Multi-Element Analysis Based on an Automated On-Line Microcolumn Separation/Preconcentration System Using a Novel Sol-Gel Thiocyanatopropyl-Functionalized Silica Sorbent Prior to ICP-AES for Environmental Water Samples

A sol-gel thiocyanatopropyl-functionalized silica sorbent was synthesized and employed for an automated on-line microcolumn preconcentration platform as a front-end to inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) for the simultaneous determination of Cd(II), Pb(II), Cu(II), Cr(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II), Mn(II), Hg(II), and V(II). The developed system is based on an easy-to-repack microcolumn construction integrated into a flow injection manifold coupled directly to ICP-AES’s nebulizer. After on-line extraction/preconcentration of the target analyte onto the surface of the sorbent, successive elution with 1.0 mol L⁻¹ HNO₃ was performed. All main chemical and hydrodynamic factors affecting the effectiveness of the system were thoroughly investigated and optimized. Under optimized experimental conditions, for 60 s preconcentration time, the enhancement factor achieved for the target analytes was between 31 to 53. The limits of detection varied in the range of 0.05 to 0.24 μg L⁻¹, while the limits of quantification ranged from 0.17 to 0.79 μg L⁻¹. The precision of the method was expressed in terms of relative standard deviation (RSD%) and was less than 7.9%. Furthermore, good method accuracy was observed by analyzing three certified reference materials. The proposed method was also successfully employed for the analysis of environmental water samples.     

Levels of cadmium and lead in blood: an application of validated methods in a group of patients with endocrine/metabolic disorders from the Rome area

Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are environmental pollutants, known to cause adverse health effects in humans even following long-term exposure to low doses. These metals, individually or in combination with other persistent environmental contaminants, have been claimed to have the potential to cause alterations in the function of the endocrine system. Human exposure to Pb and Cd is generally assessed by monitoring their concentrations in blood, taking into account the influence of various factors, such as age, gender, smoking habit, occupation, alcohol consumption, diet and air pollution. Following the phase-out of leaded gasoline in the European Union and improvements in food-packaging and contamination control, a decrease in blood Pb levels of the general population has been observed in several European countries and the USA. We report the preliminary results of a study, performed within the framework of the project “Human Exposure to Xenobiotics with potential Endocrine Activities: Evaluation of Reproductive and Developmental risks”. We measured the concentrations of Cd and Pb in the blood of a group of patients with endocrine/metabolic disorders. The analytical procedures, based on atomic absorption spectrometry, were validated according to the EURACHEM guidelines. The median values and ranges were 0.48 μg l⁻¹ (0.20–1.73 μg l⁻¹) and 21.8 μg l⁻¹ (12.0–65.7 μg l⁻¹) for Cd and Pb, respectively; the Cd levels were significantly higher in smokers. Overall, the concentrations of Cd and Pb found in our series of patients were comparable to levels currently expected in the general population.     

On-line separation and preconcentration of inorganic arsenic and selenium species in natural water samples with CTAB-modified alkyl silica microcolumn and determination by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry

A new, simple, and selective method has been presented for the separation and preconcentration of inorganic arsenic (As(III)/As(V)) and selenium (Se(IV)/Se(VI)) species by a microcolumn on-line coupled with inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Trace amounts of As(V) and Se(VI) species were separated and preconcentrated from total As and Se at desired pH values by a conical microcolumn packed with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-modified alkyl silica sorbent in the absence of chelating reagent. The species adsorbed by CTAB-modified alkyl silica sorbent were quantitatively desorbed with 0.10 ml of 1.0 mol l⁻¹ HNO₃. Total inorganic arsenic and selenium were similarly extracted after oxidation of As(III) and Se(IV) to As(V) and Se(VI) with KMnO₄ (50.0 μmol l⁻¹). The assay of As(III) and Se(IV) were based on subtracting As(V) and Se(VI) from total As and total Se, respectively. All parameters affecting the separation/preconcentration of As(V) and Se(VI) including pH, sample flow rate and volume, eluent solution and volume have been studied. With a sample volume of 3.0 ml, the sample throughput was 24 h⁻¹ and the enrichment factors for As(V) and Se(VI) were 26.7 and 27.6, respectively. The limits of detection (LODs) were 0.15 μg l⁻¹ for As(V) and 0.10 μg l⁻¹ for Se(VI). The relative standard deviations (RSDs) for nine replicate determinations at 5.0 μg l⁻¹ level of As(V) and Se(VI) were 4.0% and 3.6%, respectively. The calibration graphs of the method for As(V) and Se(VI) were linear in the range of 0.5–1000.0 μg l⁻¹ with a correlation coefficient of 0.9936 and 0.9992, respectively. The developed method was successfully applied to the speciation analysis of inorganic arsenic and selenium in natural water samples with satisfactory results.     

