Polycarboxylic microsphere polymer gel for solid phase extraction of trace elements

A simple and sensitive method has been developed for the determination of trace elements (Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Fe and Pb) in sea water and natural waters by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The method is based on column solid phase extraction of trace elements on a newly synthesized polycarboxylic gel. The sorbent was prepared by dispersion copolymerization of methacrylic acid (as a monomer) and trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (as a crosslinking agent) in the form of monodisperse microspheres. It exhibits high regeneration ability, chemical and mechanical resistivity. The influence of pH, flow rates and concentration of the eluent on the degree of sorption of trace elements have been evaluated. The maximum static adsorption capacities of the sorbent at the optimal conditions for lead, nickel, cobalt, iron, cadmium and copper are determined. Detection limits achieved for the elements studied for 100 mL water sample volume were between 0.005 and 0.05 mu g L-1. The relative standard deviation varied in the range 5-13% for all elements studied. The validity of the method was checked by an analysis of standard reference material SRLS-3 Riverine Water. Very good agreement between the analytical results and the certified values (t-test at 95% confidence level) was observed. The new polycarboxylic gel was applied to passive sampling procedures due to its high chemical and mechanical stability.