Solid phase extraction and determination of Cr(III) by spectrophotometry using cefaclor as a complexing reagent and FAAS

The present study reports on the application of modified groundnut shell as a new, easily prepared, and stable sorbent for the extraction of trace amount of Cr(III) in aqueous solution. 2-Hydroxybenzaldiminoglycine was immobilized on groundnut shells in alkaline medium and then used as a solid phase for the column preconcentration of Cr(III). The elution was carried out with 3 mL of 2 mol L-1 HCl. The amount of eluted Cr(III) was determined by spectrophotometry using cefaclor as a complexing reagent and by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Different experimental variables such as pH, amount of solid sorbent, volume and concentration of eluent, sample and eluent flow rate, and interference of other metal ions on the retention of Cr(III) were studied. Under the optimized conditions, the calibration curves were found to be linear over the concentration range of 13-104 and 10-75 mu g L-1 with a detection limit of 3.64 and 1.24 mu g L-1 for spectrophotometric method and FAAS, respectively. An enrichment factor of 200 and RSD of +/- 1.19-1.49 % for five successive determinations of 25 mu g L-1 were achieved. The column preconcentration was successfully applied to the analysis of tap water and underground water samples.