Effects of ultrasonic irradiation on the spectrophotometric determination of nickel with dimethylglyoxime

Influence of ultrasonic waves in the spectrophotometric determination of nickel with dimethylglyoxime (DMG) was investigated and interferences from foreign species such as Co2+, Fe2+ and Cu2+ were studied. A 1.5-fold sensitivity enhancement in relation to the conventional method involving nickel oxidation with persulfate was attained. In addition, operator handling and reagent consumption were lessened. The analytical curve was linear from 0.15 to 1.5 mg l(-1) Ni and detection limit was estimated as 13 mug l(-1) Ni. The procedure was applied to the analysis of alloys, containing Co, Fe and Cu in different proportion, and accuracy was assessed by using certified reference materials. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.