Development of novel simultaneous single step and multistep cloud point extraction method for silver, cadmium and nickel in water samples

•Single and multi-step cloud point extraction procedure was developed.•Proposed technique is simple, rapid, low cost, good accuracy and environmentally friendly.•Selective and simultaneous preconcentration of silver, cadmium and nickel was performed.•High preconcentration factor and low detection limit was observed.

A novel, simple and rapid single and multi-step cloud point extraction procedure was developed for the selective and simultaneous preconcentration of silver, cadmium and nickel in real samples prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Dithizone was used as neutral hydrophobic complexing agent. Separation of understudy metals can be achieved by controlling the pH value of the extraction system. Evaluation of the two CPE methods was checked by paired t-test, which indicated a non-significant difference. It was successfully applied to the real water sample. Certified reference materials were used for the accuracy of the green extraction methods. The regression equation for the calibration curve was linear in the range of 10–150 μg L−1 for Ag, 5–100 μg L−1 for Cd, 10–200 μg L−1 for Ni. Relative standard deviation (RSD%) values were found to be lower than 2.5% for all elements. Enhancement factor (EF) and limit of detection (LOD) values were found in the range of 41–58 and 0.27–1.12 μg L−1, respectively.

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