Simultaneous Green Separation/Preconcentration and Determination of Lead Ions in Water Samples Via Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

A chitosan-functionalized magnetic graphene oxide composite was used to preconcentrate, separate, and determine the trace amounts of lead ions (Pb2+) in aqueous samples. Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry was applied to determine Pb2+ concentration in aqueous solutions. Sodium diethyldithiocarbamate was applied as a chelating agent in this study. Fourier transform infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, vibrating sample magnetometer, and scanning electron microscope were applied to characterize the magnetic properties, surface morphology, and chemical structure of the synthesized composite. Factors that affected extraction efficiency were evaluated and optimized. Under optimal conditions, the linearity limit for the determination of Pb2+ ion concentration was 0.70–100.00 μg/L with a correlation coefficient of 0.9981. The quantitation and detection limits were 0.73 and 0.21 μg/L, respectively. The value of the preconcentration factor was found to be 40, and the repeatability coefficient of the proposed method was calculated as 2.58% (RSD%). Further, the isothermal models, kinetic data, and thermodynamic studies were investigated. Overall, the proposed method is an effective technique with many advantages such as high sensitivity, economical procedure, fast and easy separation ability with excellent recovery, and is environmentally friendly to determine trace amounts of Pb2+ ions in various aqueous samples.