Determination of lead,cadmium and thallium by neutron activation analysis in environmental samples

A radiochemical procedure for simultaneous determination of lead (²⁰³Pb), thallium (²⁰²TI) and cadmium (¹¹⁵Cd^115mIn) after fast neutron activation, based on ion-exchange separation from bromide medium and additional purification steps for Pb and Tl is described. Radioactive tracers²¹⁰Pb and¹⁰⁹Cd were used for determination of the chemical yields of Pb and Cd; for Tl it was determined gravimetrically. Two standard reference materials, BCR CRM No. 146 Sewage Sludge and NIST SRM 1633a Coal Fly Ash were analyzed and satisfactory agreement with certified values was obtained.     

Elemental analysis of selected Indian monazite ores by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence /EDXRF/ spectroscopy

Analysis by Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence spectroscopy of monazite ores from Kerala /Chavara and Manavalakurichi/, Orissa /Chattrapur/ and Tamil Nadu /Tirunelveli/ has been carried out for the determination of their elemental composition using¹⁰⁹Cd /annular/ and²⁴¹Am /disc/ radioisotope sources. The elements Y, Zr, Mo, Pb, Th and U were analyzed using a¹⁰⁹Cd source, and the elements La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd and Dy were analyzed using the²⁴¹Am source in side source geometry. Quntitative results on these 13 elements present in these ores were obtained by the EDXRF technique. It was seen that despite the diverse geological settings, there is remarkable similarity in the elemental composition of these ores, although some trace elements do show certain variations from sample to sample. These results are presented and discussed in this paper.     

Evaluation of new high-frequency discharge lamps for atomic absorption and atomic fluorescence spectrometry of cadmium,lead and zinc

High-frequency discharge lamps with a hollow electrode are successfully utilized as the spectral line sources for atomic absorption and atomic fluorescence spectrometry of cadmium, lead and zinc. The sensitivities for atomic absorption spectrometry are superior to those obtained with commercially available hollow-cathode lamps by factors of 1.5 (Cd), 1.4 (Pb) and l.6 (Zn). Detection limits for non-dispersive atomic fluorescence spectrometry with graphite furnace atomization are 1 × 10^-13 g (Cd), 3 × 10^-11 g (Pb) and 2 × 10^-13 g (Zn). The linear analytical range covers over four (Cd, Zn) and three (Pb) decades of concentration above the detection limits.     

115Cd photonuclear production for115Cd−115mIn generator

Production of¹¹⁵Cd by means of photonuclear reaction and preparation of a^115mIn generator, based on the genetic sequence of¹¹⁵Cd^115mIn, were studied. The production rates of¹¹⁵Cd by the¹¹⁶Cd(γ, n)¹¹⁵Cd reaction were determined as a function of the maximum bremsstrahlung energies between 35 and 60 MeV. Then the parent,¹¹⁵Cd, was produced by irradiating about 0.15g of CdO with the bremsstrahlung from a 60 MeV-150 μA electron beam. After the parent in the Cd ₄ ²⁻ form was adsorbed on the Dowex 1x8 resin column, the daughter was eluted with a physiologic saline adjusted to pH 1. The generator was milked over a period of 3 days, during which time about 900 ml of eluent were allowed to flow through the column. Even after the milkings were repeated 15 times with 60 ml of the eluent, no¹¹⁵Cd was found in the^115mIn fractions (the detection limit of inactive cadmium: 0.02 μg).     

Precise determination of cadmium and lead isotopic compositions in river sediments

A method for the accurate determination of Cd and Pb isotope compositions in sediment samples is presented. Separation of Cd and Pb was designed by using an anionic exchange chromatographic procedure. Measurements of Cd isotopic compositions were carried out by multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC-ICPMS), by using standard-sample bracketing technology for mass bias correction and Pb isotopic ratios were determined by thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS). The factors that affect the accurate and precise Cd isotope compositions analysis, such as instrumental mass fractionation and isobaric interferences, were carefully evaluated and corrected. The Cd isotopic results were reported relative to an internal Cd solution and expressed as the δ^114/110Cd. Five Cd reference solutions and one Pb standard were repeatedly measured in order to assess the accuracy of the measurements. Uncertainties obtained were estimated to be lesser than 0.11‰ (2s) for the δ^114/110Cd value. Analytical uncertainties in 2s for Pb isotopic ratios were better than 0.5‰. The method has been successfully applied to the investigation of Cd and Pb isotope compositions in sediment samples collected from North River in south China.     

