Determination of Rhodium in Biological Materials by Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with a Tungsten Tube Atomizer

Abstract

Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) of rhodium with a tungsten tube atomizer has been investigated under optimum conditions (atomization temperature; 2230 C, purge gas; Ar 480 ml min^?1 + H₂ 20 ml min^?1, and pyrolysis temperature; 590 C). The absolute characteristic mass (the mass of element giving 0.0044 abs.) of rhodium by the atomizer was 86.5 pg and the detection limit was 16.5 ng ml^?1 (3S/N). The interferences caused by large amounts of interferents were evaluated. Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Pb and Zn severely interfered in the AA signal of rhodium. Ammonium phosphate, ascorbic acid, palladium nitrate, copper nitrate, lanthanum nitrate, thiocyanate and thiourea, well known as matrix modifiers were tested to eliminate the severe interferences. However, by the addition of these compounds, the rhodium signal was not recovered. The standard addition method was adapted for the determination of rhodium in biological materials. The recovery of spiked-rhodium in biological materials was in the range of 97.4 to 107%.     

Flow-Injection Chemiluminescence as a Means of Studying the Metabolism of Unbound Chromium(III) in Rabbit Blood with On-Line Microdialysis Sampling

In this paper, we present an in-vivo, on-line, real-time analytical system for monitoring the metabolism of free chromium(III) in rabbit blood. This system includes microdialysis sampling, ion-exchange on-line separation and chemiluminescence detection. The results show that none of the co-existing substances in the blood, including protein and other small molecules, interfere with the determination. CrCl₃·6H₂O was administrated orally (0.5 g), and the microdialysis probe was utilized to sample rabbit blood with a perfusion rate of 10 µL min⁻¹. The dialytic efficiency of chromium(III) under the experimental conditions was 18.1 ± 5.1% (n=3). The concentration-time curve of chromium(III) is in accordance with the one-compartmental open model, the T_1/2 is 16.62 min.     

Determination of gold in biological materials by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with a molybdenum tube atomizer

Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETA-ASS) of gold with a molybdenum tube atomizer has been investigated. A sensitive ETA-AAS method was developed. The gold absorption signal became higher with the heating rate of the tube atomizer and as the ratio of hydrogen in the argon purge gas decreased. The optimal heating rate and the optimal gas flow rate were 5.5 C/msec and Ar 480 ml/min + H(2) 20 ml/min, respectively. The absolute characteristic mass (the mass of element giving 0.0044 abs.) of gold by the atomizer was 1.8 pg and the detection limit was 130 pg/ml (3S/N). These values were > 10 times better than those obtained with graphite atomizers, ICP and ICP-MS. The interferences caused by large amounts of interferents were evaluated. The addition of thiourea served to eliminate severe interferences. The recovery of spiked gold in biological materials was in the range of 101-106%.     

Electrocatalytic response of carbohydrates at copper-alloy electrodes

The voltammetric responses observed for carbohydrates and polyalcohols at 0.60 V in 0.10 M NaOH are significantly larger at preanodized CuMn (95:5) electrodes as compared to preanodized pure Cu electrodes. Apparent values for the number of electrons transferred (n_app) and the corresponding values of heterogeneous rate constants (k_app) are estimated for selected reactants from the slopes and intercepts, respectively, of Koutecký–Levich plots of background-corrected voltammetric currents obtained at CuMn and Cu rotated disk electrodes (RDEs). Values of n_app (and k_app) for sorbitol and glucose are 11.8 (9.2×10⁻³ cm s⁻¹) and 11.7 (8.0×10⁻³ cm s⁻¹), respectively, at a CuMn RDE. These are compared to the values 10.4 (1.8×10⁻³ cm s⁻¹) and 9.6 (2.0×10⁻³ cm s⁻¹) for sorbitol and glucose, respectively, at a Cu RDE. The larger sensitivities observed at the CuMn RDE in comparison to the Cu RDE are concluded to be the beneficial result of larger k_app values at the alloy electrode. Furthermore, the larger k_app values are speculated to result from enhanced preadsorption of the reactant species at Mn(IV) sites in the preanodized CuMn surface. In flow-injection measurements, the peak signals obtained for successive injections of glucose using a CuMn electrode (0.60 V vs. SCE) were quite stable with a standard deviation of 1.5%. However, large day-to-day variations (±15%) observed in the average peak signals are attributed to the temperature sensitivities of the k_app value and the diffusion coefficient for glucose.     

