A SPE-LC-MS/MS Method for the Detection of Low Concentrations of Pharmaceuticals in Industrial Waste Streams

A SPE-LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the determination of three active pharmaceutical ingredients [API A (3-([2-(diaminomethyleneamino)thiazol-4-yl]methylthio)-N′-sulfamoyl propanimid amide, API B 5-[(2 R)-2-[2-(2-ethoxyphenoxy)ethylamino]propyl]-2-methoxybenzenesulfonamide hydrochloride, API C 1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octan-8-yl (1S)-1-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinoline-2-carboxylate] in the wastewater of a chemical synthesis production facility. The SPE-LC-MS/MS method was validated in actual influent and effluent samples. Linearity, LOD, LOQ, repeatability, intermediate precision, and recovery were determined. An LOQ of 400 μg · L^?1, 1.0 μg · L^?1, and 6 μg · L^?1, repeatability of 2.5% CV, 14.8% CV, and 11.9% CV, intermediate precision of 7.8% CV, 11.0% CV, and 8.7% CV and SPE recovery of 114%, 103%, and 91% was determined for API A, B, and C, respectively, in influent. An LOQ of 400 μg · L^?1, 0.8 μg · L^?1, and 6 μg · L^?1, repeatability of 2.0% CV, 11.0% CV, and 10.9% CV, intermediate precision of 1.7% CV, 6.8% CV, and 10.2% CV and SPE recovery of 116%, 96%, and 115% was established for API A, B, and C, respectively, in effluent. Coefficients of correlation for each analyte were >0.9301 confirming the linearity of the method. The LC-MS/MS method was used for an on-going monitoring program for these pharmaceuticals in wastewater. The method development techniques, validation procedures, and results from real wastewater samples are presented in this paper.     

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.     

Flow injection-based cloud point extraction of phosalone and ethion in seawater of Chabahar Bay and determination by high-performance liquid chromatography: study of use of carbon nanotube and nanofibers as a column filler in flow system

This study presents an easy and cost-effective flow-based cloud point extraction (CPE) method for determining partial amounts of two organophosphorus pesticides (phosalone and ethion) in seawater by HPLC–UV–Vis. In continues CPE methodology, the effect of the different column packing type such as carbon nanotube, polyacrylonitrile nanofiber and fiberglass on pesticide extraction was investigated. The Triton X-100 was utilized as nonionic surfactant, and moreover, effect of different parameters such as pH, temperature, extraction time, surfactant concentration, type and volume of the eluent solution on the extraction efficiency was optimized. Under optimum conditions, the figures of merit of the method for phosalone and ethion were obtained as: the enrichment factor (172 and 166), line range (0.8–300 and 0.5–300 µg L^?1, R ² = 0.9973 and 0.9982), relative standard deviation in concentration of 200 µg L^?1 (%RSD = %5.4 and %7.99, N = 5) and limit of detection (LOD = 0.24 and 0.14 µg L^?1). The suggested method was successfully used for determination of phosalone and ethion in Chabahar Bay seawaters with satisfactory results.     

Generic Automated Fluorimetric Assay for the Quality Control of Gamma Aminobutyric Acid-Analogue Anti-Epileptic Drugs Using Sequential Injection

The first sequential injection assay for the generic determination of gabapentin and pregabalin is reported. The analytes react with o-phthalaldehyde in the presence of N-acetylcysteine as a nucleophilic reagent in alkaline medium under flow conditions to form highly fluorescent derivatives. The effect of the main instrumental and chemical variables on the assay was examined. The proposed method was validated for both analytes in terms of linearity, detection, and quantitation limits (c _L  = 160 μg L^?1, c _Q  = 480 μg L^?1 for gabapentin, and c _L  = 70 μg L^?1, c _Q  = 210 μg L^?1 for pregabalin), precision (s _r  < 1.0% in both cases), selectivity, and accuracy. The applicability of the assay was demonstrated by successfully analyzing commercially available formulations. The experimental percent recoveries were in the range of 97.9–102.0% for gabapentin and 98.3–102.3% for pregabalin.     

Determination of N-methylcarbamate pesticides using flow injection with photoinduced chemiluminescence detection

A sensitive, economic, rapid and simple method for the determination of four N-methylcarbamate pesticides: methomyl (2.0–80 μg L^?1), aldicarb (5.0–50 μg L^?1), butocarboxim (2.0–60 μg L^?1) and oxamyl (2.0–60 μg L^?1); is reported. It relies on the coupling of photoinduced chemiluminescence (PICL) detection with flow injection (FI) methodology. The automation of FI together with the use of light as a reagent decreased the environmental impact of the analysis. The proposed method was based on the oxidation of these pesticides, previously irradiated on-line with UV light, with cerium(IV), using quinine as a sensitiser. Limits of detection below the legal limits (100 ng L^?1) established by the European Union for drinking waters were obtained without the need of preconcentration steps. A good inter-day reproducibility (1.6–6.4%, n = 5), repeatability (rsd = 2.7 %, n = 25) and high throughput (123 h^?1) were achieved. The method was successfully applied to the determination of methomyl in natural waters with mean recoveries ranging from 90% to 98%.     

