In-Capillary Derivatization and Preconcentration for CE of Metal Ions as Their Phenanthroline Complexes

A simple and automated method involving in-capillary derivatization and in-capillary preconcentration was developed for the simultaneous determination of metal ions by capillary zone electrophoresis. Fe(II), Zn(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) were derivatized using 1,10-phenanthroline as the derivatizing agent. The in-capillary derivatization and in-capillary preconcentration via large volume injection were performed sequentially as follows: 60 mmol L^?1 1,10-phenanthroline was first hydrodynamically injected (0.2 psi) for 2 s; metal ions were introduced by hydrodynamic injection (0.5 psi) for 60 s; 0.2 mol L^?1 acetate pH 5.5 containing 20 % methanol was used as the running buffer. Four metal ions can be determined within 8 min using 16 kV. The resulting preconcentration factors were in the range 12–21. Good linearity was obtained for concentrations of 0.1–8.0 mg L^?1 (r ² > 0.990). The mean recoveries of the metal ions evaluated by fortification of wine samples were in the range 90–102 %. The limits of detection ranged from 0.05 to 0.2 mg L^?1. The proposed method can be applied for directly determining metal ions in wine samples.     

Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes as Sorbent for Flow Injection On‐Line Microcolumn Preconcentration Coupled with Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for Determination of Cadmium and Copper

Abstract

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were used as sorbent for flow injection (FI) on‐line microcolumn preconcentration coupled with flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) for determination of trace cadmium and copper in environmental and biological samples. Effective preconcentration of trace cadmium and copper was achieved in a pH range of 4.5–6.5 and 5.0–7.5, respectively. The retained cadmium and copper were efficiently eluted with 0.5 mol L^?1 HCl for on‐line FAAS determination. The MWNTs packed microcolumn exhibited fairly fast kinetics for the adsorption of cadmium and copper, permitting the use of high sample flow rates up to at least 7.8 mL min^?1 for the FI on‐line microcolumn preconcentration system without loss of the retention efficiency. With a preconcentration time of 60 sec at a sample loading flow rate of 4.3 mL min^?1, the enhancement factor was 24 for cadmium and 25 for copper at a sample throughput of 45 h^?1. The detection limits (3σ) were 0.30 and 0.11 µg L^?1 for Cd and Cu, respectively. The precision (RSD) for 11 replicate measurements was 2.1% at the 10‐µg L^?1 Cd level and 2.4% at the 10‐µg L^?1 Cu level. The developed method was successfully applied to the determination of trace Cd and Cu in a variety of environmental and biological samples.     

Development of a new analytical method for Pb preconcentration and its further determination in water and foodstuffs using relatively low-sensitivity flame atomic absorption spectrometry

The present study describes chelation of Pb(II) with ascorbic acid and formation of a charge-transfer sensitive ion-pair in the presence of Rhodamine 6G at pH 5.5, and then its extraction to the micellar phase of non-ionic surfactant, PONPE 7.5 by an ultrasound-assisted cloud point extraction method before analysis by FAAS. The various variables affecting ion-pair formation and extraction efficiency were studied and optimised. Under the optimised conditions, the good linear relationships in the ranges of 0.4–150 μg L^?1 and 0.8–120 μg L^?1 for solvent-based calibration and matrix-matched calibration curves, respectively, were achieved with a pre-concentration factor of 71.4 from pre-concentration of 50-mL sample. Moreover, the limits of detection with good sensitivity enhancements of 124 and 114.5 were 0.13 and 0.24 μg L^?1, respectively, while the intra-day and inter-day precision (as RSD%, for five replicate measurements of 5 and 100 μg L^?1 in the same day and three succeed days) were in range of 2.8–5.4% and 3.7–6.3%, respectively. The matrix effect on triplicate determination of 50 µg L^?1 Pb(II) was also investigated. The accuracy of the method was statistically verified by the analysis of two certified reference materials (CRMs) after digestion with acid mixtures (HNO₃-H₂O₂-HF and HNO₃-H₂O₂) and dilution at suitable ratios. It has been observed that there is statistically not a significant difference between the certified- and found-values. The accuracy was also controlled using the pre-treated sample solutions spiked at different concentration levels, and the good spiked recoveries were obtained in range of 90–102.8%. The method was successfully applied to the determination of trace amounts of lead in water and food matrices with satisfactory results.     

