Separation of chromium (VI) using complexation and its determination with GFAAS

In acidic medium and in the presence of chloride ions 2-[2-(4-methoxy-phenylamino)-vinyl]-1,3,3-trimethyl-3H-indolium chloride forms complex with Cr(VI). The optimum conditions (pH, concentration of Cl- and the complex forming reagent) of the separation and extraction of Cr(VI) into toluene using this basic dye as a complexing reagent have been determined and the possible interferences of Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cr(III), Ni, Pb, Hg, Mn, Al, Cu have been studied. An electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer (GFAAS) was used for the determination of Cr(VI). The detection limit of the method for Cr(VI) found to be 0.15 μg dm− 3 and RSD for spiked drinking water was better than 3%.