Multi-syringe flow injection solid-phase extraction system for on-line simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of nitro-substituted phenol isomers

In this paper, a time-based multi-syringe flow injection (MSFI) approach is proposed for automated disk-based sorbent extraction of three nitro-substituted phenol isomers (2-, 3-, and 4-nitrophenol) followed by on-line simultaneous determination of individual species by diode-array spectrophotometry. The method involves the on-line enrichment of the targeted analytes from an acidic medium containing 0.1 mol L⁻¹ HCl onto a co-polymeric sorbent material, and the concurrent removal of potentially interfering matrix components. The nitrophenol isomers are subsequently eluted with an alkaline solution (0.7 mol L⁻¹ NaOH), whereupon the eluate is delivered to a diode-array spectrophotometer for recording of the spectral data in the UV-vis region. Deconvolution of strongly overlapped spectra was conducted with multivariate regression models based on multiple linear regression calibration. The analytical performance of the chemometric algorithm was characterized by relative prediction errors and recoveries.The MSFI manifold was coupled to a multiposition selection valve to set a rugged analyzer that ensures minimum operational maintenance via exploitation of membrane switching protocols. As compared with earlier methods for isolation/pre-concentration of nitro-substituted phenols based on liquid-liquid extraction, the proposed flow-through disk-based system should be regarded as an environmentally friendly approach because the use of harmful organic solvents is circumvented. Under the optimized chemical and physical variables, the 3σ_blank detection limits for 2-, 3-, and 4-nitrophenol were 1.2, 3.2 and 0.3 μmol L⁻¹ for a sample loading volume of 1.5 mL, and the relative standard deviations were ≤5.0%. The flowing system, which is able to handle up to 135 samples automatically, was proven suitable for monitoring trace levels of the target isomers in mineral, tap, and seawater.     

Mesoporous titanium dioxide as a novel solid-phase extraction material for flow injection micro-column preconcentration on-line coupled with ICP-OES determination of trace metals in environmental samples

Mesoporous titanium dioxide as a novel solid-phase extraction material for flow injection micro-column preconcentration on-line coupled with ICP-OES determination of trace metals (Co, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, V, Ce, Dy, Eu, La and Yb) in environmental samples was described. Possessing a high adsorption capacity towards the metal ions, mesoporous titanium dioxide has found to be of great potential as an adsorbent for the preconcentration of trace metal ions in samples with complicated matrix. The experimental parameters including pH, sample flow rate, volume, elution and interfering ions on the recovery of the target analytes were investigated, and the optimal experimental conditions were established. Under the optimized operating conditions, a preconcentration time of 90 s and elution time of 18 s with enrichment factor of 10 and sampling frequency of 20 h⁻¹ were obtained. The detection limits of this method for the target elements were between 0.03 and 0.36 μg L⁻¹, and the relative standard deviations (R.S.D.s) were found to be less than 6.0% (n =7, c =5 ng mL⁻¹). The proposed method was validated using a certified reference material, and has been successfully applied for the determination of the afore mentioned trace metals in natural water samples and coal fly ash with satisfactory results.     

流动注射-分光光度法在线监测水中微量铝

建立了流动注射-分光光度法在线测定水中铝离子的方法,经过优化实验条件,方法的线性范围为0.01 ～0.6 mg/L,检出限为0.004 mg/L.本法试剂消耗量少,分析速度快,灵敏度高,抗干扰能力强,适宜于现场的即时检测,回收率在97.7％ ～101.7％之间.     

The rapid determination of chemical oxygen demand in waste waters and effluents by flow injection analysis

Chemical oxygen demand (COD) and the limitations of the standard method of determination are discussed. A fully automated method based on a commercial     

Exploration of coordination polymer as sorbent for flow injection solid-phase extraction on-line coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography for determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in environmental materials

The copper(II) isonicotinate (Cu(4-C5H4N-COO)2(H2O)4) coordination polymer was prepared, characterized and explored as sorbent for flow injection solid-phase extraction on-line coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for determination of trace polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in environmental matrices. Naphthalene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene and benzo(ghi)perylene with various shape, size and hydrophobicity were used as model analytes. The porosity of the coordination polymer allows these guest PAHs molecules to diffuse into the buck structure, and the shape and size of the pores lead to shape- and size-selectivity over the guests. The precolumn packed with the coordination polymer was shown to be promising for solid-phase extraction of PAHs in environmental samples with subsequent HPLC separation and UV detection. With extraction of 50 ml of sample solution, the enhancement factors for the PAHs studied ranged from 200 to 2337, depending on the shape, size and hydrophobic property of the PAHs. The detection limits (S/N = 3) of 2-14 ng l(-1) and the sample throughput of 3 samples h(-1) were obtained. The developed method was applied to the determination of trace PAHs in a certified reference material (coal fly ash) and local water samples.     

