Detection of lead ions in aqueous solutions using laser-induced fluorescence from their chelates with YZS60 resins

Lead ions in aqueous solutions were detected by laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (LIFS) after the ions were removed from the solutions by YZS60 resin-based chelating reaction, and excited by a continuous wave semiconductor laser at 447 nm. Significant enhancement of fluorescence emission was observed, resulting in improving the detecting sensitivity of heavy metal ions in aqueous solutions. The limit of detection was 0.0011 mg/L, which was lower than the permissible level of drinking water 0.01 mg/L. The results indicate that the laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy combined with the ion removing technique could be applied for effectively detecting lead ions in aqueous solutions, and this method has the characteristics of low device cost, simple operation and nondestructive testing of samples. •Low concentration lead ions in aqueous solutions were determined simply and efficiently by laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy.•Based on the special macroporous structure of the chelating resin YZS60, Pb(II) in aqueous solutions were extracted to transform liquid samples into solid state particles for testing, which improved the detection sensitivity of lead ions.•The detection limit of lead ions was below the drinking water standard.•A portable, low-cost device for detection of lead ions in aqueous solution may be developed.