Solid-phase extraction of mercury(II) with magnetic core-shell nanoparticles, followed by its determination with a rhodamine-based fluorescent probe

Magnetic Fe3O4@SiO2 core shell nanoparticles containing diphenylcarbazide in the shell were utilized for solid phase extraction of Hg(II) from aqueous solutions. The Hg(II) loaded nanoparticles were then separated by applying an external magnetic field. Adsorbed Hg(II) was desorbed and its concentration determined with a rhodamine-based fluorescent probe. The calibration graph for Hg(II) is linear in the 60 nM to 7.0 mu M concentration range, and the detection limit is at 23 nM. The method was applied, with satisfying results, to the determination of Hg(II) in industrial waste water.