Suitability of Stripping Chronopotentiometry for Heavy Metal Speciation Using Hydrogen Peroxide as Oxidant: Application to the Cd(II)‐EDTA‐PMA System

The possibilities of stripping chronopotentiometry (SCP) for heavy metal speciation have been tested in the modality of chemical oxidation using the model systems Cd(II)‐polyacrylic acid (PMA), Cd(II)‐EDTA and Cd(II)‐PMA‐EDTA. The use of 0.03% H₂O₂ as a chemical oxidant provides reliable results from transition times, but peak potentials are dramatically affected by the presence of this reagent. The study suggests that chemical‐oxidation SCP can be a technique complementary to other stripping modalities in the study of inert and macromolecular labile metal complexes.     

Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) dinuclear metal complexes with an aza-phenolic ligand: crystal structures,magnetic properties,and solution studies

The basicity behavior and ligational properties of the ligand 2-((bis(aminoethyl)amino)methyl)phenol (L) toward Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) ions were studied by means of potentiometric measurements in aqueous solution (298.1 +/- 0.1 K, l = 0.15 mol dm-3). The anionic L-H- species can be obtained in strong alkaline solution; this species behaves as tetraprotic base (log K1 = 11.06, log K2 = 9.85, log K3 = 8.46, log K4 = 2.38). L forms mono- and dinuclear complexes in aqueous solution with all the transition metal ions examined; the dinuclear species show a [M2(L-H)2]2+ stoichiometry in which the ligand/metal ratio is 2:2. The studies revealed that two mononuclear [ML-H]+ species self-assemble, giving the dinuclear complexes, which can be easily isolated from the aqueous solution due to their low solubility. This behavior is ascribed to the fact that L does not fulfill the coordination requirement of the ion in the mononuclear species and to the capacity of the phenolic oxygen, as phenolate, to bridge two metal ions. All three dinuclear species were characterized by determining their crystal structures, which showed similar coordination patterns, where all the single metal ions are substantially coordinated by three amine functions and two oxygen atoms of the phenolate moieties. The two metals in the dinuclear complexes are at short distance interacting together as shown by magnetic measurements performed with Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes, which revealed an antiferromagnetic coupling between the two metal ions. The [Cu2(L-H)2]2+ cation shows a phase transition occurring by the temperature between 100 and 90 K; the characterization of the compounds existing at different temperatures was investigated using X-ray single-crystal diffraction, EPR, and magnetic measurements.     

Synthesis, characterisation and speciation studies of heterobimetallic pyridinehydroxamate-bridged Pt(II)/M(II) complexes (M = Cu, Ni, Zn). Crystal structure of a novel heterobimetallic 3-pyridinehydroxamate-bridged Pt(II)/Cu(II) wave-like coordination polymer

The reaction of cis-[Pt(NH3)2(3-pyhaH)2]2+ (3-pyhaH = 3-pyridinehydroxamic acid) and cis-[Pt(NH3)2(4-pyhaH)2]2+ (4-pyhaH = 4-pyridinehydroxamic acid) with Cu(II), Ni(II) or Zn(II) in aqueous solution affords novel heterobimetallic pyridinehydroxamate-bridged complexes, {cis-[Pt(NH3)2(mu-3-pyha)M(mu-3-pyha)].SO4.xH2O}n and {cis-[Pt(NH3)2(mu-4-pyha)M(mu-4-pyha)].SO4.xH2O}n respectively. The crystal and molecular structure of one of these, {cis-[Pt(NH3)2(mu-3-pyha)Cu(mu-3-pyha)]SO4.8H2O}n 3a, has been determined and was found to be a novel heterobimetallic wave-like coordination polymer, the structure of which contains interlinked pyridinehydroxamate-bridged repeating units of Pt(II) and Cu(II) ions in slightly distorted square-planar N4 and O4 coordination environments respectively and extensive hydrogen-bonding through the Pt ammines and the deprotonated hydroxamate O and via the O of the SO4(2-) counterions and the H(N) of the hydroxamate moiety. Spectrophotometric and speciation studies on the other heterobimetallic systems confirm that very similar species are being formed in solution and based on elemental analysis and spectroscopic results analogous complexes are formed in the solid-state. In this paper, we report the first examples of coordination polymers incorporating both Pt(II)/Cu(II), Pt(II)/Ni(II) and Pt(II)/Zn(II) and containing pyridinehydroxamic acids as bridging scaffolds.     

