A Simple and Sensitive Method for the Detection of Trace Pb(II) and Cd(II) based on Nafion‐coated Antimony Film Electrode

Nafion‐coated antimony film electrode (NCAFE) was prepared in situ by simultaneously plated antimony with analytes, and applied to the determination of trace Pb(II) and Cd(II) in non‐deaerated solutions by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). Various experimental parameters, which influenced the response of the NCAFE to those metals, were thoroughly optimized and discussed. The results indicated that the sensitivity and resistance to surfactants at the NCAFE were remarkably improved with relative to the antimony film electrode (AFE). In the presence of 5 mg·L^?1 gelatin, the peak heights at the NCAFE showed 4‐fold enhancement for Pb and a 9‐fold enhancement for Cd over a bare AFE. Reproducibility of the sensor was satisfactory, and the relative standard deviations were 4.8% for 20 μg·L^?1 Pb and 3.2% for 25 μg·L^?1 Cd (n=15) with preconcentration time of 180 s. The determination limits (S/N=3) of this sensor were determined to be 0.15 μg·L^?1 for Pb and 0.30 μg·L^?1 for Cd with accumulation time of 300 s. The NCAFE was successfully applied to determining Pb(II) and Cd(II) in vegetable and water samples with satisfactory results.     

Bismuth‐Coated Iridium Microwire Electrode for the Determination of Trace Metals by Anodic Stripping Voltammetry

This work reports the utility of an iridium microwire plated in situ with a bismuth film for the simultaneous determination of Pb(II) and Cd(II) by square‐wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV). The experimental variables (concentration of the bismuth plating solution, preconcentration potential, accumulation time) were investigated. The limit of detection was 1 µg L^?1 for Pb(II) and 1.5 µg L^?1 for Cd(II) (at 300 s of preconcentration) and the % relative standard deviations were lower than 4.9 % and 5.5 %, respectively, at the 20 µg L^?1 level (n=8). In addition, a study was made of coating the iridium‐based bismuth‐film microsensor with a film of Nafion for operation in the presence of surfactants. Finally, the electrode was applied to the determination of Pb(II) and Cd(II) in wastewater and tapwater samples.     

Simultaneous Detection of Copper,Lead and Zinc on Tin Film/Gold Nanoparticles/Gold Microelectrode by Square Wave Stripping Voltammetry

In this work, three heavy metals (Cu(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II)) in wide potential window were simultaneously detected on tin film/gold nanoparticles/gold microelectrode (Sn/GNPs/gold microelectrode) by the method of square wave stripping voltammetry. The Sn/GNPs/gold microelectrode was fabricated by in situ plating of a Sn film on a gold nanoparticles (GNPs) modified gold microelectrode. The influence of hydrogen overflow on stripping of Zn(II) on the gold microelectrode was reduced by modification of GNPs, which made the stripping potential of target metals shift positively. The interference of sulfhydryl groups was reduced and the selectivity of the microelectrode was improved due to the addition of Sn in the detection solution. After accumulation at ?1.4 V for 300 s in acetate buffer solution (0.1 mol L^?1, pH 4.5), the Sn/GNPs/gold microelectrode revealed a good linear behavior in the examined concentration ranges from 5 to 500 µg L^?1 for Cu(II) and Pb(II), and from 10 to 500 µg L^?1 for Zn(II), with a limit of detection of 2 µg L^?1 for Cu(II), 3 µg L^?1 for Pb(II) and 5 µg L^?1 for Zn(II) (S/N=3). When compared with a Sb/GNPs/gold microelectrode and a Bi/GNPs/gold microelectrode, the Sn/GNPs/gold microelectrode showed the best stripping performance to Cu(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II). As a new type of environment‐friendly electrode, the Sn/GNPs/gold microelectrode has potential applications for detection of heavy metals.     

Determination of Nanomolar Concentrations of Pb(II) Using Carbon Paste Electrode Modified with Zirconium Phosphated Amorphous Silica

A sensitive and selective method for the determination of Pb(II) with a zirconium phosphated silica gel (SiZrPH) modified carbon paste electrode has been developed. The measurements were carried out in three steps including an open circuit accumulation following by electrolysis of accumulated Pb(II) at the modified carbon paste electrode and differential pulse voltammetric determination. The analytical performance was evaluated with respect to the carbon paste composition, pH of solution at the accumulation step, pH and concentration of supporting electrolyte, electrolysis potential, accumulation time and electrolysis time. Two linear calibration graphs were obtained in the concentration ranges 2.5×10^?9 mol L^?1–5.0×10^?8 mol L^?1 and 5.0×10^?8 mol L^?1–5.0×10^?6 mol L^?1 with an accumulation time of 120 s. The detection limit was found to be 3.5×10^?10 mol L^?1. The effects of potential interfering ions were studied, and it was found that the proposed procedure is free from interferences of common interfering ions such as tin, thallium and etc. The developed method was applied to Pb(II) determination in a wastewater sample.     