Anodic stripping voltammetric determination of lead and cadmium in soil extracts

Two single-step extraction procedures validated by BCR, extraction with 0.43 mol dm⁻³ acetic acid and 0.05 mol dm⁻³ EDTA, are used for assessing bioavailable species of Pb and Cd in soils. After an extensive study of interferences of humic substances and using standard additions procedures, the extractable contents of Pb and Cd have been determined by DPASV directly in soil extracts with a good reproducibility (RSD varied from 1.0 to 7.9 %). Pb(II) and Cd(II) were released from complex in EDTA extracts by pH adjustment to 1 with 1 mol dm⁻³ HCl. The results were compared with those obtained with atomic absorption spectrometry and indicated reasonable agreement of both methods. Exchangeable forms represented 0.2 to 3.3 % and 13.0 to 63.6 % of total content of Pb and Cd in soils, respectively. EDTA extraction released from soils 7.9 to 29.9 % and 33.5 to 59.6 % of total content of Pb and Cd, respectively.     

Determination of Copper,Cadmium and Lead in Zinc Metal by Preconcentration onto Activated Carbon Combined with Direct Current Arc Atomic Emission Spectrography

Abstract

A preconcentration method is described for traces of copper, cadmium and lead from pure zinc metal by use of activated carbon. Ammonium salt of dithiophosphoric acid-o, o-diethylester is used to complex Cu, Cd and Pb. These chelates are sorbed on activated carbon. The traces sorbed on the carbon are determined by direct current arc atomic emission spectrography. The analytical error in the concentration range of 10^?3–10^?4% is less than 6% and relative standard deviation is below 10%.     

Inversvoltammetrische Bestimmung von Spuren Zinn, Blei, Kupfer und Cadmium in Zink und Zinksalzen

Zusammenfassung Zur Bestimmung von Sn, Pb, Cu, Cd in Zinkmetall und Zinksalzen wird die Anreicherung an einer Quecksilberfilmelektrode auf Glaskohle in salzsaurer Lösung vorgenommen. In der gleichen Lösung werden Cu und Cd durch anodische Ablösung bestimmt. Zur Trennung von Sn und Pb wird die salzsaure Lösung nach dem Anreicherungsschritt mit ammoniakalischer Citratlösung gemischt. In der resultierenden Lösung werden die Auflösungsströme für Sn und Pb gemessen. Die relativen Standardabweichungen betragen 1,3 bis 4,7%.

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Determination of traces of Sn, Pb, Cu, Cd in zinc and zinc salts by anodic stripping voltammetry

The enrichment is performed in 0.8 N HCl at a glassy carbon electrode mercury plated in situ. Cu and Cd are determined by anodic stripping in the same solution. In order to separate Sn and Pb the HCl solution is mixed with a highly ammoniacal citrate solution. In the resulting medium Sn and Pb are stripping out of the electrode. Relative standard deviations are in the range of 1.3 to 4.7%.

     

ICP-MS determination of heavy metals in submerged cultures of wood-rotting fungi

Accumulation of five heavy metal ions by five species of wood-rotting basidiomycetes during a 9-day cultivation was studied. Contents of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were measured using ICP-MS; the amount of mercury was determined directly in solid samples using the Advanced Mercury Analyser. A standard operation procedure for the sample preparation and determination of metal content was developed and validated. Presence of Cd, Cu, Hg, and Pb decreased the accumulation of zinc by the fungi. The basidiomycete Pycnoporus cinnabarinus exhibited the highest metal binding capacity of all fungi tested.     

Trace element analysis in CRM of plant origin by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Three CRMs of plant origin (SRM 1515 Apple Leaves, SRM 1570a Trace Elements in Spinach Leaves, and SRM 1575 Pine Needles) were used for analytical quality assurance of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Cd, and Pb determination by ICP-MS. The samples were decomposed using microwave assisted pressurized digestion by HNO₃ and HNO₃ + H₂O₂ mixture and temperature programmed dry ashing. Concentrations of elements in samples were evaluated by external calibration. All samples, blanks, and standards were spiked to 100 μg/L concentration of In and Bi as internal standards. During the measurement, signals of ⁵²Cr, ⁵³Cr, ⁵⁴Fe, ⁵⁵Mn, ⁵⁹Co, ⁶⁰Ni, ⁶²Ni, ⁶³Cu, ⁶⁵Cu, ⁶⁶Zn, ⁹⁵Mo, ¹¹¹Cd, ¹¹²Cd, ¹¹⁵In, ²⁰⁶Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb, ²⁰⁸Pb and ²⁰⁹Bi were monitored. Results of Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Mo and Co determination were in good agreement with certified values. In order to obtain accurate results for As at low levels, it was necessary to mathematically correct the analytical signal. This correction effectively eliminates the influence of interfering ArCl⁺ ions. For Cr analysis it is advisable to use as powerful oxidizing conditions during sample decomposition as possible.     

