Mn3O4-MnOOH Nanocomposite-Based Dispersive Solid-Phase Preconcentration Strategy for Sensitive Determination of Cobalt by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS)

Background The determination of cobalt in water samples (test samples) is crucial, as it is an essential metal; yet, both deficiency and excessive intake may contribute to detrimental effects in humans and animals. Objective In this study, a dispersive solid-phase extraction (DSPE) procedure was developed for the determination of trace amounts of cobalt using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Methods The Mn3O4-MnOOH nanocomposite was synthesized to be used as a sorbent in the preconcentration of cobalt. Results The enhancement in the detection power of the developed analytical method was quantified by the ratio of the detection limits of the Mn3O4-MnOOH-DSPE–FAAS and FAAS systems, revealing a 15-fold increase with the Mn3O4-MnOOH-DSPE–FAAS method. Conclusion The recovery results obtained in tap water for the determination of trace amounts of cobalt demonstrated the applicability and accuracy of the developed method. Highlights A sensitive analytical strategy was developed for Co. High recovery results were obtained under optimum conditions.