Extraction,preconcentration and spectrophotometric determination of trace levels of thiosulfate in environmental waters

In the existing study, a new vortex-assisted cloud point extraction (VA-CPE) method was developed for determination of low levels of thiosulfate in environmental waters at 632 nm by spectrophotometry. The method is selectively based on charge-transfer-sensitive ion-pair complex formation of Ag(S₂O₃)₂ ^3?, which is produced by the reaction of thiosulfate with excess Ag⁺ ions with toluidine blue (3-amino-7-dimethylamino-2-methylphenazathionium chloride, TB⁺) and then its extraction into micellar phase of polyethylene glycol 4-tert-octylphenyl ether (Triton X-45) in presence of Na₂SO₄ as salting-out agent at pH 7.0. All the factors affecting complex formation and VA-CPE efficiency were optimized in detail. Under the optimized conditions, the linear calibration curves for thiosulfate were in the range of 0.2–120 and 5–180 µg L^?1 with sensitivity improvement of 81-folds and 15-folds, respectively, as a result of efficient mass transfer obtained by CPE with and without vortex, while it changed in the range of 260–3600 µg L^?1 without preconcentration at 642 nm. The limits of detection and quantification of the method for VA-CPE were found to be 0.05 and 0.22 µg L^?1, respectively. The precision (expressed as the percent relative standard deviation) was in range of 2.5–4.8% (5, 10 and 25 µg L^?1, n: 5). The method accuracy was validated by comparing the results to those of an independent 5,5′-dithiobis(2-aminobenzoic acid) (DTNB) method as well as recovery studies from spiked samples. It has been observed that the results are statistically in a good agreement with those obtained by DTNB method. Finally, the method developed was successfully applied to the preconcentration and determination of trace thiosulfate from environmental waters.     

Removal, preconcentration and spectrophotometric determination of U(VI) from water samples using modified maghemite nanoparticles

Arsenazo III modified maghemite nanoparticles (A-MMNPs) was used for removing and preconcentration of U(VI) from aqueous samples. The effects of contact time, amount of adsorbent, pH and competitive ions was investigated. The experimental results were fitted to the Langmuir adsorption model in the studied concentration range of uranium (1.0 × 10^?4–1.0 × 10^?2 mol L^?1). According to the results obtained by Langmuir equation, the maximum adsorption capacity for the adsorption of U(VI) on A-MMNPs was 285 mg g^?1 at pH 7. The adsorbed uranium on the A-MMNPs was then desorbed by 0.5 mol L^?1 NaOH solution and determined spectrophotometrically. A preconcentration factor of 400 was achieved in this method. The calibration graph was linear in the range 0.04–2.4 ng mL^?1 (1.0 × 10^?10–1.0 × 10^?8 mol L^?1) of U(VI) with a correlation coefficient of 0.997. The detection limit of the method for determination of U(VI) was 0.01 ng mL^?1 and the relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) for the determination of 1.43 and 2.38 ng mL^?1 of U(VI) was 3.62% and 1.17% (n = 5), respectively. The method was applied to the determination of U(VI) in water samples.     

Preconcentration and spectrophotometric determination of trace amount of formaldehyde using hollow fiber liquid-phase microextraction based on derivatization by Hantzsch reaction

