Solution Chemistry of Arsenic Anions in the Presence of Metal Cations

The interaction of arsenic(V) and arsenic(III) oxyanions with metal cations was investigated by potentiometry under temperature and ionic strength conditions approaching those prevailing in natural waters. The selection includes the major metal cations and some other ions of high environmental relevance. Ionic pairs [M(As^VO₄)]^?, [M(HAs^VO₄)] and [M(H₂As^IIIO₃)]⁺ formation is suggested for all +2 metal cations, based on the potentiometric results. These ion-pairs between arsenic anions and other metal cations are hardly ever mentioned or taken into account when arsenic speciation in natural waters is considered. These results provide the basis for studying arsenic speciation in natural aquatic systems, on which environmental fate, bioavailability and toxicity of the element depend. Some extrapolations to the conditions of the natural waters are presented as well as some insights into the adsorption process onto hydrous oxides.     

Interaction of Molybdenum(VI) Oxyanions with +2 Metal Cations

The association of molybdenum(VI) oxyanions with metal cations was investigated in solutions of low ionic strength, such as those prevailing in most natural waters. Potentiometric titrations were carried out for the systems containing molybdenum(VI) anions and divalent metal cations (M = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg and Pb). This selection includes the major cations and some other cations of high environmental relevance. The interaction of iron(III) with Mo(VI) anions was also studied. At neutral and basic pH values and for those systems where the solubility of the molybdate salt is high enough, ionic species pairs such as [M(MoO₄)] predominate. At acidic pH values, [M(HMoO₄)]⁺ and [M(Mo₇O₂₄)]^4– are formed, the latter species are only relevant for total molybdenum concentrations higher than 1 mmol·L^?1. These results provide the basis for molybdenum speciation in natural aquatic systems, on which the environmental fate, bioavailability and toxicity of the element depend.     

Arsenic speciation in multiple metal environments II. Micro-spectroscopic investigation of a CCA contaminated soil

The speciation of arsenic (As) in a copper-chromated-arsenate (CCA) contaminated soil was investigated using micro-focused X-ray fluorescence (microXRF) and micro-focused X-ray absorption fine structure (microXAFS) spectroscopies to determine if and how the co-contaminating metal cations (Cu, Zn, Cr) influenced the speciation of As. 15 microXRF images were collected on 30-mum polished thin sections and powder-on-tape samples from which Pearson correlation coefficients (rho) between As and various metal species were determined based on the fluorescence intensity of each element in each image pixel. 29 microXAFS and two bulk-XAFS spectra were collected from depths of 0-20 cm (LM-A) and 20-40 cm (LM-B) to determine the chemical speciation of As in the soil by target analyses of principal components with circa 52 reference spectra and linear least-square combination fitting of individual experimental spectra with a refined reference phase list (32) of likely As species. Arsenic and metal cations (Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn) accumulated in distinct, isolated areas often not larger than 50 x 50 microm in which the Pearson correlation between the elements was strongly positive (rho>0.75). The correlation of As to Zn and Cr decreased from >0.9 to <0.8 and increased to Cu from approximately 0.6 to >0.8 with depth. Arsenic occurred predominantly in the +5 oxidation state. Abstract factor analysis and linear least square combination fit analysis suggested that As occurred as a continuum of fully and poorly-ordered copper-arsenate precipitates with additional components being characterized by surface adsorption complexes on goethite and gibbsite in the presence and absence of Zn. Precipitates other than copper-based ones, e.g., scorodite, adamite and ojuelaite were also identified. The significant co-localization and chemical speciation of As with Cu suggest that the speciation of As in a contaminated soils is not solely controlled by surface adsorption reactions, but significantly influenced by the co-contaminating metal cation fraction. Future studies into As contaminated soil therefore need to focus on identifying the speciation of As and the co-localizing metal cations.     

Extraction of Co(II) and Ni(II) ammine cations from aqueous solutions into chloroform by highly lipophilic crown carboxylic acids

The proton-ionizable crown ethers, 2-[(sym-dibenzo-14-crown-4)oxy]-decanoic acid (1), 2-[sym-dibenzo-16-crown-5)oxy]decanoic acid (2), and 2-[sym-dibenzo-19-crown-6)oxy]decanoic acid (3) efficiently extract Co(II) and Ni(II) ammine cations from highly alkaline aqueous solutions (pH>10) into chloroform. For extractions of the individual metal species,2 is more efficient than1 or3. In competitive extraction systems, good selectivity for Co(II) ammine cations over Ni(II) ammine cations is observed.     

