Solid phase extractive preconcentration of silver from aqueous samples

N,N-dibutyl-N1-benzoylthiourea (DBBT) impregnated onto a polymeric matrix, Amberlite XAD-16 was prepared. The separation and enrichment of Ag(I) from solution was investigated. Effective extraction conditions were optimized in column methods prior to determination by atomic absorption spectrometry. The optimum pH range for quantitative adsorption is 2-5. Quantitative recovery of Ag was achieved by stripping with 1 mol L(-1) thiourea in 1 mol L(-1) HCl. The sorption capacity of resin is 0.115 mmol Ag+ g(-1) resin. The relative standard deviation and detection limit was 3.1% for 1 microg Ag+ mL(-1) solution and 0.11 microg L(-1), respectively. The method was used for the determination of silver in geological water samples.