流动注射在线吸附预富集-冷蒸气原子荧光法测定矿泉水中的痕量无机汞

研究了聚四氟乙烯管编结反应器(KR)在线吸附预富集技术与冷蒸气原子荧光联用测定矿泉水中痕量无机汞的方法.Hg2+与DDTC在线形成Hg2+-DDTC络合物并吸附在KR内壁上,采用电磁感应加热技术,用20% (V/V) HNO3在线加热洗脱并氧化预富集于KR内壁上的Hg2+-DDTC.洗脱液与KBH4溶液反应生成蒸气态汞,直接用冷蒸气原子荧光联用技术检测.20%(V/V)HNO3作为洗脱液的同时也为氢化发生提供了酸性介质.本方法未使用常用的有机洗脱液,具有操作简单和环保等优点.每小时可分析30个样品,最大吸附倍数为35倍,样品分析精密度RSD为2.2%(n=11),检出限(3σ)为2.0 ng/L.     

Organically modified silica gel and flame atomic absorption spectrometry: employment for separation and preconcentration of nine trace heavy metals for their determination in natural aqueous systems

A 5-formyl-3-(1′-carboxyphenylazo) salicylic acid-bonded silica gel (FCPASASG) chelating adsorbent was synthesized according to a very simple and rapid one step reaction between aminopropyl silica gel (APSG) and 5-formyl-3-(1′-carboxyphenylazo) salicylic acid (FCPASA) and its adsorption characteristics were studied in details. Nine trace metals viz.: Cd(II), Zn(II), Fe(III), Cu(II), Pb(II), Mn(II), Cr(III), Co(II) and Ni(II) can be quantitatively adsorbed by the adsorbent from natural aqueous systems at pH 7.0–8.0. The adsorbed metal ions can be readily desorbed with 1 M HNO₃ or 0.05 M Na₂EDTA. The distribution coefficient, K_d and the percentage concentration of the investigated metal ions on the adsorbent at equilibrium, C_M,_eqm % (Recovery, R%) were studied as a function of experimental parameters. The logarithmic values of the distribution coefficient, logK_d, are 3.7–6.4. Some foreign ions caused little interference in the preconcentration and determination of the investigated nine metals by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS).The adsorption capacity of FCPASASG was 0.32–0.43 meq g⁻¹. C and N elemental analyses of the adsorbent (FCPASASG) allowed us to calculate a surface converge of 0.82 mmol g⁻¹. This value compares well with the best values reported for the azo compounds. The adsorbent and its formed metal chelates were characterized by IR (absorbance and/or reflectance) and UV spectrometry, potentiometric titrations and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA and DTG). The mode of chelation between the FCPASASG adsorbent and the investigated metal ions is proposed to be due to reaction of those metal ions with the salicylic and/or the carboxyphenylazo chelation centers of the FCPASASG adsorbent. Nanogram concentrations (0.07–0.14 ng ml⁻¹) of Cd(II), Zn(II), Fe(III), Pb(II), Cr(III), Mn(II), Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) can be determined reliably with a preconcentration factor of 100.     

Solid phase extraction of heavy metal ions based on a novel functionalized magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotube composite with the aid of experimental design methodology

We report that magnetic multiwalled carbon nanotubes functionalized with 8-aminoquinoline can be applied to the preconcentration of Cd(II), Pb(II) and Ni(II) ions. The parameters affecting preconcentration were optimized by a Box-Behnken design through response surface methodology. Three variables (extraction time, magnetic sorbent amount, and pH value) were selected as the main factors affecting sorption, and four variables (type, volume and concentration of the eluent; elution time) were selected for optimizing elution. Following sorption and elution, the ions were quantified by FAAS. The LODs are 0.09, 0.72, and 1.0 ng mL^?1 for Cd(II), Ni(II), and Pb(II) ions, respectively. The relative standard deviations are <5.1 % for five separate batch determinations at 30 ng mL^?1 level of Cd(II), Ni(II), and Pb(II) ions. The sorption capacities (in mg g^?1) of this new sorbent are 201 for Cd(II), 150 for Pb(II), and 172 Ni(II). The composite was successfully applied to the rapid extraction of trace quantities of heavy metal ions in fish, sediment, soil, and water samples.

