Magnetite-doped eggshell membrane as a magnetic sorbent for extraction of aluminum(III) ions prior to their fluorometric determination

We have explored the feasibility of using a magnetite-doped eggshell membrane as a magnetic solid phase extraction sorbent for the separation of aluminum ion from aqueous solutions. The sorbent was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. A fast, simple and non-expensive method was then developed for the determination of trace quantities of Al(III) in water and food samples by combining magnetic solid phase extraction with fluorometric quantitation via its highly fluorescent complex with 8-hydroxyquinoline. The effects of pH value, amount of sorbent, sample volume, elution conditions and interfering ions on extraction were optimized. Under optimum conditions, the calibration graph extends from 0.5 to 65.0 mu g L-1, the limit of detection is 0.2 mu g L-1, and the enrichment factor is 84. The method was validated by the successful analysis of a standard reference material (NIST SRM 1549; nonfat milk powder) and applied to the determination of Al(III) in several waters, black tea, tomato paste and cocoa powder samples.