Lead(II) Potentiometric Sensor Based on 1,4,8,11‐Tetrathiacyclotetradecane Neutral Carrier and Lipophilic Additives

A potentiometric sensor for lead(II) ions based on the use of 1,4,8,11‐tetrathiacyclotetradecane (TTCTD) as a neutral ionophore and potassium tetrakis‐(p‐chlorophenyl)borate as a lipophilic additive in plasticized PVC membranes is developed. The sensor exhibits linear potentiometric response towards lead(II) ions over the concentration range of 1.0×10^?5–1.0×10^?2 mol L^?1 with a Nernstian slope of 29.9 mV decade^?1 and a lower limit of detection of 2.2×10^?6 mol L^?1 Pb(II) ions over the pH range of 3–6.5. Sensor membrane without a lipophilic additive displays poor response. The sensor shows high selectivity for Pb(II) over a wide variety of alkali, alkaline earth and transition metal ions. The sensor shows long life span, high reproducibility, fast response and long term stability. Validation of the method by measuring the lower limit of detection, lower limit of linear range, accuracy, precision and sensitivity reveals good performance characteristics of the proposed sensor. The developed sensor is successfully applied to direct determination of lead(II) in real samples. The sensor is also used as an indicator electrode for the potentiometric titration of Pb(II) with EDTA and potassium chromate. The results obtained agree fairly well with data obtained by AAS.     

Use of clinoptilolite loaded with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol as a sorbent for preconcentration of Pb(II), Ni(II), Cd(II) and Cu(II) prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy

A solid phase extraction system for separation and preconcentration of trace amounts of Pb(II), Ni(II), Cd(II) and Cu(II) is proposed. The procedure is based on the adsorption of Pb²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions on a column of 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) immobilised on surfactant-coated clinoptilolite prior to their determinations by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS). The effective parameters including pH, sample volume, sample flow rate and eluent flow rate were also studied. The analytes collected on the column were eluted with 5 mL of 1 mol L^?1 nitric acid. A concentration factor of 180 can be achieved by passing 900 mL of sample through the column. The detection limits (3 s) for Cd, Cu, Pb and Ni were found to be 0.28, 0.12, 0.44 and 0.46 µg L^?1, respectively. The relative SDs at 10 µg L^?1 (n = 10) for analytes were in the range of 1.2–1.4%. The method was applied to the determination of Pb, Ni, Cd and Cu in water samples.     

Development of a green effervescence-assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method using a home-made tablet disperser for trace analysis of Cd(II) and Pb(II)

An analytical approach for the determination of trace amounts of Cd(II) and Pb(II) has been developed using a home-made tablet-based effervescence-assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) method which was performed in a narrow-bore tube, followed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. In this method, a mixture of tartaric acid, sodium bicarbonate and NaCl was used to make the disperser tablet. Then, microlitre level of an extraction solvent was added in the tablet, and then, it was released into a narrow-bore tube containing sample solution and a complexing agent. An acid–base reaction immediately occurred between tartaric acid and sodium bicarbonate, and the produced CO₂ led to the dispersion of the extraction solvent into the solution as tiny droplets and subsequent extraction of the analytes. The method made possible the determination of Cd(II) and Pb(II) in the ranges of 0.1–10 and 1.0–20 µg L^?1, respectively. The limits of detection were obtained 0.43 and 0.05 µg L^?1 for Pb(II) and Cd(II), respectively. The limits of quantifications were 0.80 and 0.09 µg L^?1 for Pb(II) and Cd(II), respectively. Repeatability of the method, which is expressed as relative standard deviation, was obtained 3.1% (n = 6, C = 2 µg L^?1) and 1.3% (n = 6, C = 0.2 µg L^?1) for Pb(II) and Cd(II), respectively. The accuracy of the developed method was verified by analysing a certified reference material, namely SPS-WW2 Batch 108. Relative recoveries (84–107%, obtained at three fortification levels) confirmed the usefulness of the method for analysis of the analytes in the environmental water samples and fruit juices. The method was shown to be fast, reliable and environmentally friendly with low organic solvent consumption.     