Solvent impregnated hollow fibre for a selective preconcentration of Pb(II) in an on-line determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A solvent impregnated hollow fibre (SIHF) module has been developed for the preconcentration of lead by using bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (DEHPA) dissolved in kerosene as extractant. The module has been designed for an on-line determination of trace amounts of lead(II) at mg l⁻¹ (ppm) level by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS).

The SIHF system is based on the metal liquid–liquid distribution between aqueous solutions of different acidity and the mentioned organic solution. The highest enrichment factor of Pb(II) was determined at pH=4.0 using a formic acid/formiate buffer solution.

Preconcentration experiments were carried out at low lead(II) concentration (mg l⁻¹ level) by using the SIHF module. This study includes the influence of hydrodynamic and chemical conditions on the loading and elution of Pb(II) on the SIHF, i.e., flow rate through the fibres, acidity of the eluent (as nitric acid concentration) and the chemical nature of the acid used in the elution. Breakthrough curves were determined for different sampling flow rates, 0.54 ml min⁻¹ was selected to minimise the loading volume of Pb(II) sample. 0.1 M nitric acid was chosen as eluent solution, and perchloric acid also shows appropriate elution characteristics. The degree of concentration obtained for Pb(II) are of 10 fold the original concentration. The quantification limit for Pb(II) achieved with this preconcentration system is 0.17 mg l⁻¹.

The results obtained indicate that the SIHF system can be applied for on-line determination of trace amounts of lead(II) by FAAS.     

Determination of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Pb in natural waters, alkali and alkaline earth salts by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry after preconcentration by column solid phase extraction

Methods are described for the determination of trace and ultra trace amounts of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Pb in natural waters, alkali and alkaline earth salts. Separation and preconcentration of trace metals is achieved by a column solid phase extraction procedure using silica gel modified with derivatives of dithiocarbamates — Na-DDTC (sodium diethyldithio-carbamate and HMDTC (ammonium hexamethylene-dithiocarbamate) as column packing material. The influence of the sorbent preparation procedure on the degree of sorption of the trace analytes is examined for different pH values of the sample solution. Isobutylmethyl ketone (IBMK) is proposed as an effective eluent for quantitative elution of retained metal ions. Optimal instrumental parameters for ETAAS determination of preconcentrated elements in organic eluate are presented. Practical application of sorbents in analysis of natural waters and alkali and alkaline earth salts is demonstrated. Proposed preconcentration procedure combined with ETAAS determination of trace analytes allows the determination of 0.04 g l^–1 Cd, 0.1 g l^–1 Cr, Cu, and Mn and 0.3 g l^–1 Co, Fe, Ni and Pb in natural waters and 1.10^–7% Cd, 3.10^–7% Cr and Mn, 7.10^–7% Co, Ni and Pb and 2.10^–6% Cu and Fe in alkali and alkaline earth salts.     

Vortex-assisted magnetic solid phase extraction of Pb and Cu in some herb samples on magnetic multiwalled carbon nanotubes

This study is the development of a new solid phase extraction method based on using magnetic multiwalled carbon nanotubes impregnated with 1-(2-pyridylazo)2-naphthol (PAN) for separation, preconcentration, and flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of Pb(II) and Cu(II). Optimization of the method was done by investigating pH effect, amount of magnetic multiwalled carbon nanotubes impregnated with PAN, eluent type and volume, matrix effects, and volume of the sample. The optimum adsorbent amount was found to be 75 mg and the optimum pH value was found as 5.5. The detection limits were 16.6 μg L^-1 for Pb(II) and 18.9 μg L^-1 for Cu(II). The relative standard deviations (RSD%) were less than 4%. Two certified reference materials: SPS-WW2 wastewater and NCS-DC73349 (bush branches and leaves) were used to test the validation of the method. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of Pb(II) and Cu(II) ions in daisy, mint, paprika, sage, rosemary, daphne leaves, heather, green tea, andViburnum opulussamples.     

