Preparation and characterization of magnetic nanocomposite of Schiff base/silica/magnetite as a preconcentration phase for the trace determination of heavy metal ions in water, food and biological samples using atomic absorption spectrometry

► A new sorbent was prepared by functionalization of magnetie nanoparticles. ► A recently synthesized Schiff base was used for functionalization of nanoparticles. ► The prepared sorbent was characterized by different methods. ► The sorbent was used to the preconcentration of trace amounts of several cations.