Cloud point extraction of lead in saliva via use of nonionic PONPE 7.5 without added chelating agents

A new micelle-mediated phase separation of metal ions to preconcentrate trace levels of lead as a prior step to its determination by flame atomic spectroscopy has been developed. The methodology is based on the cloud point extraction of lead with PONPE 7.5 in the absence of chelating agent. The chemical variables affecting the sensitivity of the extractive-spectrometric procedure were evaluated in detail, optimised and successfully applied to the determination of lead in saliva samples. Under the optimal conditions, a %E higher than 99.9 was achieved. The proposed method showed linear calibration within the range: 0.6–4 μg ml−1 Pb(II). The sensitivity was 0.053 μg ml−1. The method has been applied to the determination of lead in human saliva. The nature of the extracting species as well as the location of lead in the micelle were studied. The analytical performance of the proposed method clearly satisfies the typical requirements for control processes.