Hollow fiber liquid phase micro-extraction for heavy metals speciation

Abstract

Metals appear at very low concentration level in natural waters. As a consequence, a sample treatment step before instrumental determination is often required; in which the metal has to be pre-concentrated and isolated from sample matrix components that interfere during instrumental analysis. Hollow fiber liquid phase micro-extraction appears as an alternative to traditional liquid extraction methods that allow obtaining higher pre-concentration factors and requires less amounts of solvents and reagents. Summarizing, HFLPME is a green alternative for sample treatment in the speciation of heavy metals.