Multivariate optimization and validation studies in on-line pre-concentration system for lead determination in drinking water and saline waste from oil refinery

The present paper proposes an on-line pre-concentration procedure for lead determination in drinking water and saline waste from oil refinery by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). It is based on the sorption of lead (II) ions in a minicolumn of polyurethane foam loaded with 4-(2-pyridylazo)-resorcinol (PAR) reagent. The optimization step was performed using Doehlert matrix involving the variables: sampling flow rate (SR), buffer concentration (BC), pH and eluent concentration (EC). The validation process was performed considering the parameters: linearity and other characteristics of the calibration curve, analytical features of on-line system, precision, robustness, effect of other ions in the pre-concentration system and accuracy. Using the established experimental conditions, the procedure allows lead determination with detection limit (3δ/S) of 0.4 μg l⁻¹, quantification limit (10δ/S) of 1.4 μg l⁻¹, and a precision, calculated as relative standard deviation (RSD) of 5.7 (n=8) and 2.1% (n=8) for lead concentration of 5 and 50 μg l⁻¹, respectively. The pre-concentration factor (PF) considering the ratio among the slopes of the analytical curves with and without pre-concentration is 51. The achieved recovery for lead determination in presence of several cations demonstrated that this procedure could be applied for analysis of water samples. The accuracy was confirmed by analysis of the standard reference material NIST 1640 Trace elements in natural water. The sorption process was characterized by the Langmuir isotherm. The method was applied for lead determination in drinking water collected in Salvador City, Brazil and in saline effluent samples from oil refinery. The lead content for 16 samples of drinking water analyzed varied from 0.77 to 6.98 μg l⁻¹.     

Chemically modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes as efficient and selective sorbent for separation and preconcentration of trace amount of Co(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), and Pd(II)

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were chemically functionalized by glutaric dihydrazide (GDH) and characterized with FT-IR technique. This new sorbent was used for enrichment and preconcentration of Co(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), and Pd(II) ions. The adsorption was achieved quantitatively on MWCNTs at pH 4.0, and then the retained metal ions on the adsorbent were eluted with 1.5 mol L^?1 HNO₃. The effects of analytical parameters including pH of the solution, eluent type, sample volume, and matrix ions were investigated for optimization of the presented procedure. The adsorption capacity of the adsorbent at optimum conditions was found to be 33.6, 29.2, 22.1, and 36.0 mg g^?1 for Co(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), and Pd(II), respectively. The LOD values of the method were 0.16, 0.19, 0.17, and 0.12 ng mL^?1 (3Sb, n = 10) for Co(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), and Pd(II), respectively. The RSDs values of the method were 0.75, 0.85, 1.16, and 1.30 ng mL^?1 for Co(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), and Pd(II), respectively. The method was applied for the determination of analytes in soil, well water, and wastewater samples with satisfactory results.     

Solid phase extraction of Cd(II) and Pb(II) using a magnetic metal-organic framework, and their determination by FAAS

We describe a novel magnetic metal-organic framework (MOF) for the preconcentration of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions. The MOF was prepared from the Fe₃O₄-pyridine conjugate and the copper(II) complex of trimesic acid. The MOF was characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, SEM and XRD. A Box-Behnken design through response surface methodology and experimental design was used to identify the optimal parameters for preconcentration. Extraction time, amount of magnetic MOF and pH value were found to be critical factors for uptake, while type, volume, concentration of eluent, and elution time are critical in the elution step. The ions were then determined by FAAS. The limits of detection are 0.2 and 1.1 μg?L^?1 for Cd(II), and Pb(II) ions, respectively, relative standard deviations are <4.5% (for five replicates at 50 μg?L^?1 of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions), and the enrichment capacity of the MOF is at around 190 mg?g^?1 for both ions which is higher than the conventional Fe3O4-pyridine material. The magnetic MOF was successfully applied to the rapid extraction of trace quantities of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions in fish, sediment, and water samples.

Synthesis of amberlite XAD-2-PC resin for preconcentration and determination of trace elements in food samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A new chelating sorbent has been developed using Amberlite XAD-2 resin anchored with pyrocatechol through –N=C– group. This sorbent, characterised by elemental analysis and infrared (IR) spectra, was used as packing for the minicolumn in an on-line system preconcentration system for cadmium, cobalt, copper and nickel determination. Metal ions were sorbed in the minicolumn, from which it could be eluted directly to the nebulizer–burner system of the flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS). Elution of all metals from minicolumn can be made with 0.50 mol L^− 1 HCl or HNO₃. The enrichment factors obtained were 16 (Cd), 24 (Co), 15 (Cu) and 19 (Ni), for 60 s preconcentration time, and 39 (Cd), 69 (Co), 36 (Cu) and 41 (Ni), if used 180 s preconcentration time. Under the optimum conditions, the proposed procedure allowed the determination of cadmium, cobalt, copper and nickel with detection limits of 0.31, 0.32, 0.39 and 1.64 μg L^− 1, respectively, when used preconcentration periods of 180 s. The accuracy of the developed procedure was sufficient and evaluated by the analysis of the certified reference materials NIST 1515 apple leaves and NIST 1570a spinach leaves. The method was applied to the analysis of food samples (spinach, black tea and rice flour).     

