Incorporation of dithiooxamide as a complexing agent into cellulose for the removal and pre-concentration of Cu(II) and Cd(II) ions from natural water samples

► A complexing agent was incorporated into the structure of commercial cellulose. ► The modified cellulose was used in the removal of metal species from river water. ► An enrichment factor of 50 enable the determination of Cu(II) and Cd(II) ions. ► A metal:ligand complex with a ratio of 1:2 allowed for the development of a possible binding structure. ► Method validation was performed through an analysis of certified water standards.