Determination of seven trace elements in natural waters by neutron activation analysis after preconcentration with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol

A procedure is described for the preconcentration of Cd(I), Co(II), Cr(III), Cu(II), Mn(II), U(VI) and Zn(II) from 800 ml of water and sea-water samples by coprecipitation with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) prior to neutron activation. Chromium is reduced to Cr(III) by hydroxylammonium chloride at pH 4 before the preconcentration step. Coprecipitation of 30 mg of PAN was most effective at pH 9 with final recoveries of 76–91% for six elements and 50% for uranium. The scheme is based on double irradiation of the same samples. Short (10 min) irradiation followed by γ-spectrometry counting for 10 min gives data for Cd (^111mCd), Co, Cu, Mn and U (²³⁹U). A second 16-h irradiation permits determination of zinc and uranium (²³⁹Np) after a waiting time of 6 h, cadmium (¹¹⁵Cd) after 24 h and chromium after a waiting period of 2 weeks followed by counting for 30 min. Detection limits are 0.04 ng g^?1 for Co, 0.8 ng g^?1 for Cd, 0.3 ng g^?1 for Cu, 0.2 ng g^?1 for Cr, 0.006 ng g^?1 for Mn, 0.006 ng g^?1 for U and 0.3 ng g^?1 for Zn. A further decrease of the detection limit for chromium to 0.05 ng g^?1 can be achieved by separation of interfering nuclides and scintillation counting of ⁵¹Cr with a NaI(Tl) well-type detector.     

Validation of a novel derivatization method for GC–ECD determination of acrylamide in food

This paper proposes a new method for quantitative analysis of acrylamide in cereal-based foods and potato chips. The method uses reaction with trifluoroacetic anhydride, and analyses the resulting derivative by use of gas chromatography with electron-capture detection (GC–ECD). The effects of derivatization conditions, including temperature, reaction time, and catalyst, on the acylation reaction were evaluated. Chromatographic analysis was performed on an SE-54 capillary column. Under the optimum conditions, good retention and peak response were achieved for the acrylamide derivative. The analytical method was fully validated by assessment of LODs and LOQs (1 ng g^?1 and 25 ng g^?1, with relative standard deviations (RSD) 2.1 and 3.6, respectively), linearity (R?=?0.9935 over the range 0.03–10 μg g^?1), and extraction recovery (>96 %, with RSD below 2.0, for acrylamide spiked at 1, 20, 50, and 100 ng g^?1; 99.8 % for acrylamide content >1000 ng g^?1). The method requires no clean-up of the acrylamide derivative before injection. The method has been successfully used to determine acrylamide levels in different commercial cereal-based foods, French fries, and potato chips.

Chemical modification of alumina surface by immobilization of 1-((5-nitrofuran-2-yl)methylene)thiosemicarbazide for extractive concentration of silver ions

A column, solid phase extraction (SPE), preconcentration method was developed for determination of silver by using alumina coated with 1-((5-nitrofuran-2-yl)methylene)thiosemicarbazide and determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The separation/preconcentration conditions for the quantitative recovery were investigated. At pH 2, the maximum sorption capacity of Ag⁺ was 7.5?mg?g^?1. The linearity was maintained in the concentration range of 0.02–11.0?µg?mL^?1 in the final solution or 0.14–1.10?×?10^4?ng?mL^?1 in the original solution for silver. The preconcentration factor of 140 and relative standard deviation of ±1.4% was obtained, under optimum conditions. The limit of detection (LOD) was calculated as 0.112?ng?mL^?1, based on 3σ_bl/m (n?=?8) in the original solutions. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination trace amounts of silver in the environmental samples such as tea, rice and wheat flour, mint, and real water samples.     

Determination of trace elements in sea water by graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry after preconcentration by tetrahydroborate reductive precipitation

A method is described for the preconcentration of 16 elements from coastal and deep ocean sea water based on their reductive precipitation by sodium tetrahydroborate. The enrichment factors obtained were sufficient to permit the analysis of a near-shore sea-water reference material (11 elements) and an open ocean sea-water reference material (9 elements). Recoveries from 900 ml of sea water ranged from 80 to 107% (100-ml sample for Mn) with absolute blanks between <1.0 ng (Se) and 20 ng (Cu). Estimated detection limits varied from 0.3 ng l ^?1 (Pb) to 19 ng l^?1 (As) based on a 36-fold concentration of a 900-ml sample.     