Use of thermal ionization isotope dilution mass spectrometry (TI-IDMS) as an oligo-element method for the determination of photographically relevant trace elements in AgCl emulsions

Thermal ionization isotope dilution mass spectrometry (TI-IDMS) was used as an oligo-element method for the determination of Cr, Cd and Pb in photographic AgCl emulsions. After addition of an appropriate amount of isotopically enriched spikes (⁵³Cr, ¹¹⁶Cd and ²⁰⁶Pb) to the solid samples, the latter were completely dissolved in NH₃ solution, permitting isotopic exchange to take place. Thereafter, AgCl was selectively removed by precipitation, whereby ultrasonic treatment was used to enhance the recovery of the elements of interest. Despite the use of concentrated HNO₃ and H₂O₂ during further sample processing, preliminary experiments indicated the presence of a substantial remainder of the organic matrix (gelatine). Hence, the analytes of interest were isolated by means of electrolytic deposition on Pt electrodes. Subsequently, the deposits were dissolved from the Pt electrodes using a mixture of concentrated HNO₃ and H₂O₂ and the solutions evaporated to dryness. The solid residues were taken up in diluted HNO₃ and loaded onto Re filaments. In order to improve the ionization yield, prior to the sample, a silicagel suspension containing AlCl₃ was loaded onto the filament and after sample loading, both H₃BO₃ (for Cr and Pb) and H₃PO₄ (for Cd and Pb) were added as further ionization aids. Finally, the isotope ratios of interest (⁵²Cr/⁵³Cr, ¹¹⁴Cd/¹¹⁶Cd and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁸Pb) were determined using thermal ionization mass spectrometry, whereby all three analyte elements were vaporized from the same filament. The limits of detection obtained using this procedure range from 0.4 ng (for Cd) to 4 ng (for Pb). Four different AgCl emulsions were analyzed. For Cr, the concentration found was quite similar for all emulsions analyzed, as it varied between ～ 40 and ～ 100 ng/g only. For Cd, very low values were found for all samples analyzed (≤ 3 ng/g). Finally, for Pb a much larger variation from ～ 10 ng/g up to ～ 5.5 μg/g was observed. For the sample with the highest Pb content, an excellent agreement could be established between the results obtained using quadrupole-based ICP-IDMS and those using TI-IDMS. For the determination of Cr by means of quadrupole-based ICP-IDMS, an instrument equipped with a ShieldTorch system was used to avoid spectral overlap of the ⁵²Cr⁺ and ⁴⁰Ar¹²C⁺ ion signals. Also in this case, the results obtained are in very good agreement with those obtained using TI-IDMS. The comparison between TI-IDMS and ICP-IDMS also made clear that sample inhomogeneity limits the between-sample precision attainable.     

Radiochemical solvent extraction method for the determination of Cd and Hg using thionalide as a single reagent

A radiochemical solvent extraction method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of submicrogram amounts of Cd and Hg using^115mCd and²⁰³Hg tracers respectively and thionalide as a single complexing reagent. Hg was determined by 0.05% thionalide in ethyl methyl ketone (EMK) at pH 8.5, masking Cd with 0.1M KCN. From the aqueous phase Cd was demasked using formal-dehyde-acetic acid, pH adjusted to 9.5 and extracted into 0.05% thionalide in chloroform. The method is simple, fast and yields accurate results.     

The specific fluorimetric determination of digoxin.

The simultaneous determination of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in lead and zinc concentrates by fundamental, second-harmonic and linear-sweep a.c. and pulse polarographic methods is described. Calibration curves are linear over wide concentration ranges, so that both major and minor trace constituents can be determined in the same experiment; thus the polarographic method is highly competitive with atomic absorption spectrometry (a.a.s.). Conventional a.c. polarography and a.a.s. were compared in the first instance with conservative instrumentation. More sophisticated polarographic methods were then utilized; with the phase-selective linear sweep a.c. (fundamental- and second-harmonic) methods the four elements were determined simultaneously from voltammograms obtained in less than 20 s down to the 10^-6-10^-7M concentration range.     