Single Laboratory Validation of a Method for the Determination of Total Inorganic Arsenic by Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

The purpose of this study consists in reporting of single laboratory validation of a method for the determination of total inorganic arsenic by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry from natural and residual water samples. Applicability, fitness for purpose, selectivity, and sensitivity were discussed. A calibration study was realized, linear working range (0.4–4 μg·L^?1), detection (0.11 μg·L^?1), and quantification (0.38 μg·L^?1) limits being determined. It was also proven that the method is accurate and precise. Following the bottom-up approach measurement, uncertainty was estimated (method validation data were used).     

Evaluation of the Counter Ions in Doped Porous Polyaniline Coatings on Stainless Steel Wires for Solid Phase Microextraction of Chlorophenolics in Water Combined with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Porous polyaniline coatings doped with different counter ions were electrodeposited on the surface of stainless steel wires using controlled potentiostatic coulometry. Prior to electropolymerization, the stainless steel wires were chemically etched to improve subsequent immobilization of the polyaniline coatings on the substrate and to increase the effective surface area. Porous polyaniline coatings doped with sulfate, nitrate, and perchlorate counter ions were employed for solid-phase microextraction (SPME) of 2-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, triclosan, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography. The results demonstrated that the perchlorate doped polyaniline coating exhibited the highest extraction efficiency for 2-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, and triclosan at pH 5.0, indicating that the extraction capability was modified by introducing different counter ions into the coatings. As a result, the perchlorate doped polyaniline coated fiber was further used for the optimization of extraction condition s . The method provided linear dynamic ranges over 2 to 4 orders of magnitude. The limits of detection were 0.006 µg · L^?1, 0.005 µg · L^?1, and 0.040 µg · L^?1 for 2-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, and triclosan, respectively. The precision expressed as the relative standard deviation ranged from 2.20% to 5.04% for spiked water at 10 µg · L ^?1 (n = 5) and the fiber to fiber reproducibility was between 3.27% and 5.91% (n = 5). The method was successfully applied to the determination of chlorophenolics in real water samples. The recoveries of chlorophenolics in spiked water at 5.0 µg · L^?1 were between 99.60% and 108.7% with relative standard deviations between 3.24% and 5.47%.     

A stir foam composed of graphene oxide,poly(ethylene glycol) and natural latex for the extraction of preservatives and antioxidant

A stir foam composed of graphene oxide, poly(ethylene glycol) and natural latex (GO-PEG-NL) was prepared for use in micro-solid phase extraction sorbent of preservative agents and antioxidants from cosmetic products. The extracted analytes were quantified by GC-MS. Under the optimized conditions, the calibration plots are linear in the concentration ranges between 5.0 μg·L^?1 to 1.0 mg·L^?1 for benzoic acid, of 10.0 μg·L^?1 to 1.0 mg·L^?1 for 2-methyl-3-isothiazolinone (MI), and between 1.0 μg·L^?1 and 1.0 mg·L^?1 for both 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (BHA) and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-hydroxytoluene (BHT). The LODs are 1.0 μg·L^?1 for benzoic acid, 5.0 μg·L^?1 for MI and 0.5 μg·L^?1 for both BHA and BHT. The stir-foam can be easily prepared, is inexpensive and well reproducible (RSDs <3%, for n?=?6). It can be re-used for up to 12 times after which extraction efficiency has dropped to 90%. The method was successfully applied to the determination of preservatives and antioxidants in cosmetic samples. Recoveries from spiked samples ranged between 94.5?±?2.1% and 99.8?±?1.8%.

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Graphical abstract A stir foam was prepared from graphene oxide, poly(ethylene glycol) and natural latex (GO-PEG-NL) and is shown to be a most viable sorbent for the microextraction of trace amounts of preservative agents and antioxidants from cosmetic products.

