abstract
In this work, a new 2-(2-oxoethyl)hydrazine carbothioamide modified silica gel (SG-OHC) sorbent was
prepared and applied for preconcentration of trace mercury(II) prior to the measurement by inductively
coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The optimization of some analytical parameters
affecting the adsorption of the analyte such as acidity, shaking time, sample flow rate and volume, eluent
condition, and interfering substances were investigated. At pH 3, the maximum static adsorption capacity
of Hg(II) onto the SG-OHC was 37.5 mg g−1. The quantitative recovery (>95%) of Hg(II) could be obtained
using 2 mL of 0.5 mol L−1 HCl and 1% CS(NH2)2 solution as eluent. Common coexisting substances did
not interfere with the separation of mercury(II) under optimal conditions. The detection limit of present
method was 0.10 ng mL−1, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was lower than 4.0% (n = 8). The
prepared sorbent was successfully applied for the preconcentration of trace Hg(II) in certified and water
samples with satisfactory results.