Determination of some trace heavy metals in some water samples by FAAS after their preconcentration using DETA

Diethylenetriamine, DETA polymer was used as a preconcentration of cobalt, iron and nickel prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Both batch and column methods were used for the separation and concentration of above metals. These metals were quantitatively retained on the proposed adsorbent at pH 2, then were quantitatively eluted with 2 M hydrochloric acid or nitric acid. The recoveries of metal ions were greater than 98%. Detection limits (3 δ) were 1.5 g/L for Co, 2.1 g/L for Fe and 1.9 g L for Ni. The relative standard deviations for the determinations were found to be 1.0-8.8%. The effect of Na on the preconcentration of trace metals has also been investigated. The method was applied to tap, ground and lake water samples.