Interactions of Pb(II) with particles of a polluted river

Pb(II) interactions with the surface of suspended matter from a polluted river was studied using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) technique. Three sampling sites were selected and studies have been done with samples collected in different times of the year (winter, autumn and summer). The values have been compared with those obtained in spring in the same conditions [Sci. Total Environ. 151 (1994) 101].Particles were separated by centrifugation and suspensions of the freeze-dried particles were titrated with Pb(II), being measured the labile metal fraction by DPASV. For comparison, suspensions of river water without any separation have also been titrated.Results show that surface metal complexes are inert, within the time scale of the analytical technique and desorbed organics from surfaces, form labile Pb(II) complexes in solution. For each sample it was determined the capacity for Pb complexation of particles and desorbed organics and the differential function has been estimated. Despite the heterogeneity of ligands, the systems interpreted in a discontinuous way, present one or two kinds of dominant ligands with Pb affinity.     

Complex formation of Ni(II), Cu(II), Pd(II), and Co(III) with 1,2,3,4-tetraaminobutane

Complex formation of the two tetraamine ligands (2S,3S)-1,2,3,4-tetraaminobutane (threo-tetraaminobutane, ttab) and (2R,3S)-1,2,3,4-tetraaminobutane (erythro-tetraaminobutane, etab) with Co(III), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Pd(II) was investigated in aqueous solution and in the solid state. For Ni(II) and Cu(II), the pH-dependent formation of a variety of species [Mn(II)xLyHz](2x+z)+ was established by potentiometric titrations and UV/Vis spectroscopy. In sufficiently acidic solutions the divalent cations formed a mononuclear complex with the doubly protonated ligand of composition [M(H2L)]4+. An example of such a complex was characterized in the crystal structure of [Pd(H2ttab)Cl2]Cl2.H2O. If the metal cation was present in excess, increase of pH resulted in the formation of dinuclear complexes [M2L]4+. Such a species was found in the crystal structure of [Cu2(ttab)Br4].H2O. Excess ligand, on the other hand, lead to the formation of a series of mononuclear bis-complexes [Mq(HxL)(HyL)](q+x+y)+. The crystal structure of [Co(Hetab)2][ZnCl4]2Cl. H2O with the inert, trivalent Co(III) center served as a model to illustrate the structural features of this class of complexes. By using an approximately equimolar ratio of the ligand and the metal cation, a variety of polymeric aggregates both in dilute aqueous solution and in the solid state were observed. The crystal structure of Cu2(ttab)3Br4, which exhibits a two-dimensional, infinite network, and that of [Ni8(ttab)12]Br16.17.5H2O, which contains discrete chiral [Ni8(ttab)12]16+ cubes with approximate T symmetry, are representative examples of such polymers. The energy of different diastereomeric forms of such complexes with the two tetraamine ligands were analyzed by means of molecular mechanics calculations, and the implications of these calculations for the different structures are discussed.     

Binding of Cu(II) to poly(methacrylic acid)

The binding of Cu(II) ions to partly neutralized poly(methacrylic acid) (PMA) has been investigated by potentiometric titration and dialysis to determine the stoichiometry the Cu–PMA complexes formed. Partly ionized PMA was titrated with solutions of the metal ion to enable a large range of metal ion/polymer ratios to be studied. Combination of the results from these two techniques at ionic strength 0.1 indicates that at very low Cu(II)/polymer ratios, a 4:1 complex exists, but at higher ratios the complex breaks down to give a mainly 2:1 coordination with some 1:1 binding. Conductance titrations support these results. Viscometric titrations show strong interactions between the metal and polymer, preventing the full extension of the polyion at high degrees of ionization, and spectrophotometric titrations support the existence of at least two types of complexes in the solution.     

