Supramolecular solvent-based extraction coupled with vortex-mixing for determination of palladium and silver in water samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A simple and practical extraction method of supramolecular solvents (SUPRAS) was developed for separation and enrichment of trace amounts of palladium (Pd) and silver (Ag) in water samples prior to flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) analysis. The SUPRAS selected was made up of an aqueous solution containing tetrahydrofuran and nonanoic acid. Pd and Ag reacted with diethyldithiocarbamate to form hydrophobic chelates, which were extracted into the vesicles of SUPRAS. Different parameters such as the concentration of chelating agent, sample pH, supramolecular solvent and the effect of foreign ions were studied. Under the optimal conditions, the linear ranges of Pd and Ag were from 10 to 1,000 μg/L. The relative recoveries of Pd and Ag in tap and river water samples at the spiking level of 10 ug/mL ranged from 90.8 to 116%. The relative standard deviations were 3.6–4.0% (n = 9), the limits of detection were 2.8 and 1.9 μg/L and the enrichment factors were 36 and 18 for Pd and Ag, respectively. The quantification limits were 3.2 and 2.4 μg/L. The method was successfully applied to the determination of Pd and Ag in water samples.