A procedure for the determination of trace amounts of Fe in mineral water is
described. The method combines atomic absorption spectrometry with preconcentration
of analyte by extraction. The complexation of iron with 8-oxyquinoline
was efficient enabling its preconcentrate from water. The developed preconcentration
permitted the determination of iron in mineral water samples from Lithuania,
the analysis of which would be restricted due to the poor sensitivity of direct
flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The determination of iron in natural water
samples (selected from different areas of Lithuania) was performed directly without
preconcentration. Both methodologies showed excellent reproducibility and
accuracy. In addition, the analytical costs of the proposed extraction method are
low. It is also simple, quick and the operation techniques are fairly easy. Thus, the
proposed preconcentration methodology offers a simple and sensitive alternative
to other preconcentration techniques. Moreover, the procedure would appear to have
potential for application in the determination of iron in seawater, groundwater and
different manufacturing wastewater. Consequently, this extraction atomic absorption
spectrometric determination of iron can be suitable for routine application
in water analysis.