Evaluation of V, Ir, Ru, V-Ir, V-Ru, and W-V as permanent chemical modifiers for the determination of cadmium, lead, and zinc in botanic and biological slurries by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

Permanent modifiers (V, Ir, Ru, V-Ir, V-Ru, and W-V) thermally coated on to platforms of pyrolytic graphite tubes were employed for the determination of Cd, Pb, and Zn in botanic and biological slurries by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). Conventional Pd + Mg(NO₃)₂ modifier mixture was also used for the determination of analytes in slurries and digested samples. Optimum masses and mass ratios of permanent modifiers for Cd, Pb, and Zn in slurry sample solutions were investigated. The 280 μg of V, 280 μg of V + 200 μg of Ir, 280 μg of V + 200 μg of Ru or 240 μg of W + 280 μg of V in 0.2% (v/v) Triton X-100 plus 0.5% (v/v) HNO₃ mixture was found as efficient as 5 μg of Pd + 3 μg of Mg(NO₃)₂ modifier mixture for obtaining thermal stabilization, and for obtaining best recoveries. Optimization conditions of analytes, such as pyrolysis and atomization temperature, characteristic masses and detection limits, and atomization and background peak profiles were studied with permanent and 5 μg of Pd + 3 μg of Mg(NO₃)₂ conventional modifiers and compared with each other. The permanent V-Ir, V-Ru, and W-V modifiers remained stable for approximately 250-300 firings when 20 μl of slurries and digested samples were delivered into the atomizer. In addition, the mixed permanent modifiers increase the tube lifetime by 50-95% when compared with untreated platforms. The characteristic masses and detection limits of analytes (dilution factor of 125 ml g⁻¹) obtained with V-Ir based on integrated absorbance as example for 0.8% (m/v) slurries were 1.0 pg and 3 ng g⁻¹ for Cd, 18 pg and 17 ng g⁻¹ for Pb, and 0.7 pg and 4 ng g⁻¹ for Zn, respectively. The results of analytes obtained by employing V-Ir, V-Ru, and W-V permanent modifier mixtures in botanic and biological certified and standard reference materials were in agreement with the certified values of reference materials.     

Electrochemically controlled solid-phase microextraction (EC-SPME) based on overoxidized sulfonated polypyrrole

A method for the extraction and selective determination of cations is proposed using electro-synthesized overoxidized sulfonated polypyrrole film. The polymer film is used for the selective extraction of trace levels of nickel and cadmium ions by solid-phase microextraction (SPME). The cation uptake and release properties of the overoxidized sulfonated polypyrrole film electrode were examined under both open circuit and controlled potential conditions for prospective applications in electrochemically controlled solid-phase microextraction. Increased extraction efficiency and selectivity toward cations were achieved in high saline content of water. Simple preparation of film coatings on a platinum wire was possible using a constant potential method. Applied positive and negative potentials facilitated the extraction and desorption of cations, respectively. Nickel and cadmium ions were desorbed into sample aliquot and determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). The cation uptake and release mechanism is affected both by the cation exchange at the negative sulfonate and carboxylate moiety on the film and the altered solution pH occurring at the counter electrode caused by the applied potential. The method was validated using a standard reference material and tested for the determination of cadmium ion in commercial table salt samples.     

Determination of total arsenic and toxicologically relevant arsenic species in fish by using electrothermal and hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry

A scheme for the determination of total As by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) and the sum of toxicologically relevant arsenic species (As(III), As(V), monomethylarsonate (MMA) and dimethylarsinate (DMA) using hydride generation AAS (HGAAS) in fish samples was developed. Simple and fast microwave assisted extraction in tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH, 0.075% m / v) or in water-methanol mixture (80 + 20 v / v) for 20 min is proposed for quantitative leaching of arsenic species from fish tissue. Total As was measured by ETAAS directly in the TMAH extract under optimal instrumental parameters (pyrolysis temperature 1400 °C and atomization temperature 2000 °C) with Pd as modifier ensuring thermal stabilization and isoformation of all extracted arsenic species. The analytical features of the method are as follows: limit of detection (LOD) 0.45 μg g^− 1 (dry wt.), within-run and between-run precision in the range 4-8% and 5-12%, respectively, for arsenic contents 0.5-30 μg g^− 1 and recoveries 98-102%. The sum of toxicologically relevant arsenic species (As(III) + As(V) + MMA + DMA) was determined by flow injection HGAAS directly from the TMAH extract or water-methanol mixture and trapping of arsines onto Zr-Ir coated graphite tube followed by ETAAS measurement. l-cysteine is used as reagent for leveling off responses of different arsenic species in the presence of TMAH or water-methanol mixture. The LODs achieved are 0.0038 and 0.0031 μg g^− 1 (dry wt.), respectively, for fish extracts in TMAH and in water-methanol mixture. Within-batch and between-batch RSDs are in the range 3-5% and 4-7% for arsenic contents of 0.009-0.25 μg g^− 1 (dry wt.) for TMAH extracts and 2-4% and 3-6% for methanol water extracts, respectively. Selective reaction media for generation of respective hydrides from arsenic species were recommended for further speciation purposes in methanol-water extracts, viz. citrate buffer (pH 5.2) for the determination of As(III), 0.2 mol L^− 1 acetic acid for the determination of As(III) + DMA and 7 mol L^− 1 hydrochloric acid for the determination of inorganic As(III) + As(V). LODs are 0.0035, 0.0051 and 0.0046 μg g^− 1 (dry wt.) for As(III), DMA and As(V). The relative standard deviation is 4-8% for three arsenic species at As levels of 0.009-0.5 μg g^− 1 (dry wt.). The accuracy of the proposed speciation scheme is confirmed by the analysis of certified reference materials.     