Evaluation of Bismuth Modified Carbon Thread Electrode for Simultaneous and Highly Sensitive Cd (II) and Pb (II) Determination

Bismuth film modified and chemically activated carbon micro‐thread electrodes were investigated for the simultaneous determination of Cd(II) and Pb(II) using square wave anodic stripping voltammetry. The carbon thread electrode was characterised using both surface and electrochemical techniques. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) studies demonstrated that the H₂SO₄/IPA‐treated carbon thread electrode showed a much improved resistance response (R_ct=23 Ω) compared to the IPA‐untreated carbon thread (R_ct=8317 Ω). Furthermore, parameters such as the effect of deposition potential, deposition time and Bi(III) concentration were explored using square wave voltammetry. Detection limits (S/N=3) for Cd(II) and Pb(II) were found to be 1.08 µg L^?1 and 0.87 µg L^?1, respectively and response was found to be linear over the range 5–110 µg L^?1. The proposed Bi/IPA‐treated carbon thread electrode exhibited a high selectivity towards Cd(II) and Pb(II) even in the presence of a range of heavy metals and is capable of repetitive and reproducible measurements, being attributed to the high surface area, geometry and electrode treatment characteristics. The proposed metal ion sensor was employed to determine cadmium and lead in river water samples and % RSD was found to be 5.46 % and 5.93 % for Cd(II) and Pb(II) respectively (n=3). Such facile sensing components favour the development of cost effective portable devices for environmental sample analysis and electrochemical applications.     

Determination of trace Pb(Ⅱ), Cd(Ⅱ) and Zn(Ⅱ) using differential pulse stripping voltammetry without Hg modification

In this work,we reported a simultaneous determination approach for Pb(II),Cd(II)and Zn(II)atμg L 1concentration levels using differential pulse stripping voltammetry on a bismuth film electrode(BiFE).The BiFE could be prepared in situ when the sample solution contained a suitable amount of Bi(NO)3,and its analytical performance was evaluated for the simultaneous determination of Pb(II),Cd(II)and Zn(II)in solutions.The determination limits were found to be 0.19μg L 1for Zn(II),and0.28μg L 1for Pb(II)and Cd(II),with a preconcentration time of 300 s.The BiFE approach was successfully applied to determine Pb(II),Cd(II)and Zn(II)in tea leaf and infusion samples,and the results were in agreement with those obtained using an atomic absorption spectrometry approach.Without Hg usage,the in situ preparation for BiFE supplied a green and acceptability sensitive method for the determination of the heavy metal ions.     

Removal of Lead(II), Cadmium(II), and Arsenic(III) from Aqueous Solution Using Magnetite Nanoparticles Prepared by Green Synthesis with Box–Behnken Design

Two types of magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles were investigated as adsorbents for the simultaneous removal of Pb(II), Cd(II), and As(III) metal ions from aqueous solution. Magnetite nanoparticles were prepared by two synthesis procedures, both using water as solvent, and are referred to as conventional Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and green Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The latter used Citrus limon (lemon) aqueous peel extract as the surfactant. Box–Behnken experimental design was used to investigate the effects of parameters such as initial concentration (20–150?mg?L^?1), pH (2–9), and biomass dosage (1–5?g?L^?1) on the removal of Pb(II), Cd(II), and As(III) ions. The optimum parameters for removal of the studied metal ions from aqueous solutions, including the initial ion concentration (20?mg?L^?1), pH (5.5) and adsorbent dose (5?g?L^?1), were determined. The pseudosecond-order model exhibited the best fit for the kinetic studies, while adsorption equilibrium isotherms were best described by Langmuir and Freundlich models. The optimum conditions were applied for the treatment wastewater. The removal efficiencies of Pb(II), Cd(II), and As(III) using the conventional and green synthesized Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were 59.4?±?4.3, 18.7?±?1.9 and 17.5?±?1.6, and 98.8?±?5.6, 46.0?±?1.3, and 48.2?±?2.6%, respectively. These results demonstrate the potential of magnetite nanoparticles synthesized using C. limon peel extract as highly efficient adsorbents for the removal of Pb(II), Cd(II), and As(III) ions from aqueous solution.     

