Solid phase extraction of Cd(II), Pb(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II) from food samples using multiwalled carbon nanotubes impregnated with 4-(2-thiazolylazo)resorcinol

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes were impregnated with 4-(2-thiazolylazo)resorcinol and used for the separation and preconcentration of Cd(II), Pb(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II) ions from food samples. The analytes were quantitatively recovered at pH 7.0 and eluted with 3 mol L-1 acetic acid. The effects of pH value, flow rate, eluent type and sample volume on the recoveries, and the effects of alkali, earth alkali and transition metals on the retention of the analytes were studied. The method was validated using the standard certified reference materials SRM 1570A (spinach leaves) and IAEA 336 (lichen), and the results were found to be compatible with the certified values of reference materials. The new enrichment procedure was applied to the determination of these ions in various food samples.