Binary and Ternary Complexes Involved in the Systems Methioninehydroxamic Acid - Glycylglycine - Ni(II) or Cu(II) Ions

The formation constants of binary and ternary complexes involved in the systems methioninehydroxamic acid (MX), glycylglycine (GG) and Cu(II) or Ni(II) were determined by pH-metric titration in aqueous solution at an ionic strength (I)= 0.15 M NaCl) and T = 25°C. Ternary species of the type (MX : GG : Ni(II) or Cu(II) : H) = (1 : 1 : 1 : r), (2 : 1 : 1 : r) and (1 : 2 : 1 : r) exist in the pH range ～3 to ～10. Differential pulse polarography (DPP) was used to follow complex formation and to study the reduction properties of these metal ions in the presence of MX, and GG. The metal oxidation states were more stabilized in the ternary systems than in the binary systems except for a few Ni(II) systems. Spectral studies in the UV-Vis-nIR were used to monitor the presence of ternary species in the Ni(II) and Cu(II) systems. In addition, EPR studies were also used to record the magnetic properties of the binary and ternary species in the Cu(II) systems.     

Complexation of [S,S,S]- and [R,S,R]-isomers of N-bis [2-(1,2-dicarboxyethoxy)ethyl] aspartic acid with Mg(II), Ca(II), Mn(II), Fe(III), Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions in aqueous solution

In a search for environmentally friendly metal chelating ligands for industrial applications, the protonation and complex formation equilibria of [S,S,S]- and [R,S,R]-isomers of N-bis[2-(1,2-dicarboxyethoxy)ethyl] aspartic acid (BCA6) with Mg(II), Ca(II), Mn(II), Fe(III), Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions in aqueous 0.1 M NaCl solution were studied at 25°C by potentiometric titration. The model for complexation and the stability constants of the different complexes were determined for each metal ion using the computer program SUPERQUAD. With all metal ions (M ⁿ⁺), stable ML ^n?6 complexes dominated complex formation for both isomers. Differences in complexation models were found for binuclear species.     

POTENTIOMETRIC,POLAROGRAPHIC AND SPECTROSCOPIC STUDIES OF THE Cu(II)-D-GLUCOSAMINE-D-LACTOBIONIC ACID TERNARY SYSTEMS

Abstract

Our recent work on Cu(II) and VO(IV) interactions with lactobionic acid have shown^1,2 that this sugar acid has an unusually high ability to coordinate both metal ions. The carboxyl group is not a very effective donor for cupric ions^3,4 and metal interations with the set of the protonated hydroxyl groups should have considerable effects on complex stability. This high stability of the lactobionic acid complexes can lead to the involvement of this ligand in formation of ternary complexes with ligands such as aminosugars.^3–6 Both ligands are important chelating agents for Cu(II) ions in medicine, agriculture and food chemistry.^7–9 Since ternary complexes may play an important role in natural systems we have decided to follow complex formation in solutions containing lactobionic acid and one an aminosugar, D-glucosamine. The anchoring group in D(+)-glucosamine (2-amino-2-deoxy-D-glucose) is an amino group which is much more effective donor than carboxylate which acts as an anchor in sugar acids. Thus in our study we have used excess lactobionic acid to promote the formation of ternary complexes as major species in the solutions studied.     

Synthesis and characterization of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes of tridentate Schiff base derived from vanillin and DL-alpha-aminobutyric acid

Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes of the Schiff base derived from vanillin and dl-alpha-aminobutyric acid were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, electronic spectra, conductance measurements, magnetic measurements, powder XRD and biological activity. The analytical data show the composition of the metal complex to be [ML(H(2)O)], where L is the Schiff base ligand. The conductance data indicate that all the complexes are non-electrolytes. IR results demonstrate the tridentate binding of the Schiff base ligand involving azomethine nitrogen, phenolic oxygen and carboxylato oxygen atoms. The IR data also indicate the coordination of a water molecule with the metal ion in the complex. The electronic spectral measurements show that Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes have tetrahedral geometry, while Cu(II) complex has square planar geometry. The powder XRD studies indicate that Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes are amorphous, whereas Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes are crystalline in nature. Magnetic measurements show that Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes have paramagnetic behaviour. Antibacterial results indicated that the metal complexes are more active than the ligand.     

