Novel Method for the Fast Preconcentration and Monitoring of a ppt Level of Lead and Copper with a Modified Hexagonal Mesoporous Silica Compound and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry

A novel method for the rapid extraction and determination of a ppt level of Pb2+ and Cu2+ ions using partial silylated MCM-41 modified by a new salophen and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) is introduced. The preconcentration factor of the method is 500, and the detection limits of Pb2+and Cu2+ are 335 and 34 ng L-1, respectively. The time and efficiency of extraction, the pH and flow rate, the type and minimum amount of acid for stripping of Pb2+ and Cu2+ from modified MCM-41 and the break-through volume were investigated. The maximum capacity of 4 mg of silylated MCM-41 modified by salophen used was found to be 150 ± 4 and 117 ± 3 µg of Pb2+ and Cu2+, respectively.