Novel method for the fast preconcentration and monitoring of a ppt level of lead and copper with a modified hexagonal mesoporous silica compound and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry.

A novel method for the rapid extraction and determination of a ppt level of Pb2+ and Cu2+ ions using partial silylated MCM-41 modified by a new salophen and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) is introduced. The preconcentration factor of the method is 500, and the detection limits of Pb2+ and Cu2+ are 335 and 34 ng L(-1), respectively. The time and efficiency of extraction, the pH and flow rate, the type and minimum amount of acid for stripping of Pb2+ and Cu2+ from modified MCM-41 and the break-through volume were investigated. The maximum capacity of 4 mg of silylated MCM-41 modified by salophen used was found to be 150 +/- 4 and 117 +/- 3 microg of Pb2+ and Cu2+, respectively.