Evaluation of Different Modifiers for the Determination of Arsenic in Leachate Samples from Sanitary Landfills by Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

The aim of the present work was to develop and validate a rapid and accurate method of arsenic determination in leachate samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Leachate samples from sanitary landfills are considered difficult samples to analyze due to severe matrix interferences. A comparative study of various chemical modifiers was performed: Pd, Mg, Au, Pt, Ru, Rh, Ir, C₆H₈O₇ (citric acid), Pd + Mg, Ir + Mg, and the permanent modifier Zr – Ir.

Among the modifiers tested, the mixture 5 µg Ir + 40 µg Mg provided the best performance, followed by the permanent modifier Zr – Ir (a coating of 200 µg Zr + 20 µg Ir). The permanent modifier was finally chosen due to the decreased background signal and sufficient sensitivity.

In order to investigate the presence of matrix interference and exploit the possibility of performing calibrations by simple aqueous solutions, calibration with aqueous standards, matrix matched standards and with standard additions was performed. It was observed that, in the presence of the Zr – Ir permanent modifier, the slopes of the calibration curve and the matrix-matched/standard addition curves were statistically different (checked by t-test). The recoveries from matrix-matched calibrations for three concentration levels were ranged between 96.4% and 100%. Precision experiments were also performed and the relative standard deviation (%RSD) for four different concentrations was ≤10%. The method was applied to the determination of arsenic in leachate samples collected in the solid waste sanitary landfill of Ano Liossia, Attika, Greece.     

Concentration Levels of Trace Elements in Carrots,Onions, and Potatoes Cultivated in Asopos Region,Central Greece

The objective of the work was to investigate the correlation between the environmental pollution of Asopos river area in Viotia, Greece and the concentration of Ni, Cr, Cd, Pb, Cu, and As in specific crops (carrots, onions, and potatoes) produced in this region. Samples of these crops from Asopos and other Greek areas (control) were collected. For method accuracy, the Certified Reference Material, CRM 281 (trace elements in rye grass) was measured. Simultaneous multi-element graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry was used after a microwave acid digestion. The levels of Ni in Asopos food were found up to 9 times higher than control (e.g., Asopos potatoes had an average Ni content of 800 µg/kg compared to 78 µg/kg in control, whereas Asopos carrots had an average Ni content of 474 µg/kg compared to 93 µg/kg in control). Likewise, the levels of Cr were found to be about 2 times higher than control (e.g., Asopos carrots were found to have an average Cr content of 43 µg/kg compared to 20 µg/kg in control). The levels of Cd and Pb had a high variance in the Asopos sourced food. Arsenic was not detected in any sample. Our results indicate that the mean intake of trace elements (Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd, and Cu) by adults through consumption of crops from Asopos, for an average consumption pattern, generally is well below the Allowable Daily Intakes (ADIs). Comparison was also made with data from literature from Greece.     

Determination of Lead at Trace Level Through Cloud Point Extraction and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with Electrothermal Atomization: An Environmentally Benign Methodology

The quantification of lead in water samples is presented at the sub-ppb level through preconcentration with cloud point extraction (using Triton x-100 and eriochrome black T) and atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomization. In order to study the influence of several variables, experimental design analyses were carried out. Linearity was observed between 0.15 to 1.20 ng mL^?1 (r = 0.98), with a detection limit of 0.04 ng mL^?1 and a quantification limit of 0.15 ng mL^?1. A mean recovery of 90 ± 9% (n = 6, P = 0.05) was found; at the precision was 9% expressed as the coefficient of variation. Anions and cations that were studied did not affect the recovery of lead. Water samples of different sources were analyzed directly as well as by the standard addition method; no statistical differences were found between the two procedures. Finally, the present methodology was compared with liquid–liquid extraction of the lead-ditizone complex, using green analytical indicators proposed for this purpose.     