Coupled Turbulent Flow Chromatography: LC–MS/MS Method for the Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Grapes, Baby Food and Wheat Flour Matrices

This paper describes an on-line sample preparation method for the simultaneous determination of 48 pesticides in grapes, baby food and wheat flour matrices. Target pesticides were selected to represent a wide variety of chemical structures and three typical matrices were selected. Turbulent flow chromatography was applied for on-line sample cleanup directly coupled to LC?CMS/MS. The aim of the method was to reduce total analysis time, eliminate manual laboratory work, provide clean extracts and achieve reproducible results. Single laboratory method validation was conducted establishing limits of detection between 0.8 and 6.0?ng?g^?1 for baby food, and 0.8?C10.3?ng?g^?1 for other matrices. Within-day precision values varied between 4 and 18?%, while between-day precisions were in the range 5?C22?%. Method recovery ranged from 67 to 124?%, and method accuracy was demonstrated by analysis of external quality control samples. The method was also tested on 24 different survey samples from both bio and organic origin. The method was shown to be convenient, fast and fit for purpose in meeting regulatory requirements for pesticide residue monitoring.     

Pressurized Liquid Extraction Coupled with LC–ESI–MS–MS for the Determination of Herbicides Chlormequat and Mepiquat in Flours

This paper describes a new method for the rapid extraction and unequivocal confirmation of herbicides chlormequat and mepiquat in wheat flours and various flours utilized in infant foods. The highly automated extraction procedure is based on accelerated solvent extraction, followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry as a confirmatory analysis. Typical recoveries from flours and baby food samples ranged from 83 to 99% at a fortification level of 10 ppb, corresponding to the maximum residue limits established by the European Union; while relative standard deviations (RSD) were less than 10% for all samples. The limit of detection (signal-to-noise ratio = 3) of the method for the considered phenols in baby food samples are less than 0.1 μg g^?1. Traces of the selected herbicides have been detected in about 50% of baby foods, bought from different Roman supermarkets and butcher shops, applying the described methodology.     

Simultaneous determination of copper and lead by graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry after liquid-liquid extraction of the ion pair with zephiramine

A procedure for the simultaneous determination of copper and lead by graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry was investigated by means of a two-channel atomic absorption spectrometer. Both copper(II) and lead(II) are converted into their iodo complex anions and extracted quantitatively into diisobutyl ketone as their ion pairs with tetradecyldimethylbenzylammonium (zephiramine) in a 10-ml centrifuge tube. An aliquot of the organic extract is directly pipetted from the upper layer in the centrifuge tube and injected into the graphite furnace. The detection limits (S/N = 3) are 2.6 ng ml^?1 of copper and 1.0 ng ml^?1 of lead. The relative standard deviations for 10 replicate determinations are 2.9% for 20 ng ml^?1 of copper and 2.7% for 10 ng ml^?1 of lead. Results of analyses of some practical samples are given.     

Electrocatalytic Application of Girard's Reagent T to Simultaneous Determination of Furaldehydes in Pharmaceutical and Food Matrices by Highly Sensitive Voltammetric Methods

Sensitive and precise voltammetric methods for the determination of trace amounts of furaldehydes, mainly as furfural (F) and 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furaldehyde (HMF), in foods, pharmaceutical and other matrices is described. Determination of total furaldehyde at <μg g^?1 levels in alkaline buffered aqueous media was individually investigated. By the use of ordinary SWV and adsorptive square wave stripping voltammetry (Ad‐SWSV), the detection limits for determination of F and HMF found to be 400 and 10 ng g^?1, respectively. At a 1.0 μg g^?1 level of furfural in sample, the relative standard deviation (n=4) was 2.79%. The application of Ad‐SWSV to the determination of F and HMF, after their in situ derivatization with trimethylaminoacetohydrazide chloride (Girard's reagent T) at a static mercury drop electrode (SMDE) in NH₃‐NH₄Cl buffer of pH 9.5, resulted in a limit of detection of 10 ng g^?1 for the resolved peaks of HMF and F. The results obtained by the proposed method for the real samples were compared with the corresponding results from UV‐spectrophotometry and HPLC experiments in various matrices.     