Water hyacinth modified carbon paste electrode for simultaneous electrochemical stripping analysis of Cd (II) and Pb (II)

In this study, we demonstrated a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous detection of Pb (II) and Cd (II) in aqueous solution using carbon paste electrode modified with Eichhornia crassipes powder by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry. The effect of modifier composition, pH, preconcentration time, reduction potential and time, and type of supporting electrolyte on the determination of metal ions were investigated. Pre-concentration on the modified surface was performed at open circuit. The modified electrode exhibited well-defined and separate stripping peaks for Pb (II) and Cd (II). Under optimum experimental conditions, a linear range for both metal ions was from 10 to 5000 μg L^?1 with the detection limits of 4.9 μg L^?1, 2.1 μg L^?1 for Cd(II) and Pb (II), respectively. The modified electrode was found to be sensitive and selective when applied to determine trace amounts of Cd (II) and Pb (II) in natural water samples.     

Highly sensitive detection of lead(II) ion using multicolor CdTe quantum dots

Multicolor and water-soluble CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized with thioglycolic acid (TGA) as stabilizer. These QDs have a good size distribution, display high fluorescence quantum yield, and can be applied to the ultrasensitive detection of Pb(II) ion by virtue of their quenching effect. The size of the QDs exerts a strong effect on sensitivity, and quenching of luminescence is most effective for the smallest particles. The quenching mechanism is discussed. Fairly selective detection was accomplished by utilizing QDs with a diameter of 1.6?nm which resulted in a detection limit of 4.7?nmol?L^?1 concentration of Pb(II). The method was successfully applied to the determination of Pb(II) in spinach and citrus leaves, and the results are in good agreement with those obtained with atomic absorption spectrometry.

Ex Situ Prepared Antimony Film Electrode for Electrochemical Stripping Measurement of Heavy Metal Ions

The antimony film electrode (SbFE) was prepared ex situ for anodic and adsorptive stripping voltammetric measurement of selected heavy metal ions. The electrode revealed good linearity for Cd(II) and Pb(II) in a nondeaerated solution of 0.01 M HCl in the examined concentration range from 25 to 80 μg L^?1 with limits of detection of 1.1 μg L^?1 for Cd(II) and 0.3 μg L^?1 for Pb(II) and an excellent reproducibility. The preplated SbFE was also preliminary tested for measuring low levels of Ni(II) using adsorptive stripping voltammetry exhibiting good linearity and sensitivity in combination with only a 30 s deposition step.     

Sensitive adsorptive stripping voltammetric method for direct determination of trace concentration of lead in the presence of cupferron in natural water samples

This paper reports the use of an adsorptive voltammetric technique for Pb(II) determination using cupferron as a selective complexing agent. After accumulation of the complex onto a hanging mercury drop electrode, the electrode potential was scanned with differential pulse modulation and the reduction current of lead was observed at about??0.5?V. Under optimum conditions (5?×?10^?4?mol?L^?1 cupferron concentration, 0.1?mol?L^?1 acetate buffer (pH 5.5), adsorption at??50?mV for 30?s) the detection limit was 5.1?×?10^?10?mol?L^?1. The relative standard deviation of five measurements for low lead concentration was 3.1%. The accuracy of the method was tested by analysing certified reference material (SPS-WW1 Waste Water). Finally, the method was successfully applied to the determination of Pb(II) in river water samples without any pretreatments.     

Renewable Ceramic (TiN) Ring Electrode in Stripping Voltammetry. Determination of Pb(II) Without Removal of Oxygen

Characteristic features of the process of Pb(II) reduction and oxidation at a renewable ceramic ring electrode (RCRE) were studied by stripping voltammetry. The main constituents of the RCRE are: a specially constructed TiN ring electrode, a silver sheet used as silver counter/quasi‐reference electrode and a silicon O‐ring are fastened together in a polypropylene body. The renovation of this electrode is carried out through mechanical removal of solid contaminants and electrochemical activation in the electrolyte which fills the RCRE body. The optimal measurement conditions, composition of supporting electrolyte and procedures of the electrode activation were selected. The measurements were carried out from nondeaerated solutions. As shown on selected examples, RCRE exhibits good performance in underpotential deposition stripping voltammetry (UPD‐SV) applied for the determination of lead(II) in synthetic solutions with and without surfactants and in certified reference materials. The peak current is proportional to the concentration of lead(II) over the range 2×10^?9–1×10^?7 mol L^?1, with a 3σ detection limit of 1×10^?9 mol L^?1 with an accumulation time of 30 s. The obtained results showed good reproducibility, (RSD=2–5%; n=5) and reliability.     