Flow injection solid phase extraction electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry for the determination of Cr(VI) by selective separation and preconcentration on a lab-made hybrid mesoporous solid microcolumn

A lab-made hybrid mesoporous solid was employed in a flow injection solid phase extraction electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric (FI–SPE–ETAAS) system for the selective retention of Cr(VI). The solid was prepared by co-condensation of sodium tetraethylortosilicate and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane by sol–gel methodology and one-pot synthesis and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X ray diffraction spectroscopy, and scanning electronic microscopy. Adsorption capacities at different pH values of both, Cr(VI) and Cr(III), were also measured in order to obtain the optimum retention for Cr(VI) with no interference of Cr(III). The maximum capacity of adsorption (4.35 mmol g^− 1) was observed for pH values between 2–3, whilst Cr(III) was found to remain in solution (adsorption capacity = 0.007 mmol g^− 1). Then, a microcolumn (bed volume: 7.9 µL) was filled with the solid and inserted in the FI–ETAAS system for analytical purposes. Since the analyte was strongly retained by the filling in the anionic form, 0.1 mol L^− 1 hydroxylammonium chloride in 1 mol L^− 1 hydrochloric acid was selected as eluent due to its redox characteristics. In this way, the sorbed Cr(VI) was easily released in the cationic form. The enrichment factor (EF) was found as a compromise between sensitivity and sample throughput and a value of 27 was obtained under optimized conditions: pH 2, sample loading 2 mL min^− 1 (60 s), elution flow rate 0.5 ml min^− 1 (eluent volume: 75 μL).     

Ultrasound assisted pseudo-digestion for determination of iron and manganese in citric acid fermentation mediums by electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy

A sensitive, simple and rapid method for ultra-trace determination of iron and manganese based on ultrasound assisted pseudodigestion in citric acid fermentation medium samples (beet and cane molasses and raw sugar based mediums) is described. Parameters influencing pseudo-digestion, such as sonication time, sample mass and solvent system were fully optimized. Final solutions obtained upon sonication were analyzed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). The best conditions for metal pseudo-digestion were as follows: a 25, 30 and 20 min sonication time for beet molasses, cane molasses and raw sugar based medium samples, respectively, 0.7 g sample mass of raw sugar based samples, 0.5 g sample mass of molasses based samples and an extraction mixture of concentrated HNO₃-H₂O₂, in 25 mL of solvent. Analytical results obtained for the two metals by ultrasound assisted pseudo-digestion and conventional wet digestion methods showed a good agreement. This method reduces the time required for all treatments (heating to dryness, cooling and separation) in comparison with conventional wet digestion method. The accuracy of the method was tested by comparing the obtained results with that of conventional wet digestion method.      

On-line sample processing involving microextraction techniques as a front-end to atomic spectrometric detection for trace metal assays: A review

Within the last decade, liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) and micro-solid phase extraction (μSPE) approaches have emerged as substitutes for conventional sample processing procedures for trace metal assays within the framework of green chemistry. This review surveys the progress of the state of the art in simplification and automation of microextraction approaches by harnessing to the various generations of flow injection (FI) as a front end to atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS) or inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry or mass spectrometry (ICP-AES/MS). It highlights the evolution of flow injection analysis and related techniques as vehicles for appropriate sample presentation to the detector and expedient on-line matrix separation and pre-concentration of trace levels of metals in troublesome matrices. Rather than being comprehensive this review is aimed at outlining the pros and cons via representative examples of recent attempts in automating green sample preparation procedures in an FI or sequential injection (SI) mode capitalizing on single-drop microextraction, dispersive liquid-phase microextraction and advanced sorptive materials including carbon and metal oxide nanoparticles, ion imprinted polymers, superparamagnetic nanomaterials and biological/biomass sorbents. Current challenges in the field are identified and the synergetic combination of flow analysis, nanotechnology and metal-tagged biomolecule detection is envisaged.     

Monitoring of V(IV) and V(V) in Etnean drinking-water distribution systems by solid phase extraction and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

Monitoring activities carried out since 1994 showed the presence of significant levels of vanadium in drinking waters delivered in a lot of Etnean towns. The highest vanadium concentration was found in ground waters collected in the drainage gallery Ciapparazzo located on the Northwestern flank of Mt. Etna in Bronte's area (Catania, Italy). This drainage gallery, with a flow rate of near 500 l s^− 1, is an important water source for several towns of the Etnean province. On account of different toxicological behaviours of V(IV) and V(V), which are the only possible oxidation states in aqueous media, a research project was set up to evaluate the ratio between their concentrations before and after disinfection treatments (chlorination or UV irradiation). Data were acquired in the most representative sites of the drainage gallery and the distribution network to evaluate the effect of residence times and disinfection treatments on possible species interconversion. The average total concentration of vanadium was 165 μg l^− 1. Speciation analyses performed by solid phase extraction of both species followed by furnace atomic absorption spectrometric determination of V(IV) eluates revealed that the latter was the predominant species (90-100%) in untreated waters. Moreover, among the two disinfecting treatments applied by the water supplier, only sodium hypochlorite altered the species ratio and determined an instant increase of near 20% in V(V) relative concentration. No significant effect was observed as residence time varied in the drainage gallery or in the distribution systems. Other physico-chemical and chemical parameters (i.e. pH, E_H, water temperature, electrical conductance, dissolved oxygen as well as major and minor inorganic cations and anions) were determined in the collected water samples to evaluate if they are proper or not for interconversion of the two V species. Redox potential of the water was also correlated to the percentage of V(IV).