Separation and preconcentration in a batch mode of Cd(II), Cr(III, VI), Cu(II), Mn(II, VII) and Pb(II) by solid-phase extraction by using of silica modified with N-propylsalicylaldimine.

The complexes formed between IE11 and Cd(II), Cr(III), Cu(II), Mn(II) and Pb(II) were identified and confirmed by IR, UV and pH-metric titration. The uptake behavior of porous silica modified with N-propylsalicylaldimine (IE11) and these metal ions were studied. Log k(d) was found to be within the range 2.19-5.16 depending on pH and time of stirring. IE11 was used in the separation and preconcentration of Cd(II), Cr(III, VI), Cu(II), Mn(II, VII) and Pb(II) from some natural water samples. Data were compared with those obtained by the solvent extraction method APDC/MIBK. The proposed methodology allows to verify an improvement in the water quality of Nile River probably attributed to high to moderate floods in the last few years. The method was found to be accurate and not subject to random error, i.e. precise.