Minimization of mass interferences in quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric (ICP-MS) determination of palladium using a flow injection on-line displacement solid-phase extraction protocol

A flow injection on-line displacement solid-phase extraction protocol was employed to minimize mass interferences with determination of palladium by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The developed method involved in on-line complexing of Ag⁺ with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDC), presorption of the resultant Ag–PDC onto a microcolumn packed with the cigarette filter, displacement sorption of Pd²⁺ through loading the sample solution onto the microcolumn due to on-line displacement reaction between Pd²⁺ and the presorbed Ag–PDC, elution of the retained Pd²⁺ with 50 μL of ethanol for on-line ICP-MS detection. Interferences from co-existing heavy metal ions with lower stability of their PDC complexes relative to Ag–PDC were minimized/eliminated. No interferences from 5 mg L^− 1 Zn and 3 mg L^− 1 Pb for ¹⁰⁴Pd, 0.4 mg L^− 1 Cu for ¹⁰⁵Pd, 6 mg L^− 1 Zn and 2 mg L^− 1 Cd for ¹⁰⁶Pd, 6 mg L^− 1 Zn and 3 mg L^− 1 Cd for ¹⁰⁸Pd, and 2 mg L^− 1 Cd for ¹¹⁰Pd were observed for the determination of 100 ng L^− 1 Pd. The enhancement factors of 71–75, sample throughput of 23 samples h^− 1 and detection limits of 2.8–3.5 ng L^− 1 were achieved with the consumption of 3.0 mL of sample solution. The precision (RSD) for eleven replicate determinations of Pd at the 100 ng L^− 1 level was 1.8–2.7%. The developed method was applied to the determination of palladium in rock samples.     

Determination of phenols in water by on-line solid-phase disk extraction and liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

Poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) (PS-DVB) membrane extraction disks were used as sorbents for the on-line solid phase extraction of 13 phenols (nitro and chlorophenols) in river and tap waters. Determination was performed by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (LC-ED). An acetate buffer-acetonitrile-methanol mixture as mobile phase and amperometric detection at +1100 mV were used. High water volumes, up to 250 ml, can be preconcentrated without loss of phenols (recoveries between 80% and 100%) except for the more polar ones. Moreover, detection limits between 0.01 and 0.1 μg l⁻¹ in tap water and between 0.1 and 1.0 μg⁻¹ in river water were obtained. The method has been applied to the analysis of two river water samples.     

Preconcentration and determination of priority pollutant phenols in waters at trace levels using a polymeric solid-phase extraction cartridge

A method to preconcentrate and analyse the EPA priority pollutant phenols from water samples is evaluated. Spe-ed Advanta cartridges, containing 100mg of a polymeric matrix modified with polar groups, are used in the extraction and enrichment step. Several parameters are studied in order to find the best experimental conditions to perform a solid-phase extraction process. Sample flow rate and pH appear as variables that could significantly affect the recoveries obtained. Water samples need a pH adjustment to values lower than 3 units and must be percolated through the cartridges with flow rates over 5 mL min(-1). The highest recoveries and preconcentrations are obtained using acetonitrile as the elution solvent. Sample volumes from 100 mL to 1 L with concentrations ranging from 50 to 0.5 microg L(-1) are analysed with quantitative recoveries and similar efficiencies being achieved. After establishing the best conditions, we applied the method to the analysis of spiked natural waters.     