Die Thiocyanatextraktion und Dithizonbestimmung von Zink in Eisen(III)-oxid

Zusammenfassung Eine Methode zur Zinkbestimmung in Eisen(III)-oxid wird vorgeschlagen. Sie beruht auf der Extraktion des Zinkthiocyanatkomplexes aus schwach saurer Lösung mit Isoamylalkohol. Eisen wird mit Ammoniumfluorid, Kupfer mit Natriumthiosulfat maskiert. Kobalt und Nickel stören nicht, wenn der Extrakt mit einer Waschlösung, die Nitroso-R-Salz enthält, gewaschen wird. Zink wird mit einer Pufferlösung (pH 9) re-extrahiert und mit Dithizon colorimetrisch bestimmt. Bei der Extraktion wird Zink gleichzeitig von gröeren Mengen Cd, Pb und Bi, die die colorimetrische Bestimmung in ammoniakalischer Lösung stören, abgetrennt.

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Thiocyanate extraction and dithizone determination of zinc in iron(III) oxide

A Separation of microgram amounts of zinc from large amounts of iron (100 mg) and from 100 g of Co, Cd, Ni, Cu and 200 g of Bi, Pb has been worked out. Zinc is extracted by isoamyl alcohol from a solution containing ammonium thiocyanate, ammonium fluoride (for masking iron) and sodium thiosulphate (for masking copper). Cobalt and nickel are removed from the extract by shaking with a washing solution containing nitroso-R-salt. Zinc is in this way also separated from Cd, Pb and Bi interfering with the colorimetric determination with dithizone. The method was applied to the determination of zinc in ferric oxide.

     

An evaluation of differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry at a rotating glassy carbon electrode for the determination of cadmium,copper, lead and zinc in antarctic snow samples

A procedure is described for the determination without preconcentration of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in Antarctic snow, based on differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry at a rotating glassy carbon electrode with in situ mercury plating. Thirty four surface snow samples from Adelaide Island in the Antarctic Peninsula demonstrate the scope of this method, and allow an assessment of local heavy metal sources such as the rock, the sea, and a manned base. The zinc data are affected by container contamination, but concentrations as low as 0.005, <0.02 and 0.05 ng g^-1 were measured for Cd, Cu and Pb, respectively.     

Determination of water-soluble and insoluble (dilute-HCl-extractable) fractions of Cd,Pb and Cu in Antarctic aerosol by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry: distribution and summer seasonal evolution at Terra Nova Bay (Victoria Land)

Eight PM10 aerosol samples were collected in the vicinity of the “Mario Zucchelli” Italian Antarctic Station (formerly Terra Nova Bay Station) during the 2000–2001 austral summer using a high-volume sampler and precleaned cellulose filters. The aerosol mass was determined by differential weighing of filters carried out in a clean chemistry laboratory under controlled temperature and humidity. A two-step sequential extraction procedure was used to separate the water-soluble and the insoluble (dilute-HCl-extractable) fractions. Cd, Pb and Cu were determined in the two fractions using an ultrasensitive square wave anodic stripping voltammetric (SWASV) procedure set up for and applied to aerosol samples for the first time. Total extractable metals showed maxima at midsummer for Cd and Pb and a less clear trend for Cu. In particular, particulate metal concentrations ranged as follows: Cd 0.84–9.2 μg g⁻¹ (average 4.7 μg g⁻¹), Pb 13.2–81 μg g⁻¹ (average 33 μg g⁻¹), Cu 126–628 μg g⁻¹ (average 378 μg g⁻¹). In terms of atmospheric concentration, the values were: Cd 0.55–6.3 pg m⁻³ (average 3.4 pg m⁻³), Pb 8.7–48 pg m⁻³ (average 24 pg m⁻³), Cu 75–365 pg m⁻³ (average 266 pg m⁻³). At the beginning of the season the three metals appear widely distributed in the insoluble (HCl-extractable) fraction (higher proportions for Cd and Pb, 90–100%, and lower for Cu, 70–90%) with maxima in the second half of December. The soluble fraction then increases, and at the end of the season Cd and Pb are approximately equidistributed between the two fractions, while for Cu the soluble fraction reaches its maximum level of 36%. Practically negligible contributions are estimated for crustal and sea-spray sources. Low but significant volcanic contributions are estimated for Cd and Pb (∼10% and ∼5%, respectively), while there is an evident although not quantified marine biogenic source, at least for Cd. The estimated natural contributions (possibly including the marine biogenic source) cannot account for the high fractions of the metal contents, particularly for Pb and Cu, and this suggests that pollution from long-range transport is the dominant source. Figure Aerosol sampling in Antarctica     

