Application of Disposable Pipette Extraction for Determination of Yb by High-Resolution Continuum Source Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Using Lanthanum as a Chemical Modifier

The use of extraction technique with disposable tips (DPX) was applied for the first time for the extraction and preconcentration of Yb in samples of liquid waste from the petrochemical industry and environmental water using bioabsorbent cork. The use of cork as an extracting phase in the determination of Yb by high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS GF AAS) was evaluated. The pyrolysis and atomization temperatures were optimized at 1400 and 2400 degrees C, respectively. H2SO4, HNO3 and HCl acids were compared in the steps of cleaning the extraction phase and desorption of the analyte by DPX. The best extraction in the selected conditions was obtained with pH 8.0 and 5% v/v HCl. The recoveries were close to 100% for residual water and drinking water, 33 to 77% for produced water and 64 to 93% for river water. Tests with interfering ions in different concentrations were performed. The relative limit of quantification (LOQ) and limit of detection (LOD) were estimated at 0.03 and 0.01 mu g L-1, respectively. The total time for the preparation of the samples by DPX was close to 1 min per sample. Extraction and pre-concentration were observed using DPX with a preenrichment factor of approximately 4 times.

Automated summary

The use of disposable tips (DPX) for extraction of Yb in liquid waste samples using bioabsorbent cork and analysis by HR-CS GF AAS was evaluated. The optimal conditions for temperature, acid selection, and pH were determined, and recoveries close to 100% were achieved for residual and drinking water samples. Interference tests were performed, and the LOQ and LOD were estimated at 0.03 and 0.01 μg L-1, respectively. The use of DPX allowed for extraction and preconcentration of Yb with a preenrichment factor of approximately 4 times.