Microporous membrane liquid-liquid extraction coupled on-line with normal-phase liquid chromatography for the determination of cationic surfactants in river and waste water

Membrane-based continuous liquid-liquid extraction combined on-line with normal-phase liquid chromatography is proposed for the determination of cationic surfactants in complex aqueous samples. The technique has the potential for complete automation. Selective enrichment of cationic surfactants from spiked river water and waste-water samples with simultaneous removal of matrix constituents, followed by a quantitative transfer of the extract onto a liquid chromatographic column and separation of the surfactant homologues yielding low detection limits, has been realised. The homologues of alkyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (Dodigen 226) were chosen as model compounds in the method development. Dodigen homologues were ion-paired with heptanoic acid and extracted into chlorobutane by means of microporous membrane liquid-liquid extraction. It was thereby possible to attain an enrichment of over 250 times for one of the homologues, viz. the concentration in the organic liquid is 250 times higher than in the original sample. Detection limits for the three best-detected homologues of the mixture were in the range 0.7-5 microg/l in spiked river water samples. Ion-pair normal-phase liquid chromatography, again with heptanoic acid as counter-ion, gave the necessary separation of the surfactant homologues.     

Direct acetylation followed by solid-phase disk extraction and GC-ITDMS for the determination of trace phenols in water

Summary A rapid, accurate and sensitive method is described for the analysis of phenolic compounds, including phenol, alkylphenols, halogenated phenols and nitrophenols in tap, ground and river water samples. The method consists in direct acetylation of the aqueous phenols with acetic anhydride, extraction of the phenol acetates with a C₁₈ disk and analysis by gas chromatography with an ion-trap detector mass spectrometer. Using this method, the sample preparation time was approximately 1.5 h for six 1-L water samples, and recoveries for most of the phenolic compounds studied were more than 80% at concentration levels of 0.1 and 1.0g L^–1. The detection limits were in the range 2 to 15 ng L^–1 for phenol, alkylphenols and halogenated phenols, and 25 to 50 ng L^–1 for nitrophenols.     

竹炭为高效吸附剂的固相萃取分析环境水样中的痕量三氯生

建立了一种由竹炭作为固相萃取高效吸附剂富集环境水样中痕量三氯生的新方法. 研究并优化了几个影响富集效率的参数. 在优化条件下, 三氯生的检测限为0.08 μg/L, 在1～100 μg/L 范围内有良好的线性关系, 相对标准偏差为2.9% (n=7). 方法可应用于实际废水样品的分析.     

Dynamic microwave-assisted extraction coupled on-line with solid-phase extraction: determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediment and soil

This paper describes a new extraction tool for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil and sediment samples, using dynamic microwave-assisted extraction combined with solid-phase extraction (DMAE-SPE). The critical variables for DMAE-SPE are investigated and optimized in an experimental design. The technique proved to be fast, accurate and able to yield quantitative extraction of PAHs from naturally contaminated sediment and soil samples. The set-up is fully automated and features monitored extraction, which facilitates rapid optimization of the method. In addition, only small quantities of solvent and sample are required.     

Fast on-line ultrasound-assisted extraction coupled to a flow injection-atomic absorption spectrometric system for zinc determination in meat samples

A continuous ultrasound-assisted extraction system connected to a flow injection manifold has been used for the on-line determination of zinc in meat samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. An experimental design was used for the optimisation of the continuous manifold. This flow injection methodology allowed a sampling frequency of ca. 80 samples per hour with a relative standard deviation for the whole procedure of 0.3% (for a sample containing 163.6 μg g⁻¹ Zn). The detection limit was 0.6 μg g⁻¹ for a sample amount of 5 mg. Accurate results were obtained by measuring certified reference materials (BCR-186 (pig kidney) and BCR-184 (bovine muscle)). The analytical procedure was applied to different real meat samples with satisfactory results.     

