SIMPLE METHOD OF DETERMINATION OF COPPER, MERCURY AND LEAD IN POTABLEWATER WITH PRELIMINARY PRECONCENTRATION BY TOTAL-REFLECTION X-RAY-FLUORESCENCE SPECTROMETRY

Total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and chemical pre-conc entration procedures have been applied for the analysis of trace conce ntrations of copper, mercury, and lead in drinking water samples. A si mple total reflection module has been used in X-ray measurements. The elements under investigation were pre-concentrated by complexation usi ng a mixture of carbamates followed by solvent extraction with methyl isobutyl ketone. The preconcentration procedure was tested with the us e of twice-distilled water samples and samples of mineral and tap wate r spiked with known additions of copper, mercury, and lead. The obtain ed recovery and precision values are presented. The minimum detection limits for the determination of these elements in mineral and tap wate r samples were found to be 40 ng l(-1), 60 ng l(-1), and 60 ng l(-1), respectively.