The aim of this study is to evaluate the extraction capacity of a new functionalized magnetic graphene oxide
(MGO) to be employed in the automatic simultaneous preconcentration-determination of a relatively large
number of elements with different properties by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP
OES). A multimode sample introduction system (MSIS) cyclonic spray chamber was employed to generate and
introduce vapours of Ag, Au, Ir, Os, Pd, Pt, Sb and Hg in the ICP torch. Several flow and chemical variables were
optimized by two multivariate central composite designs. Detection limits between 0.05 μg L−1 for Hg, and
2.6 μg L−1 for Pd, and enrichment factors between 3 for Hg, and 33 for Os were obtained with a precision ≤5%
(%RSD). The accuracy of the method was validated by determining the eight target elements in a certified
reference material TMDA 54.5 and by the analysis of spiked tap water, mineral water and sea water samples
taken from Málaga (Spain). The obtained results were in good agreement with the certified values and high
recoveries were achieved for the spiked samples. Thus, the new adsorbent has demonstrated to be useful for the
preconcentration of elements with quite different properties, such as noble metals, Sb and Hg, with a sample
throughput of about 13 h−1 and low consumption of reagents and samples.
