Determination of Cd in biological samples by flame AAS following on-line preconcentration by complexation with O,O-diethyldithiophosphate and solid phase extraction with Amberlite XAD-4

A method for the on-line preconcentration of Cd based on its complex formation with the ammonium salt of O,O-diethylditiophosphate (DDTP) and using the Amberlite XAD-4 resin as a solid support in a column is proposed. Cadmium was detected by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Different conditions, such as complexing agent concentration, preconcentration time, solutions flow rates and nature and concentration of the eluent were optimized. Different detection limits (LODs) could be established by using different preconcentration times, between 30 s and 5 min, with corresponding LODs from 5 to 1 μg L−1, respectively. The method was validated by analyzing five biological certified samples. The relative standard deviation was usually around 3%, indicating a very good precision. The found concentrations values are in agreement with the certified ones, according to the t-test, for a confidence level of 95%. Enriched seawaters were also analyzed, and the recoveries were between 93 and 108%. The FI method is very simple and probably can be coupled to other measuring analytical techniques.