A new pyrimidine-derived ligand,N-pyrimidine oxalamic acid,and its Cu(II), Co(II), Mn(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pd(II) complexes: synthesis,characterization, electrochemical properties,and biological activity

A new heterocyclic compound N-(5-benzoyl-2-oxo-4-phenyl-2H-pyrimidin-1-yl)-oxalamic acid has been synthesized from N-amino pyrimidine-2-one and oxalylchloride. Bis-chelate complexes of the ligand were prepared from acetate/chloride salts of Cu(II), Co(II), Mn(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pd(II) in methanol. The structures of the ligand and its metal complexes were characterized by microanalyses, IR, AAS, NMR, API-ES, UV-Vis spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility, and thermogravimetric analyses. An octahedral geometry has been suggested for all the complexes, except for Pd(II) complex, in which the metal center is square planar. Each ligand binds using C(2)=O, HN, and carboxylate. The cyclic voltammograms of the ligand and the complexes are also discussed. The new synthesized compounds were evaluated for antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and fungi using the microdilution procedure. The Cu(II) complex displayed selective and effective antibacterial activity against one Gram-positive spore-forming bacterium (Bacillus cereus ATCC 7064), two Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and S. aureus ATCC 25923) at 40–80 µg mL^?1, but poor activity against Candida species. The Cu(II) complex might be a new antibacterial agent against Gram-positive bacteria.     

Spectral,thermal, electrochemical,biological and DFT studies on nanocrystalline Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes with a tridentate ONO donor Schiff base ligand

Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) Schiff base complexes derived from 3-hydrazinoquionoxaline-2-one and 1,2-diphenylethane-1,2-dione were synthesized. The compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurements, FTIR, UV–vis, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, ESR, and mass spectral studies. Thermal studies of the ligand and its metal complexes were also carried out to determine their thermal stability. Octahedral geometry has been assigned for Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) complexes, while Cu(II) complex has distorted octahedral geometry. Powder XRD study was carried out to determine the grain size of ligand and its metal complexes. The electrochemical behavior of the synthesized compounds was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. For all complexes, a 2 : 1 ligand-to-metal ratio is observed. The ligand and its metal complexes were screened for their activity against bacterial species such as E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus and fungal species such as A. niger, C. albicans, and A. flavus by disk diffusion method. The DNA-binding of the ligand and its metal complexes were investigated by electronic absorption titration and viscosity measurement studies. Agarose gel electrophoresis was employed to determine the DNA-cleavage activity of the synthesized compounds. Density functional theory was used to optimize the structure of the ligand and its Zn(II) complex.     

Solid phase extraction and diffusive gradients in thin films techniques for determination of total and labile concentrations of Cd(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Pb(II) in Black Sea water

Total dissolved and labile concentrations of Cd(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Pb(II) were determined at six locations of the Bourgas Gulf of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Solid phase extraction procedure based on monodisperse, submicrometer silica spheres modified with 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane followed by the electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) was developed and applied to quantify the total dissolved metal concentrations in sea water. Quantitative sorption of Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb was achieved in the pH range 7.5–8, for 30?min, adsorbed elements were easily eluted with 2?mL 2?mol?L^?1 HNO₃. Since the optimal pH for quantitative sorption coincides with typical pH of Black Sea water (7.9–8.2), on-site pre-concentration of the analytes without any additional treatment was possible. Detection limits achieved for total dissolved metal quantification were: Cd 0.002?µg?L^?1, Cu 0.005?µg?L^?1, Ni 0.03?µg?L^?1, Pb 0.02?µg?L^?1 and relative standard deviations varied from 5–13% for all studied elements (for typical Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb concentrations in Black Sea water). Open pore diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technique was employed for in-situ sampling and pre-concentration of the sea water and in combination with ETAAS was used to determine the proportion of dynamic (mobile and kinetically labile) species of Cd(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Pb(II) in the sea water. Obtained results showed strong complexation for Cu and Pb with sea water dissolved organic matter. The ratios between DGT-labile and total dissolved concentrations found for Cu(II) and Pb(II) were in the range 0.2–0.4. For Cd and Ni, these ratios varied from 0.6 to 0.8, suggesting higher degree of free and kinetically labile species of these metals in sea water.     