Synthesis and application of a functionalized resin for flow injection/F AAS copper determination in waters

This paper reports the development of a new strategy for low-level determination of copper in water samples by using a flow-injection system coupled to solid-phase extraction (SPE) using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (F AAS) as detector. In order to preconcentrate copper from samples, a minicolumn packed with a styrene-divinylbenzene resin functionalized with (S)-2-[hydroxy-bis-(4-vinyl-phenyl)-methyl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid ethyl ester was used and the synthesis procedure is described. System operation is based on the on-line retention of Cu(II) ions at pH 9.0 ± 0.2 in a such minicolumn with posterior analyte elution with 2 mol l⁻¹ HCl directly to the F AAS nebulizer. The influence of several chemical (sample pH, buffer concentration, HCl eluent concentration and effect of the ionic strength) and flow (sample and eluent flow rates and preconcentration time) variables that could affect the performance of this system were investigated as well as the possible interferents. At optimized conditions, for 2 min of preconcentration time (13.2 ml of sample volume), the system achieved a detection limit of 1.1 μg l⁻¹, a R.S.D. 1% at 20 μg g l⁻¹ and an analytical throughput of 25 h⁻¹, whereas for 4 min of preconcentration time (26.4 ml of sample volume), a detection limit of 0.93 μg l⁻¹, a R.S.D. 5.3% at 5 μg l⁻¹ and a sampling frequency of 13 h⁻¹ were reported.     

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of phenolic compounds in natural water coupled with on-line flow injection membrane extraction-preconcentration

A liquid chromatographic method for determination of trace phenolic compounds has been established, coupled with an on-line supported liquid membrane extraction-preconcentration flow-injection system. Tributyl-phosphate dissolved in kerosene was used as the carrier of the supported liquid membrane. Four phenolic compounds (phenol, catechol, resorcinol and hydroquinone) were chosen as the model compounds and the experiment conditions were optimized. Under the optimum conditions, calibrations were linear in the range of 1-500 microg/L, with good correlation coefficients (r > 0.999). The total analysis time of the system was 22 min, including the membrane extraction, liquid chromatographic separation and equilibration times.     

Simultaneous determination of caffeine, theophylline and theobromine in human plasma by on-line solid-phase extraction coupled to reversed-phase chromatography

A reversed-phase liquid chromatographic column switching system was described for the determination of caffeine (CF), theophylline (TH) and theobromine (TB) in human plasma with a direct injection procedure. A short protein-coated mu Bondapak CN silica pre-column (20 x 3 mm, i.d.) was used for enrichment of the drugs and clean up from weakly retained plasma components using phosphate buffer saline pH 7.4. After washing step, the retained drugs were flushed into a reversed-phase column (5 microm TSK gel ODS-80 TM, 150 x 4.6 mm i.d.) with a mobile phase of methanol-0.01 M phosphate buffer, pH 3.5 (30:70, v/v) for the final separation. The eluent was monitored with a UV detector at 275 nm. The resulting chromatograms showed no interference from endogenous plasma components. A linear relationship between the concentration of drug and peak height was confirmed in the range of 0.5-20 microg/mL for all drugs. High extraction recoveries from plasma ranging from 96.12 to 100.32% were achieved. Validation of the method was examined performing intra- and inter-day accuracy and precision and was found to be satisfactory. The coefficients of variation of the three drugs were less than 3% for intra-day and less than 4% for inter-day run assays.     

Determination of quinolones and fluoroquinolones in hospital sewage water by off-line and on-line solid-phase extraction procedures coupled to HPLC-UV

In this work, the development of two solid-phase extraction procedures (off-line and on-line formats) for the identification and quantification of several (fluoro)quinolones in hospital sewage water by HPLC-UV is described. Both procedures are based on the use of C18 and anion exchange (SAX) sorbents for the preconcentration and clean-up steps, respectively, and all variables influencing both steps were optimised. In the off-line format, after its pH was adjusted to 2.5, sample was preconcentrated on a C18 cartridge and eluted with 4 mL of methanol/ammonia (94/6). The methanolic extract must be diluted up to 10 mL with water to allow quantitative retention of the analytes on the SAX cartridge. In the on-line format, the addition of 2.5% of NH4Cl to the sewage water sample (pH = 2.5) was necessary to increase the breakthrough volumes of the analytes in the C18 precolumn. Quantitative transfer of the (fluoro)quinolones from the C18 precolumn to the SAX precolumn was accomplished by pumping 2 mL of a mixture methanol/water (40/60, pH = 9.2) at 2 mL min(-1). Elution of the analytes from the SAX precolumn by means of the chromatographic mobile phase required the inclusion of an additional isocratic step at the beginning of the gradient program. Both off-line and on-line solid phase extraction procedures coupled to HPLC-UV were applied to the analysis of a sewage water sample collected in the sewer system at the output of the St Dimphna Hospital (Geel, Belgium). The fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin was found in this sample and quantified at 5.8 +/- 0.4 microg L(-1) (off-line method) and 5.6 +/- 0.5 microg L(-1) (on-line method). The analysis of spiked samples containing the seven (fluoro)quinolones studied provided quantitative recoveries in all cases with low RSD values (from 6 to 12%), and all the analytes could be identified by means of their UV spectra with match factors varying from 950 to 985 depending on the (fluoro)quinolone.     