Formaldehyde is known as a highly toxic compound to humans and identified as a carcinogenic substance. In this study, Hantzsch reaction was utilized for the derivatization of trace amounts of formaldehyde in aqueous samples with acetylacetone in the presence of ammonia to form an extractable colored product named 3,5-diacetyl 1,4-dihydrolutidine (DDL) and its further extraction using two-phase hollow fiber liquid-phase microextraction. The main experimental variables affecting the extraction performance were investigated and optimized. Under the optimum conditions (sample volume 12 mL; reaction temperature 70 °C; ammonium acetate buffer solution 4 mL 0.1 mol L^?1; acetylacetone 5 mL 0.15 mol L^?1; solvent octanol, salt concentration 20% (w/v) NaCl; pH of donor phase 7.0; stirring speed 400 rpm and extraction time 30 min), the linear dynamic range, limit of detection (LOD as 3S _b/m) and relative standard deviation (RSD %) of the proposed method were obtained as 5–250 μg L^?1 (r ² = 0.9979), 3.6 μg L^?1 and 2.5%, respectively. Finally, the applicability of the proposed method was examined, and very good results were obtained. The results confirmed the applicability of the proposed method as a versatile, low-cost and sensitive preconcentration method for determination of low concentrations of formaldehyde in aqueous solutions.     

Online thorium determination after preconcentration in a minicolumn having XAD-4 resin impregnated with N-benzoylphenylhydroxylamine by FI-spectrophotometry

A very sensitive and selective flow injection on-line determination method of thorium (IV) after preconcentration in a minicolumn having XAD-4 resin impregnated with N-benzoylphenylhydroxylamine is described. Thorium (IV) was selectively adsorbed from aqueous solution of pH 4.5 in a minicolumn at a flow rate of 13.6 mL min^?1, eluted with 3.6 mol dm^?3 HCl (5.6 mL min^?1), mixed with arsenazo-III (0.05% in 3.6 mol dm^?3 HCl stabilized with 1% Triton X-100, 5.6 mL min^?1) at confluence point and taken to the flow through cell of spectrophotometer where its absorbance was measured at 660 nm. Peak height was used for data analyses. The preconcentration factors obtained were 32 and 162, detection limits of 0.76 and 0.150 ??g L^?1, sample throughputs of 40 and 11 h^?1 for preconcentration times of 60 and 300 s, respectively. The tolerance levels for Zr(IV) and U(VI) metal ions is increased to 50-folds higher concentration to Th(IV). The proposed method was applied on different spiked tap water, sea water and biological sample and good recovery was obtained. The method was also applied on certified reference material IAEA-SL1 (Lake Sediment) for the determination of thorium and the results were in good agreement with the reported value.     

Determination of trace amounts of nystatin in water and vaccine samples using sodium dodecyl sulfate-coated iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles followed by high-performance liquid chromatography–ultraviolet detection

In this work, magnetic solid-phase extraction based on sodium dodecyl sulfate-coated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles has been successfully applied for extraction and preconcentration of trace amounts of nystatin from water and vaccine samples prior to high-performance liquid chromatography–ultraviolet detection. Various experimental parameters affecting extraction and recovery of the analyte, such as the amount of sodium dodecyl sulfate, pH of the sample solution, salt concentration, extraction time, sample volume and desorption conditions, were systematically studied and optimized. Under optimized conditions, nystatin was quantitatively extracted. Proper linear range with good coefficient of determination, (R ² > 0.99) and limit of detection and quantification (based on signal-to-noise ratios of 3 and 10) of 2.0 and 5.0 µg L^?1, over the investigated concentration range (5–700 µg L^?1), were obtained, respectively. The intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations at 50 µg L^?1 level of NYS were 1.4 and 4.5% based on six replicate determinations. The accuracy of the method was evaluated by recovery measurements on spiked samples. Suitable recoveries of 96–102 and 26–44% were achieved (at spiked levels of 50, 300 and 500 µg L^?1) for water and vaccine samples, respectively.     

The separation–preconcentration and determination of ultra-trace gold in water and solid samples by dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction using 4-ethyl-1(2-(4-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)acetyl)thiosemicarbazide) as chelating agent and flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A selective separation and preconcentration method for the determination of gold ions in water and ore samples has been developed using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, followed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. 4-Ethyl-1(2-(4-(4-nitrophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)acetyl)thiosemicarbazide) (NPPTSC) has been used for the first time as new chelating reagent. A mixture of ethanol (dispersive solvent) and carbon tetrachloride (extraction solvent) was used. Some parameters affecting the extraction procedure including the type and volume of the extracting and dispersive solvents, HNO₃ concentration, the chelating agent amount, volume of sample, and foreign ions have optimized. Also, the complex formation between gold ions and the ligand has been investigated in a methanol–water solution (1:1) using UV–visible spectrometry. The spectrophotometric titration data showed that of Au–NPPTSC complex composition was found to be 3:2. After optimizing the instrumental and experimental parameters, we achieved a detection limit of 1.5 µg L^?1, a preconcentration factor of 50, and a linear dynamic range of 10.0–400.0 µg L^?1. The relative standard deviation obtained 2.1% at 50 µg L^?1 for gold ions (n = 10). The proposed method was successfully performed for the determination of gold in certified reference material, environmental water, and ore samples.     