Evaluation of a Collision-Reaction Interface (CRI) for Carbon Effect Correction on Chromium Determination in Environmental Samples by ICP-MS

Spectral interferences in inductively coupled plasma quadrupole mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) may affect several trace element analyses. In this work, the performance of a collision-reaction interface (CRI) for correction of spectral interferences on chromium determination at m/z 52 affected by ⁴⁰Ar¹²C⁺ in a rich-carbon medium was evaluated. Hydrogen or He gases were introduced through sampler or skimmer cones of the CRI for promoting collisions and reactions. Background equivalent concentrations (BEC) and signal-background ratios (SBR) were the chosen parameters for evaluating CRI performance. It was observed that the introduction of both gases through the sampler cone was not effective considering the maximum gas flow rate evaluated at 140 mL min^?1. The best condition to reduce polyatomic interferences caused by carbon containing species was obtained while introducing 60 mL min^?1 of H₂ through the skimmer cone. The trueness of the developed procedure was checked by ⁵²Cr⁺ determination in certified reference materials. Sequential extractions in acetic acid and ammonium acetate (carbon sources) media, according to the Bureau Communautaire de Référence (BCR) of the Commission of the European Communities, was employed for BCR 701 (Lake Sediment) and microwave-assisted digestion was applied for Sewage Sludge from Industrial Origin (BCR 146 R). The feasibility of the CRI to overcome spectral interferences caused by molecular ions containing carbon on ⁵²Cr⁺ determined by ICP-MS was demonstrated.     

Modular L-design of hydride atomizers for atomic absorption spectrometry

A novel modular L-shaped design of hydride atomizer for atomic absorption spectrometry is described. It makes it possible to replace the optical tube of the atomizer and, mainly, to employ optical tubes made also from other materials than fused quartz. The design is useful mainly for further improvement of hydride atomizers based on the multiatomizer concept. Employing selenium hydride as the analyte and arsine as the interferent, a preliminary evaluation of performance of three types of L-shaped multiatomizers based on various optical tubes in terms of sensitivity, linearity of calibration graph and resistance to atomization interferences is made. The “classical” T-shaped multiatomizer was employed as a reference.The L-shaped multiatomizer with the optical tube analogous to that employed in the “classical” T-shaped multiatomizer offers virtually the same performance as the reference multiatomizer. Optical tube made of fused quartz with holes with smaller diameters does not offer significantly better performance compared to the reference T-shaped multiatomizer. However, the L-shaped multiatomizer with optical tube fabricated from porous quartz glass overpowers all the other multiatomizers substantially in terms of the resistance against interferences: even the maximum As interferent concentration of 5 µg ml^− 1 does not significantly influence the observed signal. This should be compared with multiatomizers based on plain fused quartz tubes with holes: tolerance limit around 0.5 µg ml^− 1; interferent concentration of 1 µg ml^− 1 causing 20% signal depression.     

Matrix modification by Cu(NO3)2 for the determination of gold by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with a molybdenum tube atomizer

Matrix modification by copper nitrate in electrothermal atomic absorption Spectrometry (ETAAS) of gold with a molybdenum tube atomizer has been investigated. The addition of copper nitrate served to eliminate the interferences from 10⁴–10⁵-fold concentrations of foreign elements at the 890 °C pyrolysis temperature. The absolute characteristic mass (giving 0.0044 absorbance) of gold in the presence of copper nitrate with the Mo atomizer was 0.26 pg and the detection limit was 38 pg/ml. These values were several times better than those obtained with graphite atomizers. The recovery of spiked gold in biological materials was in the range 96–106%. A sensitive and accurate ETAAS method was developed for complex matrix samples.     

Application of tertiary amines for arsenic and selenium signal enhancement and polyatomic interference reduction in ICP-MS analysis of biological samples

Water soluble tertiary amines enhance signals and decrease polyatomic chloride interferences in the direct inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometric (ICP-MS) determination of As and Se in biological samples. Preliminary experiments with amine concentrations and nebulizer flow rates produced element and interference signal intensity changes. Arsenic and Se ICP-MS determination parameters have been optimized by a simplex procedure with amines in an argon plasma or without amines but with addition of N₂ to the Ar. Variables include RF (radio frequency) power, nebulizer gas flow rate, intermediate gas flow rate, and amine concentration or nitrogen gas flow rate. Detection limit, minimization of polyatomic ion intensities, and reproducibility have been evaluated as reponse factors. The signal enhancement and element-to-molecular interference ratios differ to some extent with analyte intensity optimum operating conditions. The detection limits with addition of nitrogen (16 pg mL^–1 for As and 180 pg mL^–1 for Se) or of amines (8 pg mL^–1 for As and 120 pg mL^–1 for Se) and the extent of chloride interference minimization were compared. Amines addition was more beneficial. Biological standard reference materials and food and fecal samples were analyzed following different sample dissolution procedures.     