Speciation of Charged Complexes by Donnan Dialysis

Abstract

The assignment of metal complexes to various regimes on the basis of their dissociation kinetics is one type of metal speciation study. The most common scheme, which involves column ion-exchange as a means of separating free metal ions and metals in the form of highly labile complexes from other forms of metals in the sample, is demonstrated to categorize incorrectly stable, charged complexes such as iron(II) and nickel(II) o-phenanthroline as labile. Donnan dialysis is an alternative ion-exchange method for metal speciation studies. Data are provided which demonstrate that the above complexes are correctly assigned by the Donnan dialysis method. The relative labilities of ethylenediamine and triethylenetetramine complexes of iron (II) and nickel (II) are also correctly determined by Donnan dialysis.     

Speciation of Organotin Compounds by Capillary Electrophoresis Coupled with Hydride Generation Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry

Abstract

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) coupled with hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG‐AFS) was developed for the speciation analysis of organotin compounds. The four organotin cations of trimethyltin (TMT), monobutyltin (MBT), dibutyltin (DBT), and tributyltin (TBT) were completely separated by CE in a 50 cm×75 µm i.d. fused‐silica capillary at 15 kV and using a mixture of 50 mmol l^?1 H₃BO₃?50 mmol l^?1 Tris‐5% v/v methanol (pH 7.10) as electrolyte. 0.008 mmol l^?1 cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) added to the electrolyte suppressed the adsorption of the organotin cations on the inner wall of capillary. The generated hydride species were detected on‐line with AFS. The precisions (RSD, n=5) were in the range of 1.7–3.1% for migration time and 3.8–4.7% for peak area response for the four organotin species. The detection limits ranged from 1–10 µmol l^?1 (as Sn).     

Low Molecular Mass Aluminum Complex Speciation in Biofluids

Abstract

Formation constants for the aluminum phosphate system and particle size analyses for solutions containing this material are reported. From a database of (i) the total ligand and metal concentrations in saliva, stomach juice, small intestinal fluid, milk, blood plasma and intravenous fluid, and (ii) physico-chemical constants for all feasible reactions involving low molecular mass complexes, a series of computer models was constructed and used to calculate the distribution of chemical species at equilibrium. The pie-diagrams of speciation indicate that some aluminum complexes exist as net-neutral charged species (which are potentially bioavailable) whereas others are charged and so are highly solvated and/or removed by the renal system. The chemical speciation knowledge produced in this research can be useful in researching aluminum intoxication, prevention and decontamination therapies.     

Lab-on-valve in the miniaturization of analytical systems and sample processing for metal analysis

In the past decade, the lab-on-valve (LOV) system, as the third-generation of the flow-injection analysis technique, has exhibited powerful capability in instrument miniaturization and on-line sample pretreatment.This review presents and discusses the state of the art in the progress of the LOV system in the determination of metal species in two parts:

•

miniaturization of analytical instrumentations; and,

•

sample-processing front-ends.

As a miniaturized analytical set-up, LOV incorporates detection techniques for the determination of metal species (e.g., spectrophotometry, electrochemical detection and atomic spectrometry). However, coupling LOV sample pretreatment with atomic or mass spectrometric detectors provides high-sensitivity determination or speciation of metal species.We also discuss future perspectives of the LOV system in metal determination and/or speciation.     

Cascade ultrafiltration and competing ligand exchange for kinetic speciation of aluminium, iron, and nickel in fresh water

Kinetic speciation of nickel, aluminium, and iron in fresh water has been investigated by cascade ultrafiltration followed by competing ligand exchange of the ultrafiltered fractions. Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry was used to measure the kinetics of metal complex dissociation. Dissolved metal species were fractionated by cascade ultrafiltration. Metal speciation in each ultrafiltered fraction was then characterized as free metal ions, “labile” metal complexes (with dissociation rate constants ≥10⁻³ s⁻¹), “slowly labile” metal complexes (with dissociation rate constants >10⁻⁶ s⁻¹), and “inert” metal complexes (with dissociation rate constants <10⁻⁶ s⁻¹). The experimental results were compared with the predictions of a computer-based equilibrium speciation model, the Windermere humic aqueous model (WHAM) V. Cascade ultrafiltration coupled with kinetic speciation of the metal species in each molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) fraction provided a more comprehensive picture and insight into the physical and the chemical characteristics of the metal species than either ultrafiltration or measurement of dissociation kinetics alone.     

Metal Cation/Anion Speciation via Paired-Ion,Reversed Phase HPLC with Refractive Index and/or Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectroscopic Detection Methods

Abstract

Conventional high performance liquid chromatography instrumentation and packing materials can be inexpensively and rapidly utilized for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of various metal cations or anions. The final approaches utilize reversed phase HPLC in the form of paired-ion separations. The detection of individually eluted, fully resolved metal cations or anions is possible via conventional refractive index or inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopic detection. In many cases, unresolved mixtures of metal cations, eluted as a single peak on HPLC, can be resolved and identified via the use of ICP detection. Both metal cations and anions can be easily resolved, according to oxidation states, using paired-ion techniques, in combination with ICP detection. Final data representation can be in the form of conventional, continuous RI and/or ICP chromatograms, via pulsed data ICP presentations, and/or via tabular ICP data presentation.     

Ester and Ketone Groups Substituted Mono- and Di- Azo-coupled Azocalix[4]arenes as Extractant for Hg+ and Hg2+, or Cr3+Cations

This article describes extraction properties of mono- (A1–A8) and di- (B1–B8) substituted azocalix[4]arene analogues. The ionophore solvent extractions of alkaline-earth (Sr²⁺), basic metal (Pb²⁺) and transition metal cations (Ag⁺, Hg⁺, Hg²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cr³⁺) from aqueous phase to organic phase were carried out by azocalix[4]arene derivatives. It has been observed that they show a good extraction behavior toward selected heavy metal (Hg) and toxic metal (Cr), while A4 and B4 prefer Hg⁺, Hg²⁺ and Cr³⁺ among transition metal cations, respectively. The azocalix[4]arenes (A1–A8) and (B1–B8) are not efficient extractants for all of the selected metal cations, whereas A4 and B4 are selective only for Hg metal cation.     

Syntheses and structure characterization of four inorganic–organic hybrid solids based on N-containing aromatic Brønsted bases and chlorometallates

Four organic–inorganic hybrid complexes ([(HL1)₂SnCl₆]?·?2H₂O (1) (L1?=?2-methylquinoline), [(HL2)₂(CdCl₄)]?·?2H₂O (2) (L2?=?5,7-dimethyl-1,8-naphthyridine-2-amine), [(H₂L2)₂SnCl₆]?·?2(Cl) (3), and [(H₂L3)SnCl₆]?·?2H₂O (4) (L3?=?3,6-bis(imidazol-1-yl)pyridazine)) derived from N-containing aromatic Brønsted bases and metal(II) chloride dihydrate (tin(II) chloride dihydrate and cadmium(II) chloride dihydrate) were prepared and characterized by IR, X-ray structure analysis, elemental analysis, and TG analysis. The aromatic rings of the cations in all of the compounds are essentially planar. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that 2–4 have 3-D network structures built from hydrogen bonds between the cations and chlorometallates. Water molecules also play important roles in structure extension in 1, 2, and 4. The arrangements of the anions and cations in their solid state are dominated by shape, size, and symmetry of the cations and the different structures of the chlorometallates as well as by hydrogen-bond interactions.     

Separation of metal cations in acidic solution by capillary electrophoresis with direct and indirect UV detection

Methods for the detectionn of metal cations under acidic conditions, near PH 2, in capillary electrophoresis (CE) were investigatged. Conditions for direct UV detection of UV absorbing metal cations such as Cr³⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, UO₂²⁺, VO²⁺, and VO²⁺ were established With aqueous HCl or HClO₄ as the electroyte carrier. The speciation of vanadium(IV) and vanadium(V) at PH 2.3 by CE was achieved with direct detection at 185 nm. With the strong absorbance at 185 nm, no complexation was needed to detect the metal cations. An indirect UV detrection scheme for acidic conditions was also investigated. Several background carrier electolytes (BCES) were studied including 4-methylbenzylamince, nicontinamide, pyridazine, guanidine, 3-picoline, and chromium (III) to determine their effectivencess under very acidic conditions. The efect of ioni c surfactants and the nonionic surfactant, Trition X-100, on the peak heights and N Values was also studied.     

Electrospray ionization of alkali and alkaline earth metal species. Electrochemical oxidation and pH effects

The utility of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) for characterizing dissolved metal species has generated considerable interest in the use of this technique for metal speciation. However, the development of accurate speciation methods based on ESI-MS requires a detailed understanding of the mechanisms by which dissolved metal species are ionized during electrospray. We report how the analysis of alkali and alkaline earth metal species provides new information about some of the processes that affect electrospray ion yield. Selected metal ions and organic ligands were combined in 50 : 50 water-acetonitrile buffered with acetic acid or ammonium acetate and analyzed by flow injection ESI-MS using mild electrospray conditions. Species formed by alkali metal ions with thiol and oxygen-donating ligands were detected in acidic and neutral pH solutions. Electrochemical oxidation of N, N-diethyldithiocarbamate and glutathione during electrospray was indicated by detection of the corresponding disulfides as protonated or alkali metal species. The extent of ligand oxidation depended on solution pH and the dissociation constant of the thiol group. Tandem mass spectrometric experiments suggested that radical cations such as [NaL](+.) (where L=N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate) can be generated by in-source fragmentation of disulfide species. Greater complexation of alkali metals at neutral pH was indicated by a corresponding decrease in the relative abundance of the free metal ion. The number of alkali metal ions bound by glutathione and phthalic acid also increased with increasing pH, in accordance with thermodynamic equilibrium theory. Alkaline earth metal species were detected only in acidic solutions, the absence of 8-hydroxyquinoline complexes being attributed to their relative instability and subsequent dissociation during electrospray. Hence, accurate speciation by ESI-MS depends on experimental conditions and the intrinsic properties of each analyte. Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cucurbit[8]uril-improved recognition using a fluorescent sensor for different metal cations

ABSTRACT

Metal cations in aqueous solutions at different pHs (1.5, 4.5 and7.2) can be detected using the known inclusion complex H33258@Q8 as a fluorescent probe. Indeed, the fluorescence intensity of H33258 increases rapidly upon increasing the amount of Q[8] up to a Q[8]:H33258 ratio of 2:1, even at pH 1.5. The experimental results reveal that the probe not only exhibited selective recognition of metal cations at different pH but also showed different recognition for metal cations at different pHs. At pH 7.2, the probe responded to quite a variety metal cations, including one of the third main group elements, Al³⁺, four transition metal cations, Hg²⁺, Fe³⁺, Fe²⁺, and Cr³⁺ and three lanthanide cations Eu³⁺, Tm³⁺ and Yb³⁺; At pH 4.5, the probe responded to only two transition metal cations, Hg²⁺ and Fe³⁺. Unexpectedly, the probe lost its recognition properties at pH 1.5.     

FIA Potentiometric and Solvent Extraction Studies of Alkali Metal and Alkaline Earth Cation Complexation by bis(Tert-butylbenzo)-21-crown-7

Abstract

A flow injection analysis study of the potentiometric selectivity of bis[4(5)-tert-butylbenzo]-21-crown-7 (D(tBB)21C7) for cesium over the other alkali metal cations and three alkaline earth cations has been conducted. A PVC matrix membrane containing D(tBB)21C7 as an ionophore was coated on the tip of a silver wire incorporated in a flow cell. No selectivity for cesium over rubidium and only low selectivity over potassium were noted. However, very high selectivities for cesium over sodium, lithium, strontium, calcium, and magnesium were observed. Selectivity of D(tBB)21C7 in the solvent extraction of alkali metal cations was determined by the picrate extraction method. The percent extraction into deuteriochloroform decreased in the order cesium, rubidium > potassium » sodium » lithium. Thus good agreement was observed between the responses of D(tBB)21C7 towards alkali metal cations in polymeric membrane electrodes and in solvent extraction.     

Kinetic Studies of Metal Speciation Using Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Kinetic studies of uptake of metal ions by the Chelex batch technique were made to determine Cd, Cu and Pb speciation in model solutions, a snow sample and a river surface water sample. Inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) were used for direct determination of these metals. ICP-MS with the solution nebulization technique minimized contamination and adsorption problems involved in the discrete sampling technique of GFAAS, and hence, gave more precise and accurate results. Also, ICP-MS allowed collection of many more data points than GFAAS and was able to resolve components with similar rates of dissociation, which could not always be resolved by GFAAS with its discrete sampling technique. ICP-MS was therefore preferable to GFAAS for kinetic studies of metal speciation. The kinetic data were analyzed by the iterative deconvolution method. The applicability of the Chelex batch technique to metal speciation was validated by analysis of model solutions containing these metal ions with or without EDTA, NTA and fulvic acid. Use of the Chelex batch technique for Cd, Cu and Pb speciation in snow and river surface water samples revealed a number of kinetically distinguishable components of these metals (as complexes) ranging from one to three, probably present as aquo ions or inorganic complexes in the snow sample, and bound to macromolecules/and or colloidal materials in the river surface water sample.     

Influence of Different Microplastic Forms on pH and Mobility of Cu2+ and Pb2+ in Soil

Microplastics, due to their surface properties, porosity and electrostatic interactions have a high affinity for cations sorption from the aqueous phase. As soil is a complex matrix, interactions between microplastics, soil constituents and heavy metals (HM) may modify the soil microenvironment for heavy metal mobilization/immobilization processes. In order to better understand the problem, three commonly found forms of microplastics in soil (fibers, fragments and microbeads) were mixed with Cu²⁺- or Pb²⁺-contaminated soil and incubated at 22 °C for 180 days. In soil samples pH and the content of water and acid exchangeable species of metals were analyzed. The results of this study showed that the presence of microplastics in HM-contaminated soil affected metal speciation, increasing the amount of easily exchangeable and potentially bioavailable forms of Cu²⁺ or Pb²⁺ in the tested soil. Soil pH also increased, confirming that microplastic particles affect soil properties relevant to the sorption/desorption process of metal cations. Overall, the smallest microplastic particles (≤1 mm), such as fibers or glitter microbeads, had a greater impact on the change in the sorption and desorption conditions of metals in tested soil than larger particles. The findings of our study show that microplastic form, shape and size should be considered as important factors that influence the soil properties and mobility of heavy metals in soil.     

Syntheses and molecular structures of four inorganic–organic hybrid compounds from N-containing aromatic bases and perchlorometallates of Zn,Cu, Sn,and Fe

Four organic–inorganic crystals, [(HL1)₂(ZnCl₄)]·H₂O (1) (L1?=?2-methylquinoline), [(HL1)₂(CuCl₄)] (2), [(HL2)₂SnCl₆] (3) (L2?=?6-bromobenzo[d]thiazol-2-amine), and [(HL3)FeCl₄] (4) (L3?=?5,7-dimethyl-1,8-naphthyridine-2-amine), derived from N-containing aromatic Brønsted bases and metal(II) chlorides (zinc(II) chloride, copper(II) chloride dihydrate, tin(II) chloride dihydrate, and iron(III) chloride hexahydrate) were prepared at room temperature and characterized by IR, X-ray structure analysis, elemental analysis, and TG analysis. The crystals are built up by perchlorometallates (Zn, Cu, Sn, and Fe) associated with organic cations through multiple non-covalent associations. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that 1 and 2 have 3-D network structures built from hydrogen bonds between the cations and chlorometallates. Water molecules play an important role in structure extension in 1. Anhydrous 3 and 4 produced from 2-aminoheterocyclic derivatives display 2-D sheet structures. Arrangements of anions and cations are dominated by shape and size of cations, and also by the different structures of the chlorometallates as well as non-bonding interactions in the crystal structures. Except for 1, the other compounds are thermally stable below 240°C.     

Approaches to Sampling and Sample Pretreatments for Metal Speciation in Soils and Sediments

Abstract

The main aspects of sampling and sample pretreatment in metal speciation studies of soils and sediments are discussed. The risks of sample contamination by the use of inappropriate materials, containers and tools as well as the possibilities of losses of analyte during sample handling are pointed out. Field sampling methods are described and minimum sample weight criteria for representative sampling of dry soils are presented. Sampling by traps and continuous flow centrifugation methods for suspended sediments and of bottom sediments by grabs or corers are compared. To avoid significant changes in some metal species drying and storage temperatures may need to be controlled and preservation in an inert atmosphere or by irradiation is discussed. The difficulties of establishing definitive protocols for sampling and sample pretreatment are emphasized as well as the need for selecting the appropriate technique in each particular case.