Solid-phase extraction for simultaneous separation and preconcentration of Fe(III) and Zn(II) traces using three chelatants and Ramelak bark-derived activated carbon as a new bio-sorbent

ABSTRACTThis article introduces a comparative study for the simultaneous separation and preconcentration of Fe(III) and Zn(II) traces in various water samples using three well-known ligands as chelating agents and activated carbon (AC) derived from Ramelak bark as a new bio-sorbent prior to the determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The chelating agents were 4,4’-[(4-Cyano-phenyl)methylene]bis(3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-5-ol) (CMBM), diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) and ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (APDC). CMBM was synthesized by a procedure reported in the literature. The newly prepared AC was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometry. The analytical parameters affecting the separation efficiency of the analytes including pH, shaking time, chelating agent volume (concentration), sorbent mass, sample flow rate and elution conditions were investigated and discussed. Common coexisting ions did not seriously interfere with the ...