Speciation and Preconcentration of Inorganic Antimony and Manganese in Waters Using Microcolumn – Flow Injection System and Determination by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Microbial Flora

One of the important research fields in Analytical Chemistry is the development of reliable and practical methods for the speciation and determination of trace elements in environmental samples. There are generally two approaches in trace analysis; first, to use sensitive instrumentation for the measurement of trace elements directly in the sample, and second, to employ a preconcentration step prior to the analysis to increase the concentrations of the trace elements to a level that can be determined by the available techniques. Biological importance, geochemical and ecological properties of antimony (Sb) and similar elements depend on the specific form and the oxidation state of the elements as well as their total concentrations. Sb(III) is known to be more toxic than Sb(V). The purpose of this study is to develop a microcolumn – flow injection system for the determination of Sb(III) and Sb(V) in waters including drinking water. For this purpose, ion-exchange resins, activated alumina, silica gel, iminodiacetate chelating resins and natural and synthetic zeolites will be tried as sorbents and their selectivity towards Sb(III) and Sb(V) will be examined. The samples prepared using the proposed methodology will be analysed by Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (HGAAS). A similar system will be investigated for the determination of manganese (Mn) in underground and surface waters. Manganese concentrations will be determined by a proper atomic spectrometric technique. Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) will be applied for relatively high concentrations whereas Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (ETAAS) will be the method of choice for the determination of low concentrations.