Electron spin-lattice relaxation of Cu(II) in Zn(II)-bis(diethyl-diselenocarbamate) single crystals

Using the pulse saturation method the spin-lattice relaxation rate T₁⁻¹ for Cu(II) in Zn(II)-bis(diethyl-diselenocarbamate) was measured in the temperature range 1.5 < T < 33 K. From the T-dependence of T₁⁻¹ the Debye temperature of the host crystal was obtained. The angular dependence of T₁⁻¹ as well as the influence of the hyperfine interaction on T₁⁻¹ are discussed.     

Formation of Cr(III) Hydroxides from Chrome Alum Solutions: 1. Precipitation of Active Chromium Hydroxide

The formation of active chromium hydroxide, Cr(OH)₃·3H₂O, was studied through potentiometric titrations and turbidimetric measurements. UV-Vis and IR spectroscopies were also employed to characterize the synthesized solid. The rapid addition of NaOH solution to aqueous chrome alum (KCr(SO₄)₂·12H₂O) solutions caused the immediate precipitation of the active material. Only monomeric Cr(III) species seemed to be participating in the precipitation process; neither chromium polymers nor complexes with anions (SO²⁻₄, Cl⁻, NO⁻₃, ClO⁻₄) influenced the fast formation of Cr(OH)₃·3H₂O. Titration studies allowed the determination of several hydrolysis and precipitation constants for Cr(III). Nevertheless, they cannot be used for the estimate of Cr(OH)⁰₃formation constant.     

Electrochemical and DNA-binding properties of dipyridophenazine complexes of osmium(II)

A transition metal complex as an electrochemical probe of a DNA sensor must have an applicable redox potential, high binding affinity and chemical stability. Some complexes with the dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine (DPPZ) ligand have been reported to have high binding affinity for DNA. However, it was difficult to detect the targeted DNA electrochemically using these complexes because of the relatively high redox potential. In this work, a combination of bipyridine ligands with functional groups (---NH₂, ---CH₃ and ---COOH) and the DPPZ ligand were studied. The introduction of electron-donating groups was effective for controlling the redox potential of the DPPZ-type osmium complex. The [Os(DA-bpy)₂DPPZ]²⁺ complex (DA-bpy; 4,4′-diamino-2,2′-bipyridine) had a lower half-wave potential (E_1/2) of 147 mV (vs. Ag AgCl) and higher binding affinity with DNA {binding constant, K=3.1×10⁷ M⁻¹ in 10 mmol dm⁻³ Tris–HCl buffer with 50 mmol dm⁻³ NaCl (pH 7.76)} than those of other complexes. With the single stranded DNA (ssDNA) modified gold electrode, the hybridization signal (ΔI) of the [Os(DA-bpy)₂DPPZ]²⁺ complex was linear in the concentration range of 1.0 pg ml⁻¹–0.12 μg ml⁻¹ for the targeted DNA with a regression coefficient of 0.999. The detection limit was 0.1 pg ml⁻¹.     

Theoretical investigation of the kinetics for the hydrogen abstraction reaction of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) by chlorine radical

The hydrogen abstraction reaction of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) by chlorine radical is investigated by theoretical calculations. Equilibrium geometries and harmonic vibrational frequencies of the reactants, transition state, and products are calculated using high-level ab initio methods. Rate constants of forward and backward reactions for the temperatures from 200 to 1000 K are calculated using classical transition state theory with Eckart tunneling correction, fitted in the expressions k_f (T) = 1.19 × 10⁻²³T^3.93exp (−1110/T), and k_b (T) = 8.86 × 10⁻²⁴T^3.32exp (−959/T) cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ for forward and backward reactions, respectively, and are in reasonable agreement with the available experimental values.     

