Sensitive quantification of uranium using cloud point extraction coupled with inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry

This article reports the utilization of cloud point extraction as a preconcentration strategy prior to U(VI) determination by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Complexes of U(VI) with Cyanex-301 were preconcentrated into mixed-micellar medium using Triton X-100 and Cetylpyridinium bromide at ambient temperature. Optimal values of parameters impacting the extraction efficiency were determined. The proposed technique has linearity range of 5-200 ng mL^-1 with r = 0.99 and detection and quantification limits of 0.57 and 0.85 ng mL^-1, respectively. The method has good selectivity for U(VI) over various cations and was successfully applied to U(VI) determination in water samples with satisfactory results. (author)