Application of dithizone-modified TiO2 nanoparticles in the preconcentration of trace chromium and lead from sample solution and determination by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

A new method using dithizone-modified TiO2 nanoparticles (nanometer TiO2-DZ) as solid-phase extractant has been developed for the simultaneous preconcentration of trace amounts of chromium and lead prior to their measurement by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The preconcentration conditions of the analytes, including the effects of pH, sample flow rate and volume, elution conditions and interfering ions on the recovery of the analytes were investigated. At pH 5, the adsorption capacity of the nanometer TiO2-DZ was found to be 5.8 mg g(-1) and 22.5 mg g(-1) for Cr and Pb, respectively. According to the definition of IUPAC, the detection limits (3 sigma) of this method for Cr and Pb were 0.38 and 1.72 ng mL(-1), respectively. The proposed method was applied to the determination of trace chromium and lead in foodstuffs, plants and water samples with satisfactory results.