Determination of chloramphenicol at ultra-trace levels by high-performance differential pulse polarography: Application to Milk and Meat

High-performance differential pulse polarography (h.p.d.p.p.) is used to determine the antibiotic chloramphenicol. Optimum operating conditions are discussed. Calibration curves are linear from 10 ng ml^-1 to 1 μg ml^-1; the detection limit is about 3 ng ml^-1. Above 1 μg ml^-1, deviations from linearity occur, because of adsorption of chloramphenicol at the mercury electrode. A correction, based on variations in natural drop time, is suggested. Chloramphenicol is readily extracted from milk or minced meat with diethyl ether. The ether is evaporated, and the residue is taken up in acetate buffer pH 4.7 and filtered through a membrane filter. Recoveries from samples fortified at levels of 10–1000 ng ml^-1 are about 60% for milk and 50% for minced meat.     

Sorption of arsenic,antimony and bismuth on glycolmethacrylate gels with bound thiol groups for direct sampling in electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

Batch sorption of arsenic, antimony and bismuth from solutions in 1 M sulphuric acid has distribution coefficients of 10⁴–10⁵. Quantitative sorption on the hydrophilic methacrylate gel containing thiol groups (Spheron Thiol) is possible within 60 min for bismuth or arsenic and 120 min for antimony. Conditions for the electrothermal atomization of arsenic sorbed on Spheron Thiol and injected into the graphite tube as a suspension are optimized. The sensitivities possible are 3.2 ng As ml^-1, 13 ng Sb ml^-1 and 2.8 ng Bi ml^-1; the coefficient of variation for 10 ng of As is 4%. Complete recovery of 40 ng As ml^-1 added to solutions of 5% KCI or 5% MgCl₂ and to river water was obtained.     

A simple and sensitive continuous hydride generation system for the determination of arsenic and selenium by atomic absorption and atomic fluorescence spectrometry

The development and optimization of a continuous hydride generation system for atomic absorption spectrometry (a.a.s.) and atomic fluorescence spectrometry (a.f.s.) is described. Sodium tetrahydroborate(III) solution and sample solution are delivered by two small peristaltic pumps to a gas/liquid separator. The evolved hydrides are swept to a miniature argon/hydrogen diffusion flame burning on a borosilicate glass tube. Detection limits (2σ) obtained for arsenic are 0.8 ng ml^-1 by a.a.s. and 0.34 ng ml^-1 by a.f.s., and for selenium 0.5 ng ml^-1 by a.a.s. and 0.13 ng ml^-1 by a.f.s. Linear working ranges are typically 1–100 ng ml^-1 with a typical measurement time of 1 min per sample or standard.     

Spectrofluorimetric determination of europium and samarium with mixtures of 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone and tri-n-octylphosphine oxide in aqueous solutions containing triton x-100

The europium or samarium complex with thenoyltrifluoroacetone and tri-n-octylphosphine oxide in aqueous 0.2% Triton X-100 solution at pH 3.6 is used to determine europium (1.5–760 ng ml^-1) or samarium (15–1500 ng ml^-1). The excitation wavelength is 352 or 372 nm; the emission wavelength is 613 or 561 nm. The procedures give better sensitivity than the corresponding extraction methods. A standard addition method is used to overcome interferences.     

Flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of Cd(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) in tea and water samples after simultaneous preconentration of dithizone loaded on naphthalene

A simultaneous preconcentration procedure for the determination of Cd(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) by atomic absorption spectrometry is described. The method is based on solid phase extraction of the metal ions on dithizone loaded on naphthalene in a mini-column, elution with nitric acid and determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The sorption conditions including NaOH concentration, sample volume and the amount of dithizone were optimized in order to attain the highest sensitivity. The calibration graph was linear in the range of 0.5–75.0 ng ml^?1 for Cd(II), 1.0–150.0 ng ml^?1 for Ni(II), 1.0–150.0 ng ml^?1 for Co(II) and 1.0–125.0 ng ml^?1 for Cu(II) in the initial solution. The limit of detection based on 3S_b was 0.13, 0.32, 0.33 and 0.43 ng ml^?1 for Cd(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Cu(II), respectively. The relative standard deviations (R.S.D) for ten replicate measurements of 20 ng ml^?1of Cd(II), 100 ng ml^?1 of Ni(II), Co(II) and 75 ng ml^?1 of Cu(II) were 3.46, 2.43, 2.45 and 3.26%, respectively. The method was applied to the determination of Cd(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) in black tea, tap and river water samples.     

Flame emission inhibition titration procedure for the determination of traces of titanium

Calcium atomization inhibition titration followed by release with lanthanum is applied to the determination of titanium (0.05–1 μg ml^-1). The detection limit is 15 ng ml^-1. The effect of some interfering ions that form involatile calcium compounds is examined.     