Hydrogen bonding. Part 77. Molecular orbital study of C–HF hydrogen bonds in tetramethylammonium fluoride; potential effects on solid state structure

The infrared (IR) spectrum of tetramethylammonium fluoride suggests that it contains the strongest C–HF⁻ hydrogen bonds yet observed. Ab initio 3-21G(^*) calculations were used to examine potential solid state arrangements of cation about anion. The favored state is one in which four cations surround each F⁻ in a D_2d arrangement and four F⁻ surround each cation. Each F⁻ acts as acceptor of four hydrogen bonds of −10.8 kcal mol⁻¹, one from each cation. This arrangement, similar to that of tetramethylammon chloride, is consonant with the IR spectrum of the cation in solid tetramethylammonium fluoride. In the preferred form of the monomeric gas phase ion-pair F⁻ lies against one triangular face of the T_d cation with three CHF hydrogen bonds of −11.5 kcal mol⁻¹ each. Constraint of F⁻ in the gas phase ion-pair to interaction with a single cation hydrogen results in a tightly bound molecular complex between HF and trimethylammonium methylide with an interaction energy of −27 kcal mol⁻¹; however, this structure is not seen elsewhere and apparently does not play a role in the solid salt.     

Recombination of HCO and DCO ions with electrons

Recombination of HCO⁺ and DCO⁺ ions with electrons was studied in afterglow plasma. The flowing afterglow with Langmuir probe (FALP) apparatus was used to measure the recombination rate coefficients and their temperature dependencies in the range 150–270 K. To obtain a recombination rate coefficient for a particular ion, the dependencies on partial pressures of gases used in the ion formation were measured. The variations of α_HCO⁺(T) and α_DCO⁺(T) seem to obey the power law: α_HCO⁺(T) = (2.0 ± 0.6) × 10⁻⁷ (T/300)^−1.3 cm³ s⁻¹ and α_DCO⁺(T) = (1.7 ± 0.5) × 10⁻⁷ (T/300)^−1.1 cm³ s⁻¹ over the studied temperature range.     

Reactions of CO2 with H, H2 and deuterated analogues

Combining a temperature variable 22-pole ion trap with a cold effusive beam of neutrals, rate coefficients k(T) have been measured for reactions of CO₂⁺ ions with H, H₂ and deuterated analogues. The neutral beam which is cooled in an accommodator to T_ACC, penetrates the trapped ion cloud with a well-characterized velocity distribution. The temperature of the ions, T_22PT, has been set to values between 15 and 300 K. Thermalization is accelerated by using helium buffer gas. For reference, some experiments have been performed with thermal target gas. For this purpose hydrogen is leaked directly into the box surrounding the trap. While collisions of CO₂⁺ with H₂ lead exclusively to the protonated product HCO₂⁺, collisions with H atoms form mainly HCO⁺. The electron transfer channel H⁺ + CO₂ could not be detected (<20%). Equivalent studies have been performed for deuterium. The rate coefficients for reactions with atoms are rather small. Within our relative errors of less than 15%, they do not depend on the temperature of the CO₂⁺ ions nor on the velocity of the atoms (k(T) lays between 4.5 and 4.7 × 10⁻¹⁰ cm³ s⁻¹ with H as target, and 2.2 × 10⁻¹⁰ cm³ s⁻¹ with D). For collisions with molecules, the reactivity increases significantly with falling temperature, reaching the Langevin values at 15 K. These results are reported as k = α (T/300 K)^β with α = 9.5 × 10⁻¹⁰ cm³ s⁻¹ and β = −0.15 for H₂ and α = 4.9 × 10⁻¹⁰ cm³ s⁻¹ and β = −0.30 for D₂.     

Application of Dithizone-Modified TiO2 Nanoparticles in the Preconcentration of Trace Chromium and Lead from Sample Solution and Determination by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry

A new method using dithizone-modified TiO₂ nanoparticles (nanometer TiO₂-DZ) as solid-phase extractant has been developed for the simultaneous preconcentration of trace amounts of chromium and lead prior to their measurement by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The preconcentration conditions of the analytes, including the effects of pH, sample flow rate and volume, elution conditions and interfering ions on the recovery of the analytes were investigated. At pH 5, the adsorption capacity of the nanometer TiO₂-DZ was found to be 5.8 mg g⁻¹ and 22.5 mg g⁻¹ for Cr and Pb, respectively. According to the definition of IUPAC, the detection limits (3σ) of this method for Cr and Pb were 0.38 and 1.72 ng mL⁻¹, respectively. The proposed method was applied to the determination of trace chromium and lead in foodstuffs, plants and water samples with satisfactory results.     

