Direct speciation analysis of thallium based on solid phase extraction and specific retention of a Tl(III) complex on alumina coated with sodium dodecyl sulfate

Alumina (Al2O3) with an average particle size of 63 μm was modified with the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and then applied to (i) solid phase extraction and separation of both thallium(I) and thallium(III), and (ii) preconcentration of Tl(III) from waste water samples. Only Tl(III), in the form of its complex with diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DTPA), was retained on the sorbent, from where it can be eluted with 40 % nitric acid. Thallium species were then quantified by ICP MS. The method was characterized by a LOD of 25 pg of Tl(I) and 160 pg of Tl(III) in 10 mL samples. A large excesses of Tl(I) over Tl(III) was tolerated, and relatively high levels of other metal ions, such as a 500-fold excess of Pb(II) and Cd(II), and a 2000-fold excess of Zn(II), respectively, do not interfere. The sorbent was easily prepared and possesses a high loading capacity, and these properties make it an attractive material for rapid and efficient extraction and speciation of Tl. Graphical abstract:Schematic of the SPE procedure for separation (with preconcentration) of Tl(III) from Tl(I) was developed and applied to direct speciation analysis of thallium in wastewater. Self-made columns packed with alumina coated with SDS were used. The method is resistant to interferences from Pb, Cd, Zn and tolerates a large excess of Tl(I) over Tl(III).