New resin gels for application in DGT technique

Diffusive gradients in thin films technique (DGT) is a simple preconcetration method for in situ determination of labile metal ions in aquatic systems. It eliminates contamination problems associated with the sampling and transport into the laboratory. The DGT technique is based on a simple device that accumulates metal ions on a cation-exchange resin, immobilized in thin layer of hydrogel, after passage through the diffusion layer. The cation-exchanger, usually Chelex 100, is selective for binding free or weakly complexed metal ions in solution. This diploma thesis deals with the characterization of a new resin gel based on ion exchanger with anchored thiol-functional groups, Spheron-Thiol, for DGT technique. This new binding agent with a high selectivity for „heavy“ metal ions could provide more information on the labile metal species in water systems. The performance of DGT technique with utilization of Spheron-Thiol resin was investigated by the determination of Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb under laboratory conditions. Due to the strong adsorption of copper to the Spheron-Thiol, it is necessary to decompose the resin gel in nitric acid prior to the determination. New resin gel provides reliable information of trace metal concentrations within the pH range 6 – 8 typical for natural waters. The effect of competitive ligands, iminodiacetic and humic acids, on Cd, Cu, Ni a Pb sorption on Spheron-Thiol and Chelex 100 resin gels was determined