Study of ion–solvent interactions of some tetraalkylammonium halides in THF + CCl4 mixtures by conductance measurements

Conductivities of some tetraalkylammonium halides, viz. tetrapentylammonium chloride (Pen₄NCl), tetrahexylammonium chloride (Hex₄NCl), tetraheptylammonium chloride (Hep₄NCl), and tetraoctylammonium chloride (Oct₄NCl) were measured at 298.15 K in THF + CCl₄ mixtures with 40, 60 and 80 mass% of THF. A minimum in the conductometric curves (molar conductance, Λ vs. square root of concentration, √c) was observed at concentrations which is dependent both on the salt and the solvent. The observed molar conductivities were explained by the formation of ion-pairs (M⁺ + X⁻ ↔ MX, K_P) and triple-ions (2M⁺ + X⁻ ↔ M₂X⁺; M⁺ + 2X⁻ ↔ MX₂⁻, K_T). A linear relationship between the triple-ion formation constants [log(K_T/K_P)] and the salt concentrations at the minimum conductivity (log C_min) was given for all salts in THF + CCl₄ mixtures. The formation of triple-ions might be attributed to the ion sizes in solutions in which coulombic interactions and covalent bonding forces act as the main forces between the ions (R₄N⁺X⁻).     

Oxidative degradation of non-ionic surfactant (TritonX-100) by chromium(VI)

Degradation of polyoxyethylene chain of non-ionic surfactant (TritonX-100) by chromium(VI) has been studied spectrophotometrically under different experimental conditions. The reaction rate bears a first-order dependence on the [Cr(VI)] under pseudo-first-order conditions, [TritonX-100]  [Cr(VI)] in presence of 1.16 mol dm⁻³ perchloric acid. The observed rate constant (k_obs) was 3.3 × 10⁻⁴ to 3.5 × 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹ and the half-life (t_1/2) was 33–35 min for chromium(VI). The effects of total [TritonX-100] and [H⁺] on the reaction rate were determined. Reducing nature of non-ionic TritonX-100 surfactant is found to be due to the presence of –OH group in the polyoxyethylene chain. It was observed that monomeric and non-ionic micelles of TritonX-100 were oxidized by chromium(VI). When [TritonX-100] was less than its critical micelle concentration (cmc) the k_obs values increased from 0.76 × 10⁻⁴ to 1.5 × 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹. As the [TritonX-100] was greater than the cmc, the k_obs values increases from 2.1 × 10⁻⁴ to 8.2 × 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹ in presence of constant [HClO₄] (1.16 mol dm⁻³) at 40 °C. A comparison was made of the oxidative degradation rates of TritonX-100 with different metal ion oxidants. The order of the effectiveness of different oxidants was as follows: permanganate > diperiodatoargentate(III) > chromium(VI) > cerium(IV).     

Investigation of vortex dynamics close to Bc2 in Cu2Mo6S8 quasi epitaxial thin films

The Ginzburg number of superconducting Chevrel phases M_xMo₆S₈ with small coherence length (10⁻³ to 10−5) is intermediate between those obtained for conventional low T_c materials (10⁻⁸) and those of high T_c (10⁻¹) indicating that these phases may display features in the dynamics of the vortices similar to those observed in high T_c superconductors. In this work we present a detailed study of I–V measurements close to the B_c2 line carried out on quasi epitaxial thin films of Cu₂Mo₆S₈. The non-linear I–V curves show a scaling behaviour making possible to determine a transition temperature between an unpinned vortex state and a vortex glass state. However, the temperature range of the unpinned vortex state is much wider than expected.     

Potential-Dependent Rectified Electron Transfer at a Meldola′s Blue Incorporated Decanethiol-Modified Electrode as a Model of Biological Membrane

Meldola′s blue was immobilized into a self-assembled decanethiol monolayer modified on a gold electrode to provide a biological membrane model for electron transport having a molecular gate. Cyclic voltammograms of ferricyanide at this modified electrode showed only its reduction current at potentials where Meldola′s blue was reduced, but not at the redox potential of ferricyanide itself and no reaction was observed for ferrocyanide, indicating the direction of electron flow was controlled through the functionalized monolayer. Similar electrochemical responses were also observed for both octacyanotungustate and octacyanomolybdate. The cathodic peak currents observed in metal cyanide solutions at the modified electrode decreased in the order of Fe(CN)₆³⁻ > W(CN)₈³⁻ > Mo(CN)₈³⁻ at a given pH. From the analysis of the voltammograms using the microelectrode assembly model, the potential-dependent rectified electron flow was explained in terms of a gate function of Meldola′s blue in the monolayer, and the apparent electron transfer rate constant, k⁰_app, and the apparent diffusion coefficient, D_app, of metal cyanide ions in the monolayer were also estimated.