Determination of heavy metals by ICP-OES and F-AAS after preconcentration with 2,2′-bipyridyl and erythrosine

The applicability of 2,2′-bipyridyl and erythrosine co-precipitation method for the separation and preconcentration of some heavy metals, such as Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in actual samples for their determination by ICP-OES and F-AAS was studied. Experimental conditions influencing the recovery of the investigated metals, such as pH, molar ratio of 2,2′-bipyridyl to erythrosine, the effect of time on co-precipitation were optimized. The analytical characteristics of the method (e.g. limit of detection, sensitivity, linear range and preconcentration factor) were obtained. The limits of detection LOD (ng mL −1) of the ICP-OES (F-AAS) method were: Cd: 4.0 (7.75), Co: 3.1 (57.2), Cu: 18 (10.3), Ni 21.3 (32.8), Pb: 35.9 (29.2) and Zn: 10.2 (6.90). The recovery of all the elements tested was more than 93%. The influence of inorganic matrix was examined. The proposed method was applied to determination of Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in vegetables and certified reference material (NCS ZC85006 Tomato).