Orthogonal array optimization of ionic liquid based dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction for toxic anilines in foods

A simple and rapid method of ionic liquid based dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction(DLLME) combining with high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was developed for the analysis of four toxic anilines in flour steamed bread and maize steamed bread.Several possible influential factors such as the type of ionic liquid and disperser solvent,extraction time,sample pH,ionic strength and the volume of ionic liquid and disperser solvent were optimized using single factor experiments and orthogonal array design(OAD) with OA 25(5 4) matrix.Analysis of variance(ANOVA) and percent contribution(PC) were used to investigate the significance of the factors of OAD.Sample pH and ionic strength are statistically demonstrated two chief factors.Under the optimum condition,the method exhibits a good linearity(r 2 > 0.99) over the studied range(50-1000 ng g 1) for anilines.The extraction factors and recoveries for the anilines in two kinds of steamed breads ranged between 34.1%-73.3% and 44.3%-95.3%,respectively.The limit of detections(LODs) and limit of quantitations(LOQs) ranged between 10-15 ng g 1 and 30-45 ng g-1.     

Development of a highly precise ID-ICP-SFMS method for analysis of low concentrations of lead in rice flour reference materials

Microwave digestion and isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ID-ICP-SFMS) has been applied to the determination of Pb in rice flour. In order to achieve highly precise determination of low concentrations of Pb, the digestion blank for Pb was reduced to 0.21 ng g⁻¹ after optimization of the digestion conditions, in which 20 mL analysis solution was obtained after digestion of 0.5 g rice flour. The observed value of Pb in a non-fat milk powder certified reference material (CRM), NIST SRM 1549, was 16.8 ± 0.8 ng g⁻¹ (mean ± expanded uncertainty, k = 2; n = 5), which agreed with the certified value of 19 ± 3 ng g⁻¹ and indicated the effectiveness of the method. Analytical results for Pb in three brown rice flour CRMs, NIST SRM 1568a, NIES CRM 10-a, and NIES CRM 10-b, were 7.32 ± 0.24 ng g⁻¹ (n = 5), 1010 ± 10 ng g⁻¹ (n = 5), and 1250 ± 20 ng g⁻¹ (n = 5), respectively. The concentration of Pb in a candidate white rice flour reference material (RM) sample prepared by the National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) was observed to be 4.36 ± 0.28 ng g⁻¹ (n = 10 bottles). Figure Digestion blank of Pb was carefully reduced to approximately 0.2 ng g^-1 which permitted the highly precise determination of Pb at low ng g^-1 level in foodstuff samples by ID-SFMS     

Simultaneous determination of fluoroquinolone and tetracycline antibacterials in sewage sludge using ultrasonic-assisted extraction and HPLC-MS/MS

A reliable method was proposed for the simultaneous determination of five fluoroquinolones (FQs) and two tetracyclines (TCs) in sewage sludge using ultrasonic-assisted extraction (USE) followed by SPE cleanup and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS)/MS analysis with electrospray ionisation (ESI) in a positive mode. The USE conditions (e.g. extraction solvent, pH, and extraction cycles) and high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) parameters were optimised. Quantification was performed by internal standard calibration in multiple reaction monitoring mode. Recoveries of the antibacterials ranged from 41 to 123%, with relative standard deviations within 17%. The sample-based limits of quantification were 10–63?ng?g^?1 dry weight (dw) for FQs (ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, lomefloxacin, norfloxacin, and ofloxacin) and 250–500?ng?g^?1 dw for TCs (tetracycline and oxytetracycline). The method was applied to determine the antibacterials in sewage sludge and sediment samples were collected from the Pearl River Delta, China. Ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and ofloxacin were frequently detected, ranging from 1052 to 17740?ng?g^?1 dw in dewatered sludge samples, 585–3545?ng?g^?1 dw in untreated solids, and 98–258?ng?g^?1 dw in an urban stream sediment sample, respectively. Lomefloxacin and enrofloxacin were also occasionally detected.     

