The determination of anionic detergents at p.p.b. levels by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

A method is described for the determination of anionic detergents at levels below 50 μg l -1. The detergent anions are extracted into chloroform as an ion-association compound with the bis(ethylenediamine)copper(II) cation and determinations are completed by atomic absorption spectrometry with a graphite furnace atomizer. With a 750-ml water sample, the limit of detection is 2 μg l -1 (as linear alkyl sulphonic acids). The method requires a single extraction and is highly selective. It is applicable without modification to fresh, estuarine and sea-water samples.