Determination of nickel in water by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with preconcentration on a tungsten foil

A preconcentration method for nickel in waters involving adsorption on tungsten foil, followed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) with a tungsten tube atomizer is described. The most suitable pH for nickel adsorption was 5 and the optimum immersion time was 2 min. Severe interferences from co-existing elements (Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Pb and Zn) on the Ni AA signal were observed. Under optimal conditions, the preconcentration of nickel on W foil could eliminate interferences from these elements. The detection limit of nickel by preconcentration-ETAAS was 0.1 ng/ml (3S/N). The method with preconcentration on tungsten foil was applied to the determination of nickel in river water. The recovery of spiked nickel was 93-102%. The tungsten foil preconcentration method is sensitive, simple, and convenient. This adsorption method can be utilized in in situ-sampling of ultra-trace nickel in environmental samples (water). Furthermore, after sampling it is easy to carry and store the W-foil without contamination for long time.