     

Speciation and determination of chromium ions by dispersive micro solid phase extraction using magnetic graphene oxide followed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A selective, simple and fast dispersive micro solid phase extraction method using magnetic graphene oxide (GO) as an efficient sorbent has been developed for the extraction, separation and speciation analysis of chromium ions. The method is based on different adsorption behaviour of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) species onto magnetic GO in aqueous solutions which allowed the selective separation and extraction of Cr(VI) in the pH range of 2.0–3.0. The retained Cr(VI) ions by the sorbent were eluted using 0.5 mL of 0.5 mol L^?1 nitric acid solution in methanol and determined by ?ame atomic absorption spectrometry. Total chromium content was determined after the oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI) by potassium permanganate. All effective parameters on the performance of the extraction process were thoroughly investigated and optimised. Under the optimised conditions, the method exhibited a linear dynamic range of 0.5–50.0 µg L^?1 with a detection limit of 0.1 µg L^?1 and pre-concentration factor of 200. The relative standard deviations of 3.8% and 4.6% (n = 8) were obtained at 25.0 µg L^?1 level of Cr(VI) for intra- and inter-day analysis, respectively. The method was successfully applied to the speciation and determination of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) in environmental water samples.     

Analysis of PAHs in Water and Fruit Juice Samples by DLLME Combined with LC-Fluorescence Detection

A simple, rapid and efficient method termed dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction combined with liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection, has been developed for the extraction and determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water and fruit juice samples. Parameters such as the kind and volume of extraction solvent and dispersive solvent, extraction time and salt effect were optimized. Under optimum conditions, the enrichment factors ranged from 296 to 462. The linear range was 0.01–100 μg L^?1 and limits of detection were 0.001–0.01 μg L^?1. The relative standard deviations (RSDs, for 5 μg L^?1 of PAHs) varied from 1.0 to 11.5% (n = 3). The relative recoveries of PAHs from tap, river, well and sea water samples at spiking level of 5 μg L^?1 were 82.6–117.1, 74.9–113.9, 77.0–122.4 and 86.1–119.3%, respectively. The relative recoveries of PAHs from grape and apple juice samples at spiking levels of 2.5 and 5 μg L^?1 were 80.8–114.7 and 88.9–123.0%, respectively. It is concluded that the proposed method can be successfully applied for determination of PAHs in water and fruit juice samples.     

Determination of Mycotoxins Using Hollow Fiber Dispersive Liquid–Liquid–Microextraction (HF-DLLME) Prior to High-Performance Liquid Chromatography – Tandem Mass Spectrometry (HPLC - MS/MS)

A modified hollow-fiber-supported dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (HF-DLLME) method was developed for the determination of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in food samples. The various parameters affecting the efficiency of extraction, such as pH, salt addition, extraction time, stirring rate, desorption time, type and volume of extractant and disperser solvents were carefully studied and optimized using two step strategies. The linearity of the evaluated results was 0.1 to 30?μg L^?1 for aflatoxins and 0.1 to 20?μg L^?1 for ochratoxin A, with regression coefficients (R²) exceeding 0.9990. The precision was satisfactory with relative standard deviation values less than 11%. The method accuracy was within the recommended range from 70% to 120% and analyte accuracy between 83% and 101%. The limits of detection and quantification were in the range from 0.04 to 0.06?μg L^?1 and 0.08 to 0.13?μg L^?1, respectively, for multi-aflatoxins, and 0.02 to 0.04?µg L^?1 and 0.08 to 0.10?µg L^?1, respectively, for ochratoxin A. The developed method was successfully applied for the determination of mycotoxins in food samples.     

Determination of trace amounts of plutonium in low-active liquid wastes from spent nuclear-fuel reprocessing plants by flow injection-based solid-phase extraction/electrochemical detection system

A flow injection-based electrochemical detection system coupled to a solid-phase extraction column was developed for the determination of trace amounts of plutonium in low-active liquid wastes from spent nuclear-fuel reprocessing plants. The oxidation state of plutonium in a sample solution was adjusted to Pu(VI) by the addition of silver(II) oxide. A sample solution was made up in 3 mol L^?1 HNO₃ and loaded onto a column packed with UTEVA^® with 3 mol L^?1 HNO₃ as the carrier. Plutonium(VI) was adsorbed onto the resin, and interfering elements were removed by rinsing the column with 3 mol L^?1 HNO₃. Subsequently, the adsorbed Pu(VI) was eluted with 0.01 mol L^?1 HNO₃, and then introduced directly into the flow-through electrolysis cell with boron-doped diamond electrode. The eluted Pu(VI) was detected by an electrochemical amperometric method at a working potential of 0.1 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The current produced on reduction of Pu(VI) was continuously monitored and recorded. The plutonium concentration was calculated from the relationship between the peak area and concentration of plutonium. The relative standard deviation of ten analyses was 1.1% for a plutonium solution of 25 μg L^?1 containing 50 ng of Pu. The detection limit calculated from three-times the standard deviation was 0.82 μg L^?1 (1.6 ng of Pu).     

