Nanometer-size titanium dioxide microcolumn on-line preconcentration of trace metals and their determination by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry in water

A new method using a microcolumn packed with nanometer TiO2 as solid-phase extractant has been developed for the simultaneous preconcentration of trac e amounts of Cu, Mn, Cr and Ni prior to their measurements by inductively c oupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Effects of pH, sample flow rate and volume, elution solution and interfering ions on the recover y of the analytes have been investigated. The adsorption capacity of nanome ter TiO2 was found as 0.108, 0.149, 0.039 and 0.034 mmol g(-1) for Cu, Cr, Mn and Ni, respectively. The separation of analytes can be achieved from wa ter samples with a concentration factor of 50 times. The method has been ap plied for the determination of trace elements in biological sample and lake water with satisfactory results. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.