Occurrence of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in soils and sediments from Eastern Romania

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), such as DDT and analogues, hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers and hexachlorobenzene (HCB), were measured in surface soils and sediments from Eastern Romania. Thirty-nine soil samples from the forested zone, eight soil samples from a municipal waste-disposal site, and 10 sediment samples from the Bahlui River along the Iassy city were analysed using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and gas chromatography coupled to electron capture detection or mass spectrometry. The low mean concentrations of OCPs (11–31 and 22–84?ng?g^?1 for HCHs and DDTs, respectively) and PCBs (8–43?ng?g^?1) in soil samples from the forested zone suggest that contamination at most of these sites occurred predominantly through atmospheric transport from zones where these compounds were used and subsequently through atmospheric deposition. Contrarily, soil samples collected in the vicinity of a waste-disposal site near Iassy contained higher mean levels of PCBs (278?ng?g^?1, range 34–1132?ng?g^?1) than OCPs (6 and 101?ng?g^?1 of soil for HCHs and DDTs, respectively). The sediment samples collected along the Bahlui river throughout the Iassy city revealed higher mean levels of PCBs (59?ng?g^?1, range 24–158?ng?g^?1) compared with OCP levels (2 and 37?ng?g^?1 of soil for HCHs and DDTs, respectively). Furthermore, PCB profiles and concentrations in the sediment samples varied considerably along the river due to a wide variety of sources, such as different industries and waste sites. Although their sources are difficult to evaluate, the presence of POPs at most sites (especially at the waste-disposal site) may constitute a potential health hazard.     

Determination of arsenic by hydride generation with a long absorption cell for atomic absorption spectrometry

A method is described for the determination of arsenic involving hydride generation and atomic absorption spectrometry with an improved long graphite-tube furnace capable of considerably higher temperatures than the conventional quartz-tube heaters. Arsine is generated with sodium tetrahydroborate, held in a nitrogen-cooled trap and then swept with helium into an alumina tube (19 cm long) placed within the graphite furnace. The optimum conditions for determination of arsenic are given. The detection limit is 0.2 ng ml^?1 with RSD of 2–3%. Results for various NBS Standard Reference Materials agreed well with expected values and were as follows: orchard leaves, 10 ± 1 μg g^?1; tomato leaves, 0.28 ± 0.03 μg g^?1; bovine liver, 0.046 ± 0.005 μg g^?1.     

Determination of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in food and beverages

The determination of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) in food and beverages sold in Turkey was carried out using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A total of 123 samples of selected food and beverages such as fish, meat, offal, egg, cracker, chips, cake, chocolate, vegetable, milk and juice were examined. The highest PFOA concentrations were determined in cow meat (5.15 ng g^?1), cow kidney (5.65 ng g^?1), cow spleen (5.06 ng g^?1) and chicken liver (5.02 ng g^?1). The highest PFOS levels were found in horse mackerel (52.43 ng g^?1), pike-perch (45.87 ng g^?1), sardine (42.83 ng g^?1) and black cod (41.33 ng g^?1). Fish was found to be major source of the PFOS intake, while meat and offal were found to be major sources of the PFOA intake.     

Preconcentration of metal ions using an immobilized dialkyldithiocarbamate in a flow system

Flow injection analysis with on-line preconcentration using a minicolumn loaded with dialkyldithiocarbamate immobilized on controlled pore glass is described for the determination of Rh(III), Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Hg²⁺, and Hg₂²⁺. The detection limits range from 0.05 ng ml⁻¹ for Cu²⁺ to 50 ng ml⁻¹ for Hg²⁺ for 5- or 10-ml samples, improvement of 2–3 orders of magnitude compared with direct injection. The operating conditions are optimized and the effects of interferents are studied. The capacity of the collector varied from 0.9 mmol g⁻¹ for Rh(III) to ca 4 mmol g⁻¹ (Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Hg²⁺).     

Determination of trace manganese in high-purity titanium,silicon and mineral acids by a flow-injection method based on a catalytic reaction

A preliminary microscale ion-exchange separation and a three-line flow-injection manifold are described for the spectrophotometric determination of trace (ng-μg g^?1) manganese in ? 10 mg- samples of high-purity titanium and silicon. The catalytic effect of manganese on the malachite green/periodate reaction is utilized. The method is also conveniently applied to the determination of sub-μg l^?1 levels of manganese in 1–3-ml samples of high-purity hydrofluoric, hydrochloric and nitric acids.     