Speciation of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) ions using a β-cyclodextrin-crosslinked polymer micro-column and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

A sensitive and selective method for the speciation of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in water samples was developed. It is based on the selective binding of the complex formed between Cr(III) and 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol adsorbed on a cross-linked polymer modified with β-cyclodextrin and placed in a micro-column. Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) was used to quantify chromium. Cr(VI) ion is not adsorbed but remains in the aqueous sample phase. Thus, an in-situ separation of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) is accomplished. The concentration of Cr (VI) was calculated by subtracting the value for Cr(III) from that for total chromium. Under optimum conditions, the limit of detection of Cr(III) is 0.056 μg L^?1, and the linear range is from 2.0 to 160.0 μg L^?1. The relative standard deviation is 2.5% (n?=?3, at 30.0 μg L^?1). The preconcentration factor is 25. The method was applied to the speciation of chromium in water samples, and recoveries in spiked real samples range from 101.9% to 104.5%. A reference water sample (GBW(E)080642) also was analyzed, and the results were in good agreement with the certified values.

On-Line SPE Coupled with LC for Analysis of Traces of Sudan Dyes in Foods

We report a sensitive and simple method for analysis of traces of Sudan dyes in foods in which solid-phase extraction on activated silica gel for preconcentration was combined, on-line, with high-performance liquid chromatography. With a loading flow rate of 1.7 mL min^?1 for sampling 50 mL Sudan I–IV at pH 6.7, enrichment factors ranging from 196 to 991 were achieved. Detection limits (S/N = 3) of Sudan I–IV were in the range 1.4–7.0 ng L^?1, and the relative standard deviation for repeatability of peak areas in five replicate analyses of 0.01 μg L^?1 Sudan I–IV was 2.2–4.5%. When blank food samples (chilli powder, chilli sauce, and duck eggs) were spiked with Sudan III at two levels (0.25 and 0.50 μg L^?1) then analyzed by this method recovery ranged from 70.3 to 95.2%.     

Trace Determination of Manganese in Urine by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry

This paper describes a simple and sensitive method for the determination of manganese in human urine by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS), which includes sample preparation by microwave digestion. Matrix modifier combinations, the digestion power, pyrolysis, and atomization temperatures were optimized. A mixture of 5.0 µg Pd(NO₃)₂ and 3.2 µg Mg(NO₃)₂ modifier presented the best performance. The optimal temperatures for pyrolysis and atomization were 1500°C and 1950°C, respectively. The GFAAS method was compared to inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) for the determination of manganese in urine. Analytical figures of merit for GFAAS and ICP–MS were: accuracy (3.46%, 2.19%), precision (3.61%, 5.84%), LOD (0.109 µg · L^?1, 0.015 µg · L^?1), LOQ (0.327 µg · L^?1, 0.045 µg · L^?1), and recovery (80–100%, 74–89%). Both methods were employed for the determination of Mn in urine and the results were compared statistically.     

Determination of reference interval values for inorganic elements in whole blood samples of humans and laboratory animals by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

Inorganic elements are responsible for essential bodily functions, such as osmotic regulation, cardiac frequency and contractibility, blood clotting and neuromuscular excitability. The determination of inorganic elements in corporeal fluids such as blood, serum, plasma and urine is used as a monitor for a part or the whole organism; their values, then, are compared with reference interval values. In this study, the energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF), applying the Fundamental Parameters method, for the determination of inorganic elements in whole blood samples from humans and laboratory animals, was used. Peripheral blood samples were collected and, before coagulation, 100 μL of sample were deposited onto Whatman No. 41 filter paper and dried, using infrared spotlight. The reference interval values for healthy Brazilian population of Na were found to be 1,788–1,826 μg g^?1, of Mg 63–75 μg g^?1, of P 602–676 μg g^?1, of S 1,519–1,718 μg g^?1, of Cl 2,743–2,867 μg g^?1, of K 1,508–1,630 μg g^?1, of Ca 214–228 μg g^?1, of Fe 170–184 μg g^?1, of Cu 4–6 μg g^?1 and of Zn 1–3 μg g^?1. The reference interval values for golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) of Na were found to be 1,714–1,819 μg g^?1, Mg 51–79 μg g^?1, P 970–1,080 μg g^?1, S 1,231–1,739 μg g^?1, Cl 2,775–2,865 μg g^?1, of K 1,968–2,248 μg g^?1, of Ca 209–257 μg g^?1, of Fe 145–267 μg g^?1, of Cu 4–6 μg g^?1 and of Zn 3–5 μg g^?1. A comparative study between EDXRF and instrumental neutron activation analysis data was carried out and the results for both techniques are statistically equal (α = 0.05). The results contribute for the establishment of reference interval values for Na, Mg, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Cu and Zn in the healthy Brazilian population and the referred laboratory animal species.     