Coordination properties of ionic liquid-mediated chromium(II) and copper(II) chlorides and their complexes with glucose

The structural and coordination properties of complexes formed upon the interaction of copper(II) and chromium(II) chlorides with dialkylimidazolium chloride (RMIm(+)Cl(-)) ionic liquids and glucose are studied by a combination of density functional theory (DFT) calculations and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). In the absence of the carbohydrate substrate, isolated mononuclear four-coordinated MeCl(4)(2-) species (Me = Cu, Cr) dominate in the ionic liquid solution. The organic part of the ionic liquid does not directly interact with the metal centers. The interactions between the RMIm(+) cations and the anionic metal chloride complexes are limited to hydrogen bonding with the basic Cl(-) ligands and the overall electrostatic stabilization of the anionic metal complexes. Exchange of Cl(-) ligands by a hydroxyl group of glucose is only favorable for CrCl(4)(2-). For Cu(2+) complexes, the formation of hydrogen bonded complexes between CuCl(4)(2-) and glucose is preferred. No preference for the coordination of metal chloride species to specific hydroxyl group of the carbohydrate is found. The formation of binuclear metal chloride complexes is also considered. The reactivity and selectivity patterns of the Lewis acid catalyzed reactions of glucose are discussed in the framework of the obtained results.     

Coordination properties of tridentate (N,O,O) heterocyclic alcohol (PDC) with Cu(II). Mixed ligand complex formation reactions of Cu(II) with PDC and some bio-relevant ligands

The formation equilibria of copper(II) complexes and the ternary complexes Cu(PDC)L (PDC=2,6-bis-(hydroxymethyl)-pyridine, HL=amino acid, amides or DNA constituents) have been investigated. Ternary complexes are formed by a simultaneous mechanism. The results showed the formation of Cu(PDC)L, Cu(PDC, H(-1))(L) and Cu(PDC, H(-2))(L) complexes. The concentration distribution of the complexes in solution is evaluated as a function of pH. The effect of dioxane as a solvent on the protonation constant of PDC and the formation constants of Cu(II) complexes are discussed. The thermodynamic parameters DeltaH degrees and DeltaS degrees calculated from the temperature dependence of the equilibrium constants are investigated.     

Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes of 4-aminoantipyrine-derived Schiff base. Synthesis,structural elucidation,thermal, biological studies,and photocatalytic activity

The Schiff base ligand was prepared from 4-aminoantipyrine, acetamide, and m-phenylenediamine. Metal salts used for the synthesis of these complexes are Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) acetates. The elemental analysis results are in accordance with proposed formula assigned to these complexes. In the IR spectra, the imine band is shifted to a lower wave number in the complexes. UV spectra and magnetic susceptibility measurements proposed square planar geometry for Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes and tetrahedral geometry for Zn(II) complex. The grain size of the metal complexes was estimated by the Scherrer formula using powder XRD. In the present study, the ligand and its metal complexes are found to be nanocrystalline. Thermal decomposition pattern is in agreement with the proposed formula of the complexes. Irreversible redox behavior of the complex was identified by cyclic voltammetric analysis. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized complexes are high under UV-spectra using methylene blue dye. DNA studies reveal that the synthesized complexes exhibit both DNA cleavage and DNA binding properties. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were done by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. Anticancer activity shows that Cu(II) complex has the highest cytotoxic effect in SK-MEL-28 cell line.     