Preconcentration of beryllium via octadecyl silica gel microparticles doped with aluminon, and its determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A simple and sensitive method is presented for solid phase extraction (SPE) and preconcentration of trace quantities of beryllium using octadecyl silica gel modifed with aurin tricarboxylic acid (aluminon). Beryllium is then determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Parameters affecting SPE such as pH, sample solution and eluent flow rate, type, concentration and volume of eluent, interfering ions and breakthrough volume, were investigated. Under optimal conditions, the beryllium ions were retained on the sorbent at pH 6–6.7, while 3.0 mL of 0.05 mol L^?1 HNO₃ is sufficient to elute the ions. The limit of detection (LOD) based on 3σ was 0.8 µg L^?1 for 250 mL sample solution and 5 mL 0.05 mol L^?1 HNO₃ as eluent. The LOD can reach 0.1 µg L^?1 for 1 L sample solution and 3 mL of 0.05 mol L^?1 HNO₃. The accuracy and precision (RSD %) of the method is >90% and <10%, respectively. The method was applied to the determination of beryllium in aqueous samples.     

Ultrasound-assisted liquid-phase microextraction based on a nanostructured supramolecular solvent

Novel ultrasonically enhanced supramolecular solvent microextraction (USESSM) then high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection have been used for extraction and determination of phthalates in water and cosmetics. Coacervates consisting of decanoic acid-based nano-structured aggregates, specifically reverse micelles, have been used the first time as solvents for ultrasound-assisted emulsification microextraction (USAEME). Sonication accelerated mass transfer of the target analytes into the nano-structured solvent from the aqueous sample, thus reducing extraction time. Several conditions affecting extraction efficiency, for example the concentrations of major components of the supramolecular solvent (tetrahydrofuran and decanoic acid), sample solution pH, salt addition, and ultrasonication time, were investigated and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, preconcentration of the analytes ranged from 176 to 412-fold and the linear range was 0.5–100 μg?L^?1, with correlation coefficients (R ²)?≥?0.9984. The detection sensitivity of the method was excellent, with limits of detection (LOD, S/N?=?3) in the range 0.10–0.70 μg?L^?1 and precision in the range 4.1–11.7 % (RSD, n?=?5). This method was successfully used for analysis of phthalates in water and cosmetics, with good recovery of spiked phthalates (91.0–108.5 %).     

Sorption of uranium using silica gel with benzoylthiourea derivatives

Benzoylthiourea derivatives (N,N-diphenyl-N′-(3-methylbenzoyl)thiourea and diphenyl-N′-(4-methylbenzoyl)thiourea) were impregnated onto silica gel. The preconcentration of uranium(VI) from aqueous solution was investigated. Extraction conditions were optimized in batch method prior to determination by uv–visible absorption spectrometry using arsenazo(III). The optimum pH for quantitative adsorption was found as 3–7. Quantitative recovery of uranium (VI) was achieved by stripping with 0.1 mol L^?1 HCl. Equilibration time was determined as 30 min for 99% sorption of U(VI). Under optimal conditions, dynamic linear range of for U(VI) was found as 0.25–10 μg mL^?1. The relative standard deviation as percentage and detection limit were 5.0% (n = 10) for 10 μg mL^?1 U(VI) solution and 8.7 ng mL^?1, respectively. The method was employed to the preconcentration of U(VI) ions in soil and tap water samples.     