The putative lead-binding carrier protein in rat epidermis using210Pb

To verify the usefulness of hair as an indicator of²¹⁰Pb and¹⁰⁹Cd accumulation in rats their distribution in different organs were determined. Whereas the radioactivity following²¹⁰Pb i.p. administration after seven days is extremely diminished to compare with that after two days, a considerable accumulation with time of¹⁰⁹Cd was observed under similar experimental conditions. The binding of lead in rat epidermis and hair was investigated and relatively tightly bound²¹⁰Pb to extracted proteins was established. By electrophoretic analysis of epidermal proteins using PAGE-SDS binding of radiolead to a protein carrier with m.w. of about 16 000 was detected. The work was performed in the frame of IAEA Coordinated Research Programme /RC 3673/RB/.     

A Simple and Sensitive Method for the Detection of Trace Pb(II) and Cd(II) based on Nafion‐coated Antimony Film Electrode

Nafion‐coated antimony film electrode (NCAFE) was prepared in situ by simultaneously plated antimony with analytes, and applied to the determination of trace Pb(II) and Cd(II) in non‐deaerated solutions by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). Various experimental parameters, which influenced the response of the NCAFE to those metals, were thoroughly optimized and discussed. The results indicated that the sensitivity and resistance to surfactants at the NCAFE were remarkably improved with relative to the antimony film electrode (AFE). In the presence of 5 mg·L^?1 gelatin, the peak heights at the NCAFE showed 4‐fold enhancement for Pb and a 9‐fold enhancement for Cd over a bare AFE. Reproducibility of the sensor was satisfactory, and the relative standard deviations were 4.8% for 20 μg·L^?1 Pb and 3.2% for 25 μg·L^?1 Cd (n=15) with preconcentration time of 180 s. The determination limits (S/N=3) of this sensor were determined to be 0.15 μg·L^?1 for Pb and 0.30 μg·L^?1 for Cd with accumulation time of 300 s. The NCAFE was successfully applied to determining Pb(II) and Cd(II) in vegetable and water samples with satisfactory results.     

Determination of heavy metals and iodide by stripping voltammetry in sodium chloride on mercury-graphite electrodes

The behavior of Cd(II), Pb(II), Cu(II), and I⁻ in the aqueous solutions of sodium chloride is studied by stripping voltammetry. A new version of using an indicator electrode from carbon glass ceramics modified with mercury for the consecutive stripping determination of Cd(II), Pb(II), Cu(II), and iodide is proposed. The mercury-graphite electrode was formed in the solution of a supporting electrolyte based on NH₄Cl, HCl, 0.05 M potassium tetraoxalate (KH₃C₄O₃ · 2H₂O), and 5 × 10⁻⁵ M mercury(II). At first, Cd(II), Pb(II), Cu(II), and then iodide were determined by anodic-cathodic stripping voltammetry after adding a sample solution (table salt, 10–100 mg/mL NaCl).     

Conditional Stability Constant Determination of Metal-Fulvic Acid Complexes

Abstract

Conditional stability constants for metal complexes of a terrestrial fulvic acid were determined using an ion-exchange chromatography—atomic absorbance spectroscopy method. Employing the Scatchard model, conditional stability constants were determined for the metal (II) fulvic acid complexes of cadminum, copper, lead, nickel, manganese, and zinc. The order of metal binding by the fulvic acid was determined to be: Cu > Ni > Pb > Zn > Cd > Mn. Complexes of weakly bound metal ions were determined with an added metal ion concentration of 2 × 10^–5 M to 1 × 10^–4 M while complexes of strongly bound metal ions were determined with an added metal ion concentration of 1 × 10^–5 M to 8 × 10^–4 M. The fulvic acid concentration was kept constant at 4 × 10^–4 M. The effect of pH and ionic strength on the copper-fulvic acid complex also was investigated.