Application of vortex-assisted supramolecular solvent liquid–liquid microextraction for trace determination of nitroaniline isomers

A novel, fast and efficient method for the analysis of nitroaniline isomers as model compounds was developed using vortex-assisted supramolecular solvent liquid–liquid microextraction (VA-SMS-LLME). A vortex mixer was used as the mixer in supramolecular solvent liquid–liquid microextraction, and it decreased the extraction time greatly. Several important parameters influencing extraction efficiency, such as the type and volume of extraction solvent, pH of sample, salt effect and extraction time, were optimised in detail. Under the optimal conditions, the enrichment factor was 133 for p-nitroaniline, 98 for m-nitroaniline and 115 for o-nitroaniline, and the limits of detection by HPLC were 0.3, 1.0 and 0.5 μg L^?1, respectively. Linearity with determination coefficient from 0.9981 to 0.9993 was evaluated using water samples spiked with the nitroanilines at fourteen different concentration ranging from 4 to 1000 μg L^?1. The ranges of intra-day and inter-day precision (n = 5) at 10 μg L^?1 of nitroanilines were 1.67–7.05% and 9.4–11.6%, respectively. The VA-SMS-LLME method was successfully applied for preconcentration of nitroanilines in environmental water samples.     

Modified Screen-Printed Electrode for Potentiometric Determination of Copper(II) in Water Samples

Modified screen printed (SPE) and carbon paste electrodes (CPE) with phenanthroline–tetraphenyl borate ionophore [Phen:TPB] were fabricated for the determination of copper(II). The modified electrodes have linear responses over a wide concentration range (1 × 10^?6–1 × 10^?2 mol·L^?1) of copper(II) ion at 25 °C with divalent cationic slopes of 29.85 ± 0.58 and 29.45 ± 0.81 mV·decade^?1 and exhibit a detection limit of 1 × 10^?6 mol·L^?1 for SPE and CPE. The selectivity coefficient was measured using the match potential method in acetate buffer of pH = 4.2. The modified SPE and CPE sensors show high selectivity and sensitivity for determination of copper(II) and also show stable and reproducible response over a period of five and three months for SPE and CPE sensors, respectively. This method can be used for determination of copper(II) in water, soil, plant and fish tissue samples and the results obtained agreed with those obtained with atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS).     

Simple Determination of 4-Methylimidazole in Soft Drinks by Headspace SPME GC–MS

A simple method to detect 4-methylimidazole in soft drinks is described. This method is based on headspace solid-phase micro-extraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME GC–MS). The HS-SPME parameters (selection of fiber, extraction temperature, heating time, and pH) were optimized and selected. Under the established condition, the detection and the quantification limit were 1.9 and 6.0 μg L^?1 using 4 mL of the liquid sample, respectively. The relative standard deviation for five independent determinations at 100.0 and 500.0 μg L^?1 was less than 8 %. The calibration curve was y = 0.6027x–0.0033 with a linearity of r ² = 0.997. Using the proposed method, the levels of 4-MEI were detected in a range from 94.0 to 324.8 μg L^?1. The comparison of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) with the proposed method was performed and the agreement with LC–MS/MS for all samples was acceptable.     

Determination of neptunium in a reprocessing plant by an on-line solid-phase extraction/electrochemical detection system

In this study, a flow-based electrochemical detection system coupled to a solid-phase extraction column was developed for the determination of neptunium in the presence of Pu(IV). Np(V) in the sample solution was completely oxidized to Np(VI) via electrolysis using a column electrode composed of carbon fibers. The column electrode effluent was then loaded onto a TEVA^® column, and subsequently onto a UTEVA^® column using 3 mol L^?1 HNO₃. Pu(IV) was retained on the TEVA column and separated from Np(VI), while Np(VI) was retained on the UTEVA column. Np(VI) was eluted from the UTEVA column with 0.01 mol L^?1 HNO₃ and then introduced directly into a flow-through electrolysis cell. An electrochemical amperometric method with a working potential of +0.1 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) was used to detect Np(VI). The current produced due to the reduction of Np(VI) was continuously monitored and recorded, and the Np concentration was calculated from the peak area. The relative standard deviation of 10 analyses was 2.4 % for an Np solution (0.50 mg L^?1) containing 1.0 μg Np. The detection limit, which was determined to be three times the standard deviation, was 35 μg L^?1 (70 ng Np).