Micelle mediated extraction for preconcentration of Eu(III) prior to determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

Cloud point extraction (CPE) was used for Eu(III) determination in water samples using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Complex of Eu(III) with alizarin red S was extracted into the surfactant-rich phase of octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol (Triton X-114) from samples at room temperature in presence of an amount of NaNO3. The parameters affecting CPE such as sample pH and concentrations of NaNO3, complexing agent and Triton X-114 were studied. Under the optimized conditions, the limit of detection (3σ) was 6 ng mL−1 and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 1.95%. The method was successfully applied to Eu(III) determination in water samples.