2-Mercaptobenzothiazole Supported on Silica Gel for the Chromatographic Concentration of Cadmium, Copper, Lead, and Zinc in Natural Water Samples

The preparation and characteristics of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole supported on silica gel (MBT–SG), and its application to the preconcentration and determination of cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc in natural water samples are described. The MBT–SG was prepared by impregnating silica gel with MBT in a dioxane–methyl acetate solvent mixture, drying, washing with deionized water, and finally drying. The chelating capacity of the material was 0.01 meq. Cu/g. Cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc were quantitatively retained on the MBT–SG at pH values of 4.8, 2.5, 4.8, and 6.5 for an aqueous solution, and at pH values of 4.8, 2.8, 4.8, and 6.5 for sea water. A column made of the material provided quantitative recovery of these metals from natural water samples at higher flow rates (2–5 1/h) than other chelating resins, e. g., chelex 100. Cadmium was eluted with hydrochloric acid (1 : 99), copper and lead with acetone–hydrochloric acid mixture (9 : 1), and zinc with an acetate–hydrochloric acid buffer solution (pH 4.0). Then, the quantities of the four metals in their effluents were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry.