Electroanalytical and chromatographic determination of pentachlorophenol and related molecules in a contaminated soil: a real case example

Electroanalytical and chromatographic methodologies have been applied for the determination of pentachlorophenol (PCP) and some of its derivatives in real soil samples contaminated by industrial discharge. The analytes were extracted with hexane from soil samples collected at different points of the site and mixed to produce a representative sample. Square wave voltammetry (SWV) experiments were carried out on either a boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode or a gold ultramicroelectrode (Au-UME) in an analyte composed by the Britton-Robinson (B-R) buffer at pH 5.5 with the direct addition of proper amounts of the extract. The voltammetric responses revealed an irreversible anodic peak at approximately 0.80 V vs. Ag/AgCl with a peak current showing a linear dependence on PCP concentration. This linear relationship yielded a detection limit (DL) of 2×10⁻⁸ mol l⁻¹ (or 5.5 μg l⁻¹) for the BDD electrode and 6.9×10⁻⁸ mol l⁻¹ (18.4 μg l⁻¹) for the Au-UME, while the independently measured HPLC detection limit was 1.1×10⁻⁸ mol l⁻¹ (3.0 μg l⁻¹). The application of electroanalytical and chromatographic methodologies in the analysis of soil extracts revealed, besides the PCP responses, signals for some related molecules such as o-tetrachlorobenzoquinone (o-chloranil), hexachlorobenzene and tetrachlorophenol. Recovering experiments for PCP showed a concentration of 27.5 mg kg⁻¹ for the electroanalytical determinations and 26.8 mg kg⁻¹ for the HPLC analysis, values exceedingly high if considering that the maximum residue limit established for natural waters by the Brazilian Environmental Agency is 10 μg l⁻¹.     

Indirect atomic absorption spectrometry (IAAS) as a tool for the determination of iodide in infant formulas by precipitation of AgI and redissolution with cyanide

A method to determine iodide in infant formula samples by indirect atomic absorption spectrometry (IAAS) was developed. The iodide in solution resulting from an alkaline digestion (Na₂CO₃–NaOH) of the sample is precipitated with silver; the precipitate is redissolved by adding cyanide solution, and this solution is subjected to GF-AAS. Temperatures of 1000 and 2100°C were selected for the ashing and atomization steps, respectively, using a mixture of Pd and Mg(NO₃)₂ as a matrix modifier (at concentrations of 36 and 16 μg ml⁻¹, respectively). The sensitivity, LOD, LOQ and characteristic mass obtained were, respectively, 1.12×10⁻² l μg⁻¹, 3.1 μg g⁻¹ and 10.4 μg g⁻¹ and 7.3 pg, referred to sample. The linear interval of concentrations extends up to 10 μg l⁻¹ of iodide, with no need to use the standard addition method; the mean R.S.D. of data within this range is 3.4%, with 2.9% over the whole procedure. No interfering effects were observed among the foreign ions studied, and 100.0% was the mean analytical recovery achieved within the linear range of concentrations. The application of the method to seven real samples gave a mean content of 12.8 μg g⁻¹ of iodide, as well as less than 3.1 μg g⁻¹ in eight other samples.     

Sensitive spectrofluorimetric determination of ruthenium at nanotrace levels using 2-(α-pyridyl) thioquinaldinamide [PTQA]

A new spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of ruthenium with nonfluorescent 2-(α-pyridyl) thioquinaldinamide (PTQA) is described. The oxidative reaction of Ru(III) upon PTQA gives oxidised fluorescent product (λ_ex(max)=347 nm; λ_em(max)=486 nm). The sensitivity of the fluorescence reaction between ruthenium and PTQA is greatly increased in the presence of Fe (III). The reaction is carried out in the acidity range 0.01–0.075 M H₂SO₄. The influence of reaction variables is discussed. The range of linearity is 1–400 μg l⁻¹ Ru(III). The standard deviation and relative standard deviation of the developed method are ±1.210 μg l⁻¹ Ru (III) and 2.4%, respectively (for 11 replicate determinations of 50 μg l⁻¹ Ru (III)). The effect of interferences from other metal ions, anions and complexing agents was studied; the masking action is discussed. The developed method has been successfully tested over synthetic mixtures of various base metals and platinum group metals, synthetic mixtures corresponding to osmiridium, certified reference materials in spiked conditions and rock samples.     

Speciation Stabilities of Iodine in underground Water by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Specific determination for IO₃⁻ and I⁻ in ground water using high performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICPMS) is described. Chromatographic separations were carried out using an ICS-A23 column. Iodine species were quantitatively eluted with 0.03 M ammonium carbonate. Under the Shield Torch high sensitive mode, the method detection limits for IO₃⁻ and I⁻ with injection of 1 ml were 0.035 μg l⁻¹ and 0.025 μg l⁻¹, respectively. The method was applied to the determination of iodide and iodate in ground water. However, the signal response difference between iodate and iodide was observed by both the HPLC-ICP-MS system and the ICP-MS system. Also, the same signal response difference was also observed in other laboratories. It was reported that the signal response and stability of iodine species vary with their solution medium. The instability of IO3 – and I – was controlled by using KOH as their solution storing media. The IO₃⁻ and I⁻ peak area ratios by HPLC-ICP-MS measurement were still close to 1:1 when the mixed standard solution was stored in the 0.01% KOH medium for 5 days.     

Cathodic stripping voltammetric analysis of arsenic species in environmental water samples

A simple, fast and sensitive arsenic speciation method has been developed for environmental water analysis by using differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry (CSV) performed on a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). Electroactive As(III) is determined by direct CSV analysis. As(V) is converted to As(III) species first and is subsequently quantified by the concentration difference between total inorganic arsenic and As(III). A new batch-mode As(V) reduction procedure by l-cysteine was developed in this study. The optimized parameters for quantitative As(V) reduction include treatment with 20 mM l-cysteine and 0.03 M HCl for 6 min at 70 °C. Organic arsenic, including monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), can be decomposed to As(V) through UV photooxidation with peroxydisulfate and quantified through subtracting total inorganic arsenic from the total arsenic. At optimum condition, the detection limits for As(III), As(V), and organic arsenic (MMA and DMA) were all 0.3 μg/L and with the linear range from 2.5 to 190 μg/L. Interference from ions common in natural water (Mn, Fe, Cr, Cd, Ca, Zn, Mg, and phosphate) is minimal. The method was validated by analyzing the NIST 1640 natural water standard reference material and by recovery tests on spiked tap water and groundwater. When applied to on-site analysis of sediment pore water and stream water, the CSV results agree well with those obtained by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) methods.     

Evaluation of a chloramine-T-selective electrode for catalytic titration of silver and mercury(II) based on iodide-catalyzed chloramine-T reactions

Semiautomatic methods are described for the catalytic titrimetric determination of microamounts of silver and mercury(II) using a chloramine-T-selective electrode as monitor. The methods are based on the inhibitory effect of Ag(I) and Hg(II) on the iodide-catalyzed chloramine-T-arsenite and chloramine-T-H₂O₂ reactions. Microamounts of silver in the range 0.2–200 μg (1 × 10⁻⁷−1 × 10⁻⁴ M) and of mercury(II) in the range 0.1–200 μg (2.5 × 10⁻⁸−5 × 10⁻⁵ M) were determined using the chloramine-T-As(III) indicator reaction. Mercury(II) in the range 4–2000 μg (1 × 10⁻⁶−5 × 10⁻⁴ M) was also determined using the chloramine-T-H₂O₂ indicator reaction. The accuracy and precision were in the range 0.1–1%.     

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.     

Flow-injection hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometric study of the automated on-line pre-reduction of arsenate, methylarsonate and dimethylarsinate and high-performance liquid chromatographic separation of their l-cysteine complexes

An automated on-line pre-reduction of arsenate, monomethylarsonate (MMA) and dimethylarsinate (DMA) using flow injection hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (FI-HGAAS) is feasible. The kinetics of pre-reduction and complexation depend strongly on the concentration of l-cysteine and on the temperature in the following increasing order: inorganic As(V)相似文献   

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.     

Flow injection chemiluminescence determination of l-cysteine in amino acid mixture and human urine with the BrO3 −–quinine system

In this paper, a novel flow injection chemiluminescence (CL) determination of l-cysteine is proposed. The method is based on the CL reaction of l-cysteine and KBrO₃ in acidic medium. The CL intensity was greatly enhanced in the presence of quinine. The CL intensity was linear with l-cysteine concentration in the range of 0.2–80 g L^–1, and the detection limit was 0.1 g L^–1 (3). A complete analysis, including sampling and injecting, could be performed in 1 min, giving a throughput of about 60 h^–1. The relative standard deviation was 1.6% for 0.8 g L^–1 l-cysteine (n=11). The proposed method was satisfactorily applied to the determination of cysteine in an amino acid mixture and human urine. The mechanism of the CL reaction is also discussed.     

A multi-pumping flow system for chemiluminometric determination of ascorbic acid in powdered materials for preparation of fruit juices

A multi-pumping flow-based procedure with chemiluminescent detection is proposed for the determination of ascorbic acid, AA, in fruit juices (powdered form). The method relies on the inhibitory effect of AA on the oxidation of luminol by hydrogen peroxide in alkaline medium. The system comprises several discretely actuated solenoid pumps as the only active components. It handles 100 samples per hour, and requires 96 μl of sample, 42 μg of luminol and 105 μg of potassium hexacyanoferrate(III) per determination. The analytical curve is linear up to about 11 mmol l^− 1 AA, and detection limit is 0.17 mmol l^− 1 AA. The system yields precise measurements (r.s.d. < 1%; n = 11), and recovery ranges from 94% to 106%. Results are in agreement with the reference method (AOAC) at the 95% confidence level.     

Determination of Proteins in a Mesofluidic Lab-on-Valve System

The application of a mesofluidic lab-on-valve system to the spectrophotometric determination of protein was investigated. Protein species in the sample solution reacts rapidly with Congo red at pH 4.1, which forms a complex with a maximum absorption at 496 nm. A univariant approach was used for the optimization of the experimental parameters. A sample volume of 20 μl was used along with 4.0 μl of Congo red solution of 0.9 g l⁻¹, and a flow rate for the detection process of 20 μl s⁻¹ was used. Under optimal conditions, a linear calibration curve was obtained in the range of 12.5–200 μg ml⁻¹ of bovine serum album, along with a detection limit (3σ) of 5.6 μg ml⁻¹ and a sampling frequency of 60 per hour. Protein concentrations in human serums, urine, milk, and yoghourt were determined using this procedure, and satisfactory agreements were obtained with that achieved using the Coomassie brilliant blue method.     

Use of modified rice husks as a natural solid adsorbent of trace metals: characterisation and development of an on-line preconcentration system for cadmium and lead determination by FAAS

The use of rice husks as an alternative adsorbent in an on-line preconcentration system for Cd (II) and Pb (II) determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) is described. The potential of rice husks as a natural adsorbent was evaluated as a material modified with 0.75 mol l⁻¹ NaOH solution and in the unmodified form. For this task, several techniques such as spectroscopy and thermogravimetry were used for elucidation of possible functional groups responsible for the uptake of Cd (II) and Pb (II). Furthermore, based on adsorption studies and adsorption isotherms applied to the Langmüir model, it was possible to verify that modified rice husks present a higher adsorption capacity for both metals. After establishing this material as a promising natural adsorbent, it was used for on-line preconcentration of Cd (II) and Pb (II) metals. The multivariate optimisation of chemical and flow variables was performed by using a full factorial design (2⁴) including the following factors: preconcentration time, preconcentration flow rate, concentration and volume of eluent. The optimum pH values used for on-line preconcentration were taken from prior univariate experiments. Under optimised conditions for Cd (II) determination (4 min of preconcentration at a 6 ml min⁻¹ preconcentration flow rate, in which comprises 24 ml of preconcentration volume, 200 μl elution volume and 1.0 mol l⁻¹ HNO₃ solution as eluent), the system achieved a detection limit of 1.14 μg l⁻¹ and an enrichment factor of 72.4. Similar conditions were used for Pb (II) determination (4 min of preconcentration, 6 ml min⁻¹ preconcentration flow rate, 300 μl elution volume and 1.0 mol l⁻¹ HNO₃ solution as eluent) from which a detection limit of 14.1 μg l⁻¹ and enrichment factor of 46.0 were achieved. Also, rice husks have been shown to be a homogeneous and stable adsorbent in which more than 100 preconcentration/elution cycles provide a relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 6.0% on the analytical signal. The satisfactory accuracy of the method developed was obtained by using spiked water samples (mineral water and lake water) and spiked red wine samples. These values were confirmed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). The certified reference material [pig kidney (CRM 186)] and the reference material [beech leaves (CRM 100)] were also used.     

阳离子表面活性剂对电化学法测试牛奶中氯霉素残留量的影响

为探索用电化学方法检测生物样品中氯霉素残留的高灵敏度技术,本实验研究了阳离子表面活性剂十六烷基三甲基溴化铵(CTMAB)对氯霉素在玻碳电极上伏安行为的影响,实验结果表明,以0.02 mol/L高氯酸为支持电解质,在0.40~-0.60 V的范围内进行伏安扫描时,2×10-5mol/L CTMAB能显著提高氯霉素在-0.41 V处的还原峰电流。利用这种改进的电化学方法检测氯霉素的线性范围为0.0026~8 mg/L,检出限达到0.83μg/L。研究了缓冲液种类及其酸碱度及其它表面离子活性剂等对测试氯霉素的影响。     

A spot test for the detection of periodate

Perrhenate is quantitatively extracted into methyl isobutyl ketone from aqueous solutions containing copper(II), azide and an excess of 2,2'-bipyridine. Measurement of the extracted copper either by spectrophotometry or by atomic absorption spectrometry, allows the determination of perrhenate in the ranges 16–40 μg ml⁻¹ or 3–16 μg ml⁻¹ in the final dilution, respectively. The procedure is highly selective, being applicable in the presence of a large concentration of molybdate and a considerable number of foreign ions. The extracted species corresponds to the formula CuN₃(bipy)₂ ReO₄.     

Chitosan–magnetite nanocomposites (CMNs) as magnetic carrier particles for removal of Fe(III) from aqueous solutions

This research focuses on removal of Fe(III) from aqueous solution using chitosan–magnetite nanocomposites as potential sorbent. The presence of nanosized magnetic particles within the nanocomposites was confirmed by TEM and SAED analysis. The particles with diameter 508 μm and 84 μm, follow Frendlich sorption isotherm at 30 °C, and the Frendlich constants (K_F, 1/n) have been found to be 5.974 mg g⁻¹, 2.66 and 35.98 mg g⁻¹, 1.385, respectively. Out of various kinetic models, the experimental data for dynamic uptake of Fe(III) is best fitted on ‘pseudo-second order’ kinetic model. The linear nature of plots between log (% sorption) and log (time) is indicative of intra-particle diffusion. For the particles with diameters 508 μm and 84 μm, the value of k_id was found to be 1.78 mg l⁻¹ min^−0.5 and 2.13 mg l⁻¹ min^−0.5. The sorption mean free energy from the Dubinin–Radushkevic isotherm was found to be 7.04 kJ mol⁻¹ indicating chemical nature of sorption. The increase in chitosan content in sorbent particles is found to enhance the Fe(III) uptake. The various thermodynamic parameters have also been evaluated. Finally, the presence of Cu²⁺ ions in the sorbate is found to decrease the uptake of Fe(III).     

Optimization of sample preparation using statistical methods: spectrophotometric determination of Fe and Co in pharmaceutical samples

This work presents alternatives for Fe and Co determination in pharmaceutical samples using flow analysis. The first procedure describes Fe extraction in mineral/vitamin complexes. The best conditions were reached when HNO₃ concentration and volume, sample mass and shaking time were 1.0 mol l⁻¹, 5 ml, 25 mg and 10 min. Three mineral/vitamin complexes of known concentrations (ranging from 12 to 32 g kg⁻¹) were analyzed (10 authentic replicates for each) and recoveries of around 100% were obtained when compared with a well-established mineralization procedure employing concentrated HNO₃ and H₂O₂ (30% w/v). The second work part shows the employment of Tiron and H₂O₂ reaction for Co determination in a drug for inappetence. The results (352±18.7 mg kg⁻¹) were compared with those using Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry—ETAAS (346±15.7 mg kg⁻¹). The proposed method showed detection and quantification limits of 0.20 and 0.70 μg l⁻¹, respectively. Both procedures for Fe and Co determination presented time, reagent and effort reduction.     

Bulk-modified modified screen-printing carbon electrodes with both lactate oxidase (LOD) and horseradish peroxide (HRP) for the determination of L-lactate in flow injection analysis mode

A screen-printed carbon electrode modified with both HRP and LOD (SPCE–HRP/LOD) has been developed for the determination of l-lactate concentration in real samples. The resulting SPCE–HRP/LOD was prepared in a one-step procedure, and was then optimised as an amperometric biosensor operating at [0, −100] mV versus Ag/AgCl for l-lactate determination in flow injection mode. A significant improvement in the reproducibility (coefficient variation of about 10%) of the preparation of the biosensors was obtained when graphite powder was modified with LOD in the presence of HRP previously oxidised by periodate ion (IO₄⁻). Optimisation studies were performed by examining the effects of LOD loading, periodation step and rate of the binder on analytical performances of SPCE–HRP/LOD. The sensitivity of the optimised SPCE–HRP/LOD to l-lactate was 0.84 nA L μmol⁻¹ in a detection range between 10 and 180 μMol. The possibility of using the developed biosensor to determine l-lactate concentrations in various dairy products was also evaluated.     

Indirect kinetic microdetermination of oxalate, citrate, and fluoride ions

An indirect catalytic method for the separate microdetermination of oxalate, citrate, and fluoride ions is described. The method is based on the inhibition action of oxalate, citrate, and fluoride ions on the catalytic oxidation reaction of 2,4-diaminophenol-hydrogen peroxide by iron(III).Procedures for the determination of 1.76 × 10⁻² to 17.6 × 10⁻² μg/ml for oxalate ion, 3.78 × 10⁻² to 30.24 × 10⁻² μg/ml for citrate ion, and 0.38 to 4.18 μg/ml for fluoride ion are given.Quantities of 1.76 × 10⁻² to 17.6 × 10⁻² μg/ml for oxalate ion, 3.78 × 10⁻² to 30.24 × 10⁻² μg/ml for citrate ion, and 0.38 to 4.18 μg/ml for fluoride ion could be determinated with a relative error of about 1–3.5% for oxalate and citrate ions and 1–2% for fluoride ion.     

Electrochemical and DNA-binding properties of dipyridophenazine complexes of osmium(II)

A transition metal complex as an electrochemical probe of a DNA sensor must have an applicable redox potential, high binding affinity and chemical stability. Some complexes with the dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine (DPPZ) ligand have been reported to have high binding affinity for DNA. However, it was difficult to detect the targeted DNA electrochemically using these complexes because of the relatively high redox potential. In this work, a combination of bipyridine ligands with functional groups (---NH₂, ---CH₃ and ---COOH) and the DPPZ ligand were studied. The introduction of electron-donating groups was effective for controlling the redox potential of the DPPZ-type osmium complex. The [Os(DA-bpy)₂DPPZ]²⁺ complex (DA-bpy; 4,4′-diamino-2,2′-bipyridine) had a lower half-wave potential (E_1/2) of 147 mV (vs. Ag AgCl) and higher binding affinity with DNA {binding constant, K=3.1×10⁷ M⁻¹ in 10 mmol dm⁻³ Tris–HCl buffer with 50 mmol dm⁻³ NaCl (pH 7.76)} than those of other complexes. With the single stranded DNA (ssDNA) modified gold electrode, the hybridization signal (ΔI) of the [Os(DA-bpy)₂DPPZ]²⁺ complex was linear in the concentration range of 1.0 pg ml⁻¹–0.12 μg ml⁻¹ for the targeted DNA with a regression coefficient of 0.999. The detection limit was 0.1 pg ml⁻¹.