimum parameters on the recovery for both of Cu(II) and Co(II) such as pH, eluent type and concentration, flow rate, sample volume, capacity, selectivity etc. were investigated. For Cu(II) ions some of parameters which were found pH of 5, a flow rate of 6 mL/ min, the samples volume of 200 mL, capacity of imprinted solid phase 270.3 mg/g and capacity of non-imprinted solid phase 14.3 mg/g. For Co(II) ions, respectively, the same parameters; 7, 2 mL/min, 150 mL, 833.3 mg/g and 188.7 mg/g were found. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the detection limits (LOD) and preconcentration factors for Cu(II) and Co(II) were found to be 0.068 μg/L and 0.066 μg/L; 40 and 30, respectively. In order to check the accuracy of the developed method, analysis of certified reference material and the real water sample were performed.