Enrichment of trace metals in water on activated carbon

Abstract

Trace metals in water were pre-concentrated on activated carbon after chelation with potassium ethyl xanthate. Optimum conditions for the maximum recovery of metal ions were developed. The recoveries of Cd, Co, Cu, Hg and Zn, at concentrations ranging from 10 to 500 ng ml^–1, were >92, ≈85, >92, >93 and >92%, respectively. The method was used to determine these metals in water samples by instrumental neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry.