Development of a cloud point extraction-spectrofluorimetric method for trace copper(II) determination in water samples and parenteral solutions

A simple and efficient cloud point extraction-spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of copper(II) in different samples has been proposed. The procedure is based on the oxidation of thiamine with copper(II) to form highly fluorescent thiochrome, its extraction to Triton X-114 micelles and spectrofluorimetric determination. The variables affecting the analytical performance were studied and optimized. The calibration graphs using the preconcentration system for copper were linear over the range 1.0-250 ng ml−1 with limit of detection of 0.29 ng ml−1. Relative standard deviation for five replicate determinations of copper at 100 ng ml−1 concentration level was 2.12%. Average recoveries between 94 and 105% were obtained for spiked samples. The method has been applied to water samples and parenteral solutions and the amounts of copper found are very similar to those obtained by a standard method.