Determination of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic, sulfonic, and phosphonic acids in food

A sensitive and accurate method was developed and validated for simultaneous analysis of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids, sulfonic acids, and phosphonic acids (PFPAs) at low picograms per gram concentrations in a variety of food matrices. The method employed extraction with acetonitrile/water and cleanup on a mixed-mode co-polymeric sorbent (C8?+?quaternary amine) using solid-phase extraction. High-performance liquid chromatographic separation was achieved on a C18 column using a mobile phase gradient containing 5?mM 1-methyl piperidine for optimal chromatographic resolution of PFPAs. A quadrupole time-of-flight high-resolution mass spectrometer operating in negative ion mode was used as detector. Method detection limits were in the range of 0.002 to 0.02?ng?g^?1 for all analytes. Sample preparation (extraction and cleanup) recoveries at a spiking level of 0.1?ng?g^?1 to a baby food composite were in the range of 59 to 98?%. A strong matrix effect was observed in the analysis of PFPAs in food extracts, which was tentatively assigned to sorption of PFPAs to the injection vial in the solvent-based calibration standard. The method was successfully applied to a range of different food matrices including duplicate diet samples, vegetables, meat, and fish samples.

An efficient and fast microwave-assisted extraction method developed for the simultaneous determination of 18 organochlorine pesticides in sediment

An efficient and fast microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method followed by gas chromatographic separation with mass spectrometric detection (GC–MS) was developed for the extraction of 18 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) from sediment. Parameters affecting the MAE procedure such as the type and volume of the extraction solvent, irradiation power, temperature and irradiation time were successfully optimised. Under the optimal conditions, extraction efficiencies in the range of 73.4–119% were obtained with THF–HEX (9:1, v/v) for all OCPs studied. The method was linear over the range of 2.9–5000 ng g^?1 with determination coefficients (r²) higher than 0.992 for all analytes. The limits of detection, LODs (S/N = 3), obtained varied from 1.0 to 2.2 ng g^?1 and limits of quantification, LOQs (S/N = 10) were between 2.9 and 6.8 ng g^?1. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of real sediment samples and acceptable recoveries from 70.1 to 124% with RSDs ≤14.8% were obtained. 10 OCPs were determined below their LOQ and 8 OCPs in the range of 124–2830 ng g^?1. The MAE method was compared with Soxhlet, shake flask and ultrasonic solvent extraction techniques. Thus, the MAE–GC–MS method could efficiently be used for selective extraction and quantification of the target analytes from the complex sediment matrices.     

Synthesis of derivatives and production of antiserum for class specific detection of pyrethroids by indirect ELISA

Two series of haptens including 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (PBA) and 3-(2-chloro-3, 3,3-trifluoroprop-1-enyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclo-propanecarboxylic acid (CF₃MPA) were used to prepare immunogens through attachment of 4-C or 6-C handles. Class selective antibodies were produced by immunising rabbits. Ab502 showed the highest reactivity towards tau-fluvalinate (IC₅₀ 1.3 ng mL^?1), λ-cyhalothrin (IC₅₀ 2.3 ng mL^?1), cyfluthrin (IC₅₀ 2.2 ng mL^?1) and fenpropathrin (IC₅₀ 18.5 ng mL^?1) among the antibodies in a competitive ELISA. The effects of methanol, pH and salt concentration were optimised for maximum efficiency of the ELISA (Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay). Ab502 (1:80000)/2-OVA-1(0.2 µg mL^?1) was chosen for ELISA optimisation. Finally, 0.05 M phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at pH 6.5 containing 30% methanol (v/v) was used to dilute the standards. Target analytes in honey samples were extracted with ethyl acetate by sonication. The samples were spiked with three different concentrations of each compound (tau-fluvalinate, 0.5 ng g^?1, 3 ng g^?1, 12 ng g^?1; λ-cyhalothrin and cyfluthrin 1 ng g^?1, 5 ng g^?1, 65 ng g^?1). The recoveries were 36–59% at the lowest spiking concentration and 61–81% at the higher concentration. This assay might be useful to screen pyrethroid residues in honey or other matrix.     

Kinetic determination of l-alanine and l-alanine dehydrogenase with an ammonia gas-sensing electrode

The ammonia gas-sensing electrode is used to assay l-alanine and l-alanine dehydrogenase. Alanine is de-aminated by bacterial alanine dehydrogenase in the presence of β-NAD⁺. The initial rate of ammonia release is proportional to alanine concentration or the enzyme activity. Optimal conditions for the assays are specified. Alanine (1.0 × 10^?4-1.0 × 10^?3 M in a 1-ml sample) and enzyme (0.181-0.181 U in a 0.1-ml sample) can eb determined. Application to the determination of alanine in human serum gave results that compared well with values obtained by the Yoshida method.