Determination of ultra trace amounts of cobalt and nickel in water samples by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry after preconcentration on modified C18-silica extraction disks

A highly sensitive and accurate method for preconcentration and determination of ultra trace amounts of cobalt and nickel ions in water samples is proposed. The preconcentration is achieved using C₁₈-silica extraction disks modified with 5-(6-methoxy-2-benzothiazoleazo)-8-aminoquinoline (MBTAQ). The retained ions on the prepared solid phase was eluted with 10 ml of 0.01 M nitric acid and measured by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The influence of the type and amount of eluent used, pH, sample and eluent flow rates, amount of MBTAQ and the effect of other ions on extraction efficiency were investigated. The limits of detection of the method were 0.08 and 0.06 μg l^− 1 for cobalt and nickel, respectively, and provide an enrichment factor of 100. The results obtained on 10 successive extractions and elution cycles revealed relative standard deviations of 1.5 and 1.0% for cobalt and nickel, respectively. The proposed method has been applied to the determination of ultra trace amounts of cobalt and nickel ions in natural and synthetic water samples with satisfactory results.     

Facile synthesis of magnetic MWCNT functionalised 8-hydroxyquinoline: characterisation and application for selective enrichment of cadmium ions in food samples

A simple and efficient approach for preparing modified magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MMWCNT) with 8-hydroxyquinoline was developed. This short-cut method has reduced the contact time of modification from 2 days to 10 hours. The properties of MMWCNT modified 8-hydroxyquinoline were characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR). This adsorbent was found to be a new, selective, low-cost and high capacitance for enrichment of cadmium in solid-phase extraction (SPE). In addition, based on the easily separated modified MMWCNT from the aqueous solutions with the help of an external magnet, no filtration or centrifugation was needed. The variables of interest in the SPE, such as pH, ionic strength, extraction time, desorption time, type and volume and concentration of eluent, were optimised. The calibration graph was linear over the range of 0.42–127 μg l^?1. The limit of detection was 0.12 μg l^?1 and the relative standard deviation of 2.25% at 30 ng ml^?1 Cd(II) ions was obtained (n = 8). The preconcentration factor and adsorption capacity of the sorbent were 160 and 60.2 mg g^?1 respectively. Finally, practical applicability of the developed adsorbent was confirmed by preconcentration of Cd(II) ions from water, vegetable and food samples.     

Micro-scale flow system for on-line multielement preconcentration from saliva digests and determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

A micro-scale flow system is proposed for on-line preconcentration of Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni and Pb in saliva samples and their determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). A small column containing 8 μl of AG50W-X8 resin was inserted into the flow system, assembled with capillary tubes and connected to a micro-concentric nebulizer. The elution of the analytes was performed with 3 mol l⁻¹ HCl at a flow rate of 82 μl min⁻¹. The ICP-OES signal acquisition program permits measurements for 5 s in the concentrated portion of the transient elution peaks. A sample volume of 1 ml was required to obtain enrichment factors of 46, 23, 17, 18 and 44 for Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni and Pb, respectively. The relative standard deviations for a 50-μg l⁻¹ multi-analyte solution were ≤6.5%. The recoveries for Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni and Pb in digested human saliva samples were between 86 and 111%. The sample throughput was 24 h⁻¹.     

Solid phase extraction based on modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes packed column for enrichment of copper and lead on-line incorporated with flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A simple and rapid solid phase extraction?Cflow injection procedure is developed for on-line trace determination of Cu(II) and Pb(II) by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified with a new Schiff??s base, 2,2??-(1E, 1E??)-(4-Methyl-1, 2-phenylene) bis (azen-1-yl-1-ylidine) bis (Methane-1-yl-1-ylidene) diphenol was used as a novel adsorbent material. Quantitative simultaneous extraction was obtained at pH 7.0. The retained metal ions were then eluted efficiently with 1.0?M HNO₃ into the nebulizer of FAAS for on-line determination. Different variables affecting the preconcentration efficiency, including pH, eluent concentration, sample and eluent flow rates and sample loading time, were optimized. Using 3?min preconcentration of sample solution at flow rate of 5?mL?min^?1 provided the enrichment factors of 20 and 21.5 for Cu(II) and Pb(II), respectively, at a sampling frequency of 17?h^?1. The detection limits (3??) were found to be 0.80 and 1.80???g?L^?1 for Cu(II) and Pb(II), respectively; and the relative standard deviations at 0.05???g?mL^?1 of these metal ions were 1.7 and 1.8% (n?=?8), respectively. The accuracy was assessed by analysis of a certified reference material NKK-916 and the obtained results are in good agreement with certified amounts of Cu(II) and Pb(II). The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of target analytes in different real samples.     

