Extraction of Cu2+ and Co2+ by using Tricholoma populinum loaded onto Amberlite XAD-4

In this work, an alternative preconcentration process suggested based on using Tricholoma populinum as a fungal biosorbent for the sensitive preconcentration of Cu and Co. Amberlite XAD-4 was utilized for the loading of the biomass in solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure. It was found that T. populinum loaded with XAD-4 resin was a selective biosorbent for the preconcentration of Cu and Co. Experimental variables in SPE procedure such as pH, the flow rate of the sample, type and concentration of eluent, amount of T. populinum and of XAD-4 resin, sample volume, and potential interfering ion effect were studied. Surface functionalities of the metal-loaded and metal-unloaded biosorbent were determined by comparing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra and scanning electron microscopy images. Limit of detection values for Cu and Co were found as 0.034 and 0.019 ng mL, respectively. The linear range was found as 0.2-15 ng mL for both analytes. Relative standard deviation values were found as lower than 3.0%. Certified reference materials were applied for process validation, and also, the concentrations of Co and Cu were investigated in real water, vegetable, and soil samples. So, the method developed could be utilized for the preconcentrations of Cu and Co for routine analysis. This method can be used as an inexpensive and accessible alternative to GF-AAS or ICP-MS methods.