Preconcentration and separation of cadmium by use of cobalt(III) hexamethylenedithiocarbamate as a collector prior to its determination by atomic absorption spectrometry.

Co(III) hexamethylenedithiocarbamate has been applied as a collector in colloid flotation preconcentration of Cd from water prior to electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). All experimental parameters necessary for successful flotation have been studied and optimized. The ETAAS results were compared with those obtained by inductive coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The ETAAS detection limit was found to be 0.003 microg L(-1) Cd.