Preconcentration of trace lead and iron on activated carbon functionalized by o-Anisic acid derivatives prior to their determination in environmental samples

Two solid-phase adsorbents (phase I and phase II) were synthesized successfully that o-Anisic acid derivatives were evenly functionalized on the surface of activated carbon. It was certified that the two adsorbents were applied to preconcentrate and separate trace levels of Pb(II) and Fe(III) from natural liquid samples with satisfactory results. It can be found that the adsorption capacity of the ions adsorbed on phase I and phase II was 48.3 and 85.7 mg g−1 for Pb(II), 39.5 and 72.5 mg g−1 for Fe(III), respectively. The detection limit (3σ) of the method separated on phase I and phase II was 0.12 and 0.09 ng mL−1 for Pb(II), 0.23 and 0.17 ng mL−1 for Fe(III), respectively. The relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) of the method was lower than 3.0%.The adsorption and desorption property of two kinds of adsorbents was comparatively studied, respectively. The adsorption selectivity of heavy metal ions at certain pH, the adsorption kinetics, the condition of complete elution, the effect of coexisting ions, the adsorption capacity and adsorption isotherm modes were examined. Based on the experimental datum determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), it was certified that the adsorption on the surface of adsorbents was in strict accordance with the monolayer adsorption principle. The structural features of series of multidentate ligand modified on adsorption matrix had been obtained. These conclusions can provide reference for synthesizing an efficient adsorbent which is specific to remove a particular kind of contaminant.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► o-Anisic acid derivatives functionalized on the surface of activated carbon as adsorbents. ► Adsorbents were applied to determine trace Pb(II) and Fe(III) in environmental samples. ► Optimal conditions and properties of adsorption and desorption. ► Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm has two adsorption modes. ► Conjecture on direction selection of adsorbent.