Preconcentration and Removal of Lead From Water Samples Using Magnetic Copper Ferrite Nanoparticles

The presence of lead and its compounds is extremely dangerous to various forms of life. Therefore, exploring effective treatments that can reduce the presence of lead ions around us becomes crucial, thereby averting lead toxicity. A magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) procedure for the removal and preconcentration of trace amounts of Pb(II) using copper ferrite nanoparticles (CuFe2O4 NPs) prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) has been proposed. CuFe2O4 as solid-phase extraction adsorbent was synthesized via co-precipitation and characterized by attenuated total reflection-infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR), x-ray diffraction spectrometry (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These magnetic CuFe2O4 carrying the Pb(II) could be easily separated from the aqueous solution by applying an external magnetic field; no filtration or centrifugation was necessary. Various analytical parameters, including pH, eluent type/concentration, adsorbent mass, sample volume, adsorption/desorption time, mixing, and interfering ions, were systematically studied and optimized for the recovery of Pb(II). A sample volume of 20 mL achieved a preconcentration factor of 20. The method effectively determined Pb(II) in water samples, with recovery values exceeding 95% using the optimal conditions.