The application of the ph-stat method to metal ion-catalyzed reactions

The pH-stat method, which is well known in organic chemistry and biochemistry, is used for the kinetic determination of metal ion catalysts. Indicator reactions that involve protons can be followed by controlled addition of standard base or acid. This is illustrated by the following examples: determination of copper(II) (0.03–0.3 μg ml^-1) with the indicator reaction ascorbic acid—peroxydisulphate; determination of molybdenum(VI) (0.2–2.5 μg ml^-1) with the indicator reaction thiosulphate—hydrogen peroxide; determination of zirconium(IV) (0.2–2 μg ml^-1) with the indicator reaction iodide—hydrogen peroxide; and determination of vanadium(V) (0.2–2 μg ml^-1) with the indicator reaction iodide—bromate. For one example, the copper—ascorbic acid—peroxydisulphate reaction, it is shown that the pH-stat method has distinct advantages over closed systems, giving considerably better sensitivity for the determination of copper (0.5–5 ng ml^-1 ).     

Simultaneous determination of histamine and spermidine by second-derivative synchronous fluorescence spectrometry

The method is based on formation of the fluorescent condensation products with o-phthaldialdehyde; 0.5–2000 ng ml^?1 histamine and 3–700 ng ml^?1 spermidine can be quantified, with relative standard deviations of 2–3%. Histamine/spermidine ratios of 2.5:1–1:30 can be handled. A selectivity study is reported.     

Determination of traces of gallium in the presence of aluminium by synchronous derivative spectrofluorimetry

Gallium (2–100 ng ml^?1) is determined in the presence of ?500-fold amounts (by weight) of aluminium by using synchronous first- or second-derivative spectrofluorimetry. The fluorescence of the gallium chelate with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol is greatly enhanced compared to that of the aluminium chelate in micellar sodium dodecyl sulphate solutions. The limit of detection is about 0.6 ng ml^?1.     

Polarography of disodium pentacyanonitrosylferrate(II): Part 2. Determination at Therapeutic Levels in Serum,Plasma, and Whole Blood

Disodium pentacyanonitrosylferrat(II) (sodium nitroprusside) is determined at therapeutic (ng ml^?1) levels in plasma, serum and blood with conventional and high-performance differential pulse polarography (d.p.p. and h.p.d.p.p.) at a dropping mercury electrode or a static mercury drop electrode. Serum or plasma (3 ml) is treated with perchloric acid containing 1 mg ml^?1 potassium hexacyanoferrate(II), centrifuged for 10 min and subjected to polarography. For spiked serum, calibration graphs are linear over the range 30–1000 ng ml^?1 sodium nitroprusside, regardless of the polarographic technique; the estimated detection limit is 15 ng ml^?1 (5 × 10^?8 M). Calculated therapeutic levels range from 100 to 1000 ng ml^?1. Similar results were obtained for spiked plasma. A similar procedure is suitable for whole blood and was used to study the in-vitro degradation of sodium nitroprusside (200 ng ml^?1) on incubation at 37°C. The in-vitro loss is rapid (t_{$\text{1}\text{2}$} ≈ 6 min) but meaningful in-vivo levels can be obtained when the blood is collected in a 0.9% sodium chloride solution at 0°C. Thiocyanate, the main metabolite of nitroprusside, and thiosulphate, which is a potential antidote for cyanide, do not interfere.     

Determination of uranium by thermal and epithermal neutron activation in natural waters and in human urine

Uranium is determined via its ²³⁹U nuclide (74.0 keV, t_{$\text{1}\text{2}$} = 23.5 min) in natural waters down to 0.03 ng U ml^-1 after preconcentration with activated carbon and oxine; 30-min irradiation and counting times are used. No preconcentration is required for samples containing more than 4 ng U ml^-1 with 10-min irradiation and counting times. Uranium in urine can be determined under a boron shield at the 5 ng ml^-1 level after 30-min irradiation and counting.     

Molekülabsorptionsspektrometrie bei elektrothermischer verdampfung in einer graphitrohrküvette: Teil 7. Untersuchung der erdalkali-halogen-molekülabsorptionen,bestimmung von Fluorid- und Chloridspuren durch die molekülabsorption von MgF- und MgCl-molekülen

(Molecular absorption spectrometry with electrothermal volatilization in a graphite tube. Part 7. A study of molecular absorption of alkaline earth halides and determination of traces of fluoride and chloride based on molecular absorption of MgF and MgCl moleculesv)The molecular absorption of alkaline earth halides, generated by volatilization in a normal graphite tube, is reported. Intense absorption bands were found only with MgF and MgCl molecules. These molecules are used for the determination of fluoride and chloride, respectively. Fluoride can be determined at 268.3 nm or 358.2 nm; for 10-μl injections, the linear ranges are, respectively, 0–6 μg ml^-1 and 0–35 μg ml^-1, with sensitivities (0.01 absorbance) of 2.4 ng and 7.5 ng. Chloride can be determined at 376.3 nm; response is linear up to 15 μg ml^-1, with a sensitivity of 5.8 ng if copper ions are added. Optimal conditions, interferences and mechanisms are discussed.     