Permeation liquid membrane for trace metal speciation in natural waters. Transport of liposoluble Cu(II) complexes

In this paper, the transport of Cu(II) in the presence of lipophilic Cu(II) organic complexes through permeation liquid membranes (PLMs) have been investigated. In natural waters, small organic compounds, which form liposoluble neutral complexes with Cu(II), are potentially toxic and bioavailable. Hence, to understand the role of liposoluble Cu(II) complexes in natural waters, four organic ligands: phthalic acid, bipyridyl, pyrocatechol and hydroxyquinoline, which form uncharged or lipophilic Cu(II) complexes, were tested. The results showed that the transport of lipophilic Cu(II) complexes through PLM depends on the lipophilicity of the complex. Applications of PLMs in natural waters are presented.     

Interactions of pyridinecarboxylic acid chelators with brain metal ions: Cu(II), Zn(II), and Al(III)

Abstract  

The interactions of Cu(II), Zn(II), and Al(III) with 1,6-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3-pyridinecarboxylic acid (DQ716) and 2,6-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-4-pyridinecarboxylic acid (DT726), possible chelating agents in Alzheimer’s disease, were investigated in aqueous solution. The proton dissociation constants of the ligands, the stability constants, and the coordination modes of the metal complexes formed were determined by pH-potentiometric, UV–vis spectrophotometric, and ¹H NMR methods. The nitrogen of the pyridine ring changes the proton affinity of the carboxylate and phenolate moieties and these pyridine derivatives form stronger complexes with Cu(II), Zn(II), and Al(III) than salicylic acid. Interactions of the ligands with human serum albumin as their potential transporter in blood were investigated at physiological pH through ultrafiltration by UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopy.     

Synthesis,structural, spectroscopic,biological and catalytic activity of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes of benzilic hydrazide (BH)

Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) chloro complexes of benzilic hydrazide (BH) have been synthesized. Also, reaction of the ligand (BH) with several copper(II) salts, including NO₃ ^?, AcO^?, and SO₄ ^? afforded metal complexes of the general formula [CuLX(H₂O) _n ]·nH₂O, where X is the anion and n = 0, 1 or 2. The newly synthesized complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectra, molar conductance, UV–vis, IR spectra, magnetic moment, and thermal analysis (TG/DTG). The physico-chemical studies support that the ligand acts as monobasic bidentate towards metal ion through the carbonyl and hydroxyl oxygen atoms. The spectral data revealed that the geometrical structure of the complexes is square planar for Cu (II) complexes and tetrahedral for Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes. Structural parameters of the ligand and its complexes have been calculated. The ligand and its metal complexes are screened for their antimicrobial activity. The catalytic activities of the metal chelates have been studied towards the oxidative decolorization of AB25, IC and AB92 dyes using H₂O₂. The catalytic activity is strongly dependent on the type of the metal ion and the anion of Cu(II) complexes.     

Preconcentration of Cr(III), Co(II), Cu(II), Fe(III) and Pb(II) as calmagite chelates on cellulose nitrate membrane filter prior to their flame atomic absorption spectrometric determinations

A method for the preconcentration and determination of Cr(III), Co(II), Cu(II), Fe(III) and Pb(II) ions by atomic absorption spectrometry has been described. The method was based the collection of metal-calmagite complexes on a soluble cellulose nitrate membrane filter. The detection of the solution was obtained by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) after completely dissolving the membrane with 0.5 ml of nitric acid at 80 degrees C. The metal ions were recovered quantitatively at pH 8. Various factors which affect the collection and determination of metal ions such as, type and size of the membrane filter, solvent for dissolution of the species retained on the filter were investigated. The detection limits were varying 0.06 mug l(-1) for Cu to 2.5 mug l(-1) for Cr. An application of the proposed method for analyte ions in mineral and tap water samples was also described with satisfactory results (recoveries >95%, relative standard deviations <10%).