Determination of inorganic arsenic species by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry in water samples after preconcentration/separation on nano ZrO2/B2O3 by solid phase extraction

A solid phase preconcentration procedure using hybrid sorbent based on nano zirconium dioxide–boron oxide for the speciation and determination of As(III), As(V) and total As in water samples by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HGAAS) was presented. Experimental parameters including pH, sample volume, flow rate, volume and concentration of eluent that affect the recovery of the arsenic species have been optimized. Under optimized experimental conditions, analytical parameters including limit of detection, limit of quantification, linear working range, precision and accuracy have also been determined. Interfering effects of matrix constituent on the recovery of the arsenic were studied. The reusability and adsorption capacity of the new hybrid sorbent were also investigated. The hybrid sorbent was successfully applied for preconcentration and speciation of arsenic(V) from various samples with recovery of 99 ± 5%. The analytical limit of detection was found 9.25 ng/L. The hybrid sorbent was stable up to 100 runs. Adsorption capacities of the hybrid sorbent were 98.04 mg/g for As(V). The accuracy of the method was tested by analyzing certified reference material (SPS-WW1 Waste Water) and spiked real samples. The method has been applied for the determination of analytes in tap water, underground water.

► Hybrid nano sorbent (ZrO2/B2O3) for solid phase extraction.
► Speciation and/or preconcentration of inorganic arsenic species.
► The hybrid nano sorbent was stable for about 100 cycles.
► The method is permitting to study in acidic media.
► The enrichment factor, detection limit and adsorption capacity are satisfactory.