Determination of manganese with triethanolamine and o-tolidine by conventional and long-path photometry

A very sensitive method for the spectrophotometric determination of manganese is reported. To the sample is added triethanolamine (TEA) and sodium hydroxide to give a pH above 11; after atmospheric oxidation of manganese(II) to the green manganese(III)—TEA complex, sodium pyrophosphate is added and the solution is acidified. Manganese(III) thus forms a complex with pyrophosphate. Then o-tolidine is added and is oxidized in a 2e step to the intensely yellow quinonediimine, while manganese(III) is reduced to manganese(II). The absorbance is measured at 440 nm. The calibration curve is linear up to 1.6 μg Mn ml^-1 in the final solution; the limit of determination is 0.2 μg Mn ml^-1. For the 20-cm path cell, the respective data are 45 ng Mn ml^-1 and 2 ng Mn ml^-1. The only severe interferences are strong oxidants like dichromate or cerium(IV), which are readily reduced with sulfurous acid. Vanadium in amounts up to 2–3 times that of manganese can be dealt with by an appropriate blank solution; larger amounts of vanadium must be removed e.g. by a cupferron extraction.     

A modified method for the determination of lead in zircons by differential-pulse anodic stripping voltammetry

Zircons (20–100 mg) are decomposed within 1 h by fusion with potassium hydrogenfluoride followed by fuming with sulphuric acid. With differential-pulse anodic stripping voltammetry, after deposition for 1 min, the limit of detection for lead is 2 ng ml^?1 and the limit of quantitation is 6.6 ng ml^?1. Results (7–247 mg kg^?1 lead) are reported for nine zircons.     

Determination of vitamin k1 in plasma by differential pulse polarography and its possible clinical application

Differential pulse polarography, following solvent extraction, is used to monitor the clearance of vitamin K₁ (2-methyl-3-phytyl-1,4-naphthoquinone) from human plasma after a 20-mg intravenous injection. The average recovery of vitamin K₁ added to plasma (200–3000 ng ml^-1) was 72.2%. The coefficient of variation was 3.0% at a concentration of 2.75 μg ml^-1 of plasma. Measurements of vitamin K₁ in plasma from patients given an intravenous injection of the vitamin, support the idea that a metabolic cycle involving vitamin K₁ underlies calcification of bone.     

On-line preconcentration of trace copper for flame atomic absorption spectrometry using a spherical cellulose sorbent with chemically bound quinolin-8-ol

Preconcentration was effected using a 50 mm × 2 mm i.d. minicolumn packed with a spherical cellulose sorbent with chemically bound quinolin-8-ol function groups (Ostorb Oxin). The column was connected to the nebulizer of the atomic absorption spectrometer and the sample solution and eluent (2 M hydrochloric acid) were sucked through it at a flow-rate of 2–3 ml min^?1 by utilizing the negative pressure of the nebulizer. The experimental design was tested with the determination of traces of copper. Peak-area and peak-height measurements were compared. Owing to the simple calibration, the former method was used for quantification. The dynamic range was from 0.3 ng ml^?1 (detection limit) to 5 μg ml^?1 (breakthrough). The reproducibility in the concentration range 25 ng ml^?1-5 μg ml^?1 was better than 5%. Water-soluble inorganic salts, ammonia and sodium hydroxide were analysed. The accuracy of the results was checked by anodic-stripping voltammetry and by electrothermal AAS.     

Enhanced fluorimetric determination of procaine in pharmaceutical preparations by aqueous β- cyclodextrin inclusion and non-aqueous competitive action

The effects of changes in polarity and dielectric constant of the solvent on the fluorescence of procaine hydrochloride in different solvents, and in β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and micellar media (cetylpyridium chloride and sodium dodecyl sulphate), are described in detail. It is shown that, with N,N-dimethylformamide as solvent procaine is better incorporated in β-CD and micelles. Methods are developed under these conditions based on normal, synchronous first- and second- derivative fluorimetry. The linear dynamic range is 10–680 ng ml^-1 and the detection limit is 2.5 ng ml^-1; the relative standard deviation is 0.68% for the β-CD method with normal fluorimetry. The methods are applied directly to the determination of procaine in different pharmaceutical preparation with recoveries of 88–108%.     

Spectrofluorimetric determination of beryllium based on the inclusion complex of 1-amino-4-hydroxyanthraquinone with β-cyclodextrin as ligand

The use of the inclusion complex of 1-amino-4-hydroxyanthraquinone (AHA) in the internal cavity of β-cyclodextrin is compared with AHA alone as a ligand for the spectrofluorimetric determination of beryllium. The organizing ability of the cyclodextrin medium and the protection of the ligand from the micro-environment confers increased sensitivity, selectivity and detection limit, and allows the determination of 10–70 ng ml^?1 beryllium, compared to 60–500 ng ml^?1 in the absence of the cyclodextrin.     

Spectrophotometric determination of traces of formic acid and formaldehyde in effluent waters with or without preconcentration

Formic acid plus formaldehyde are determined after reducing the acid with nascent hydrogen; formaldehyde alone is determined without reduction. The chromotropic acid method is used in 6–7.5 M sulfuric acid. The limit of determination is 0.05 μg ml^-1 without preconcentration and 0.05 ng ml^-1 with preconcentration by extraction with diethyl ether. Analysis time is 30 min by the direct method and 1 h with preconcentration.