A novel procedure for water sampling and sample preparation in a single step for metal ions monitoring

The content of some metal ions in aquatic ecosystems may pose a serious threat to both ecological and human health. Therefore, their assessment and distribution are crucial for eZective pollution control and risk management. Metal ions are usually determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) techniques [1]. These analytical methods usually require some sample preparation procedures, such as solid phase extraction, for the matrix clean-up and/or analyte pre-concentration. Chelex-100 is a weak cation exchange resin that oZers high selectivity towards metal ions and has already been used for the retention and enrichment of metal ions from water [2]. This work presents a novel approach to the sampling procedure conjugating, in the same step, the sampling and the sample preparation processes. This was achieved by devising a process involving a column packed with a Chelex-100 resin. During collection, the water sample passes through the column driven by a syringe and the metal ions are retained (matrix clean-up). Subsequently, a lower volume of eluent recovers the retained metal ions, promoting the enrichment of the analyte/s for further analysis (ICP or AAS). The study of the above-mentioned approach for the collection and determination of zinc, copper, cadmium, and lead will be discussed.