Solid phase extraction and flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of trace amounts of cadmium and lead in water and biological samples using modified TiO2 nanoparticles

A solid phase extraction procedure for the separation and preconcentration of trace amounts of Cd(II) and Pb(II) using the alizarin red S modified TiO₂ nanoparticles prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry has been proposed. The influences of some analytical parameters such as pH, flow rates of sample and eluent, type and concentration of the eluent, and interfering ions on the recovery of Cd(II) and Pb(II) by the sorbent were investigated. The analytes were quantitatively sorbed from the aqueous solution at pH 5.5 onto a microcolumn packed with the sorbent and recovered with 2.0?mL of 1.5?mol?L^?1 hydrochloric acid. Under the optimum experimental conditions, the detection limits for Cd(II) and Pb(II) were 0.11 and 0.30?ng?mL^?1 and the relative standard deviations for ten replicate measurements of 5.0 and 50.0?ng?mL^?1 of Cd(II) and Pb(II) were 2.1 and 1.9%, respectively. A sample volume of 200?mL resulted in a preconcentration factor of 100. The method was successfully applied to the determination of Cd(II) and Pb(II) in water and biological samples, and accuracy was examined by the recovery experiments, independent analysis using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, and analysis of a water standard reference material (SRM 1643e).     

Acid extraction and cloud point preconcentration as sample preparation strategies for cobalt determination in biological materials by thermospray flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

A thermospray flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometer (TS-FF-AAS) was employed for Co determination in biological materials. Cobalt presents a high atomization temperature and consequently poor sensitivity is obtained without changing its thermochemical behavior. The effect of different complexing agents on sensitivity was evaluated based on the formation of Co volatile compounds. A cloud point procedure was optimized for Co preconcentration for further improvement of sensitivity. Samples were treated with 1 mol l^− 1 hydrochloric acid solution for quantitative extraction of Co without simultaneous extraction of Fe, since it is a strong interferent. After the extraction and preconcentration steps, a sample volume of 150 μl was introduced into the hot Ni tube using air as carrier at a flow-rate of 0.4 ml min^− 1. The best sensitivity was attained using ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (APDC) and Triton X-114 was employed for implementation of the cloud point procedure. The detection limit obtained for Co was 2.1 μg l^− 1 and the standard deviation was 5.8% for a solution containing 100 μg l^− 1 (n = 10). Accuracy was checked using two certified reference materials (tomato leaves and bovine liver) and results were in agreement with certified values at a 95% confidence level. Employing the developed procedure, Co were quantified in different biological materials (plant and animal tissues). The proposed method presents suitable sensitivity for cobalt determination in the quality control of foods.     

Chitosan modified ordered mesoporous silica as micro-column packing materials for on-line flow injection-inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry determination of trace heavy metals in environmental water samples

A novel adsorbent of chitosan chemically modified ordered mesoporous silica was synthesized and employed as a solid phase extraction (SPE) material for flow injection (FI) micro-column preconcentration on-line coupled with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) determination of trace heavy metals V, Cu, Pb, Cd and Hg in environmental water samples. The factors affecting separation and preconcentration of target heavy metals such as pH, sample flow rate and volume, eluent concentration and volume, interfering ions were investigated. Under the optimized experimental conditions, an enrichment factor of 20 and sampling frequency of 10 h⁻¹ were obtained. The detection limits of the method for V, Cu, Pb, Cd and Hg were 0.33, 0.30, 0.96, 0.05 and 0.93 ng mL⁻¹, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were 2.8%, 6.7%, 1.8%, 4.0% and 5.3% (n = 7, C = 10 ng mL⁻¹), respectively. The adsorption capacities of chitosan modified ordered mesoporous silica for V, Cu, Pb, Cd, and Hg were found to be 16.3, 21.7, 22.9, 12.2 and 13.5 mg g⁻¹, respectively. In order to validate the developed method, a certified reference material of GSBZ50009-88 environmental water sample was analyzed and the determined values were in good agreement with the certified values. The proposed method has also been applied to the determination of trace heavy metals in natural water samples with satisfactory results.