Despite the sensitivity and selectivity of analytical techniques
such as flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and inductively
coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES),
there is a great necessity for preconcentration of copper prior
to its determination, basically due to its low concentration or
the effects of matrix in aqueous samples. Preconcentration procedures such as liquid–liquid extraction [6], ion-exchange [7],
cloud point extraction [8-10], coprecipitation [6], adsorptive stripping
voltametric [11] or solid phase extraction [9] have been
applied to extract copper ions from aqueous samples. Solid phase
extraction (SPE) is an attractive method that reduces consumption
of and exposure to solvent, disposal costs and extraction time
[12]. The nature and the properties of the sorbent materials are
of prime importance for effective retention of materials in SPE
[13].