Selective Determination of Copper in Water Samples by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry after Cloud Point Extraction

A preconcentration methodology utilizing the cloud point phenomenon is described for the determination of copper by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The reagent Sulfathiazolylazo resorsin was used as a complexing agent. The preconcentration factor of 25-fold was obtained. The calibration curve is linear in the range of 4–400 µ g L^?1 with a limit of detection of 0.64 µ g L^?1. The relative standard deviation (n = 5, 12 µ g L^?1) was 3.5%. The cloud point is formed in the presence of phenol at room temperature. The method was successfully applied to the determination of copper in water samples and a standard reference material.     

New methods for the detection of cyanide based on displacement of the glutathione ligand of glutathionylcobalamin by cyanide

Glutathionylcobalamin (GSCbl) is a vitamin B₁₂ derivative that contains glutathione as the upper axial ligand to cobalt via a Co–S bond. In the present study, we discovered that cyanide reacted with GSCbl, generating cyanocobalamin (CNCbl) and reduced glutathione (GSH) via dicyanocobalamin (diCNCbl) intermediate. This reaction was induced specifically by the nucleophilic attack of cyanide anion displacing the glutathione ligand of GSCbl. Based on the reaction of GSCbl with cyanide, we developed new methods for the detection of cyanide. The reaction intermediate, violet-coloured diCNCbl, could be applied for naked eye detection of cyanide and the detection limit was estimated to be as low as 520 μg L^?1 (20 μM) at pH = 10.0. The reaction product, CNCbl, could be applied for a spectrophotometric quantitative determination of cyanide with a detection limit of 26 μg L^?1 (1.0 μM) at pH = 9.0 and a linear range of 26–520 μg L^?1 (1.0–50 μM). In addition, the other reaction product, GSH, could be applied for a fluorometric quantitative determination of cyanide with a detection limit of 31 μg L^?1 (1.2 μM) at pH = 9.0 and a linear range of 31–520 μg L^?1 (1.2–20 μM). These new GSCbl-based methods are simple, highly specific and sensitive with great applicability for the detection of cyanide in biological and non-biological samples.     

Determination of europium(III) in environmental samples using a flow injection analysis system with on-line preconcentration and spectrophotometric detection

A simple and accurate flow injection analysis system coupled with spectrophotometric detector was developed for preconcentration and determination of europium(III) in aqueous samples. The developed flow system includes a europium preconcentration step in a column packed with Amberlite XAD-4 resin impregnated with nalidixic acid at pH 7.0. The europium complex was desorbed from the resin by 0.1 mol L^?1 HCl and mixed with arsenazo-III solution (0.05 % solution in 0.1 mol L^?1 HCl) and taken to the flow through cell of spectrophotometer where its absorbance was measured at 661 nm. The optimum preconcentration system, chemical and FIA variables were investigated. The preconcentration factors obtained were 115 and 500, detection limits of 0.43 and 0.1 μg L^?1, sample throughputs of 40 and 10 were obtained for preconcentration time of 60 and 300 s respectively. The proposed system showed good precision and accuracy with relative standard deviation of 1.5 %. The method has been applied to the determination of europium(III) in real water samples and certified reference material IAEA-SL-1 (Lake sediment).     

A novel solid-phase extraction method for separation and preconcentration of zirconium

This work assesses the use of modified natural clinoptilolite as an adsorptive material for separation and preconcentration of trace amounts of zirconium ions. A simple, rapid and economical method was developed for the preconcentration of trace amounts of zirconium in aqueous medium using 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol as a complexing agent. Effect of sample pH, flow rate of sample and elution solutions, breakthrough volume and interference of several ions were studied. Determination of zirconium was made by ICP-AES technique. The sorption was quantitative in the pH range from 3.0 to 4.0, whereas quantitative desorption occurred instantaneously with 2 mol L^?1 hydrochloric acid. Linearity was maintained between 0.05 and 9.0 μg mL^?1. Relative standard deviations range from ±0.9% to ±2.3% (n?=?5). The detection limit was 0.1 ng mL^?1. Because of good recovery (>97%), this method is suitable for preconcentration and determination of zirconium in effluents containing trace amount of zirconium.     