Highly Sensitive Neurotransmitters Analysis at Platinum‐Ultramicroelectrodes Arrays

An easy way to determine norepinephrine (NE) in biological fluid using a platinum ultramicroelectrode array (Pt‐UMEAs) is described. Issues related to UME electrode surface treatment and characterizations are also addressed. At optimized experimental conditions the dynamic concentration range was 1.0 to 10.0 µmol L^?1 with a detection limit of 40.5 nmol L^?1. The repeatability of current responses for injections of 5 µmol L^?1 NE was evaluated to be 4.0 % (n=10). This approach obtained excellent sensitivity, a reliable calibration profile and stable electrochemical response for norepinephrine detection. The content of NE in urine samples without any preconcentration, purification, or pretreatment step, was successfully analyzed by the standard addition method using the Pt‐UMEAs.     

Sensitive Voltammetric Detection of Trace Heavy Metals in Real Water Using Multi‐Wall Carbon Nanotubes/Nafion Composite Film Electrode

Multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Nafion composite film (MWCNTs/Nafion) were used for fabricating electrochemical sensors for the voltammetric detection of trace lead(II) and cadmium(II) in several water samples. The morphology and structure of MWCNTs/Nafion film were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectrum (IR). The electron transfer of MWCNTs/Nafion composite film was examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS). Various experimental parameters, which influenced the response of MWCNTs/Nafion/GC to target metals, were optimized. The results showed that the synergistic effect was obtained on the MWCNTs/Nafion/GC whose sensitivity and stability were better than those of Nafion‐coated electrode (Nafion/GC) or CNTs/GC. Stability of the Pb(II) and Cd(II) stripping signals was excellent with relative standard deviations (RSD) within 5% (n=10) from one electrode preparation to another, and RSD of 30 µg·L^?1 Pb(II) and Cd(II) were 2.8% and 3.2% for 20 repeated analysis on one single CNTs/Nafion/GC. Over 50 runs, the stability of Pb and Cd detection at the MWCNTs/Nafion conposites electrode was still satisfactory with RSD lower than 6.0%. The determination limits (S/N=3) of the proposed method were determined to be 100 ng·L^?1 for Pb and 150 ng·L^?1 for Cd. Finally, the MWCNTs/Nafion/GC was successfully applied to determine Pb(II) and Cd(II) in different water samples with recoveries of 97%–103% for Pb and 96%–104% for Cd.     

Anodic Stripping Voltammetry Determination of Pb(II) and Cd(II) at a Bismuth/Poly(aniline) Film Electrode

Abstract

A novel voltammetric method—anodic—using a bismuth/poly(aniline) film electrode has been developed for simultaneous measurement of Pb(II) and Cd(II) at low µg L^?1 concentration levels by stripping voltammetry. The results confirmed that the bismuth/poly(aniline) film electrode offered high‐quality stripping performance compared with the bismuth film electrode. Well‐defined sharp stripping peaks were observed for Pb(II) and Cd(II), along with an extremely low baseline. The detection limits of Pb(II) and Cd(II) are 1.03 µg L^?1 and 1.48 µg L^?1, respectively. The bismuth/poly (aniline) electrode has been applied to the determination of Pb(II) in tap water samples with satisfactory results.     

Use of Surfactant as Mobile Phase Additive in LC for Simultaneous Determination of Metal-Pyrrolidine Dithiocarbamate Chelates

Reversed phase liquid chromatography using UV detection was developed for the simultaneous analysis of Hg(II), Pb(II), Cd(II), Ni(II), Fe(III) and V(V) ions after their complexation with pyrrolidine-dithiocarbamate (PDC). Optimum chromatographic conditions were a μ-Bondapak C₁₈ column and an isocratic mobile phase consisting of 40 mmol L^?1 SDS, 34 mmol L^?1 TBABr and 68% acetonitrile in 10 mmol L^?1 phosphate buffer pH 3.5. The separation of six PDC complexes was achieved within 8 min. Analytical performances and method validation were investigated. The detection limits ranged from 0.16 μg L^?1(Fe(III)) to 5.40 μg L^?1(Pb(II)). Recoveries obtained for all the studied samples including tap water, whole blood and vegetables were 72–98%. The results obtained from the proposed method were not significantly different compared to those obtained from atomic absorption spectrometry (P = 0.05).     

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.