A high-throughput solid-phase extraction microchip combined with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry for rapid determination of trace heavy metals in natural water

Herein, a hyphenated system combining a high-throughput solid-phase extraction (htSPE) microchip with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for rapid determination of trace heavy metals was developed. Rather than performing multiple analyses in parallel for the enhancement of analytical throughput, we improved the processing speed for individual samples by increasing the operation flow rate during SPE procedures. To this end, an innovative device combining a micromixer and a multi-channeled extraction unit was designed. Furthermore, a programmable valve manifold was used to interface the developed microchip and ICP-MS instrumentation in order to fully automate the system, leading to a dramatic reduction in operation time and human error. Under the optimized operation conditions for the established system, detection limits of 1.64–42.54 ng L⁻¹ for the analyte ions were achieved. Validation procedures demonstrated that the developed method could be satisfactorily applied to the determination of trace heavy metals in natural water. Each analysis could be readily accomplished within just 186 s using the established system. This represents, to the best of our knowledge, an unprecedented speed for the analysis of trace heavy metal ions.     

Preparation and evaluation of a molecularly imprinted sol-gel material for on-line solid-phase extraction coupled with high performance liquid chromatography for the determination of trace pentachlorophenol in water samples

A highly selective imprinted amino-functionalized silica gel sorbent was prepared by combining a surface molecular imprinting technique with a sol-gel process for on-line solid-phase extraction-HPLC determination of trace pentachlorophenol (PCP) in water samples. The PCP-imprinted amino-functionalized silica sorbent was characterized by FT-IR, SEM, nitrogen adsorption and the static adsorption experiments. The imprinted functionalized silica gel sorbent exhibited high selectivity and offered a fast kinetics for the adsorption and desorption of PCP. The prepared sorbent was shown to be promising for on-line solid-phase extraction for HPLC determination of trace levels of PCP in environmental samples. With a sample loading flow rate of 5 ml min(-1) for 2 min, an enhancement factor of 670 and a detection limit (S/N = 3) of 6 ng l(-1) were achieved at a sample throughput of five samples h(-1). The precision (RSD) for nine replicate on-line sorbent extractions of 10 microgl(-1) PCP was 3.8%. The sorbent also offered good linearity (r = 0.9997) for on-line solid-phase extraction of trace levels of PCP. The method was applied to the determination of PCP in local lake water, river water and wastewater samples.     

High-throughput dynamic microwave-assisted extraction on-line coupled with solid-phase extraction for analysis of nicotine in mushroom

A simple and low-cost high-throughput dynamic microwave-assisted extraction (HTDMAE) device was firstly assembled and validated by the extraction of nicotine in mushroom samples. In this device, a household microwave oven was applied to provide the microwave energy; a vacuum pump was used to deliver the solvent. Compared with traditional dynamic microwave-assisted extraction method, the sample throughput and microwave energy utilization were improved by the HTDMAE, up to 20 samples could be treated simultaneously in 9 min. Taking extraction of nicotine in mushroom sample as an example, a method was established with extraction, separation and enrichment of nicotine in a single step by the device on-line coupled with solid-phase extraction (SPE). Nicotine was first extracted from the mushroom samples with water under the action of microwave energy, and then directly introduced into the SPE column which was packed with cation-exchange resins. Subsequently, the nicotine trapped on the resins was eluted with methanol-ammonia (95:5, v/v) and determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The limit of detection of nicotine obtained is 5.6 μg kg(-1) in fresh mushroom sample. The recovery of nicotine in mushroom samples is in the range of 87.4-104.0%. The proposed method which significantly reduced the overall analysis time and increased sample throughput should be favored for routine analyse of complex solid sample.