Trace determination of cadmium in rice samples using solidified floating organic drop microextraction based on vesicular supramolecular solvent followed by flow-injection analysis–flame atomic absorption spectrometry

In this work, a solidified floating organic drop microextraction was developed based on a vesicular supramolecular solvent consisting of decanoic acid and quaternary ammonium. The method was used for preconcentration of trace amount of cadmium in different rice samples followed by flow-injection analysis–flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Several parameters affecting the extraction efficiency including pH, concentration of 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol as the chelating agent, sample and extraction solvent volume, stirring rate, extraction time, salt effect, and interfering ions were investigated and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, a preconcentration factor of 84 was achieved. LOD and LOQ were found to be 0.09 and 0.31 µg L^?1, respectively. The calibration curve was linear within the range of 5.0–700 µg L^?1 (r²?>?0.9978). Intra- and inter-day precisions (RSD% n?=?3) were estimated 2.7 and 3.9% at the concentration of 20 µg L^?1, respectively. The accuracy of the method was successfully validated by analysis of an SRM-1643f standard reference material. Relative recoveries were achieved within the range of 93–107% elucidating suitability of the method for determination of cadmium in rice samples.     

Synthesis of nano-pore size Al(III)-imprinted polymer for the extraction and preconcentration of aluminum ions

In this study, an ion imprinted polymer (IIP) was prepared for the selective separation and preconcentration of trace levels of aluminum. Al(III) IIP was synthesized in the presence of Al(III)-8-hydroxyquinoline (oxine) complex using styrene and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a monomer and crosslinker, respectively. The imprinted Al(III) ions were completely removed by leaching the IIP with HCl (50 % v/v) and were characterized by FTIR and scanning electron microscopy. The maximum sorption capacity for Al(III) ions was found to be 3.1 mg g^?1 at pH 6.0. Variables affecting the IIP solid phase extraction were optimized by the univariable method. Under the optimized conditions, a sample volume of 400 mL resulted in an enhancement factor of 194. The detection limit (defined as 3 S _b/m) was found to be 1.6 μg L^?1. The method was successfully applied to the determination of aluminum in natural water, fruit juice and cow milk samples.     

Preconcentration and determination of low amounts of cobalt in black tea,paprika and marjoram using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction and flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) method for separation/preconcentration of ultra trace amounts of Co(II) and its determination with FAAS was developed. The DLLME behavior of Co(II) using Aliquat 336-chloride as ion pairing agent was systematically investigated. The factors influencing the ion pair formation and extraction by DLLME method were optimized. Under the optimized conditions for 150 µL of extraction solvent (carbon tetrachloride), 1.5 mL disperser solvent (acetonitrile) and 5 mL of sample, the enrichment factor was 30. The detection limit was 5.6 µg L^?1 and the RSD for replicate measurements of 1 mg L^?1 was 1.32 %. The calibration graph using the preconcentration system for cobalt was linear from 40 to 400 µg L^?1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.999. The proposed method was successfully applied for determination of cobalt in black tea, paprika and marjoram real samples.     

Liquid–Liquid Microextraction of Nitrophenols Using Supramolecular Solvent and Their Determination by HPLC with UV Detection

A novel, efficient, and environmentally friendly method—supramolecular solvent liquid–liquid microextraction (SMS-LLME) combined with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)—was first established for the determination of p-nitrophenol and o-nitrophenol in water samples. Several important parameters influencing extraction efficiency, such as the type and volume of extraction solvent, pH of sample, temperature, salt effect, extraction time, and stirring rate, were optimized in detail. Under the optimal conditions, the enrichment factor was 166 for p-nitrophenol and 160 for o-nitrophenol, and the limits of detection by HPLC were 0.26 and 0.58 μg L^?1, respectively. Excellent linearity with coefficients of correlation from 0.9996 to 0.9997 was observed in the concentration range of 2–1,000 μg L^?1. The ranges of intra- and interday precision (n = 5) at 100 μg L^?1 of nitrophenols were 5.85–7.76 and 10.2–11.9 %, respectively. The SMS-LLME method was successfully applied for preconcentration of nitrophenols in environmental water samples.