Systematic Errors in the Determination of Trace Metals by GFAAS Technique,Part I

The behaviour of solutions containing 7 metals in trace range (pH=2) prepared in borosilicate glass and polyethylene containers and transferred into commercial polyethylene–polypropylene and home-made quartz autosampler cups for measurements were studied using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The different interactions between metal solution and vessel material were observed for the metals studied. The most significant losses of chromium and nickel occurred on a polyethylene surface, while the highest absorbance signals were registered from quartz containers. Higher absorbance signals from quartz containers were also obtained for cadmium and copper solutions. Contrary to these results, the absorbance signals for lead solutions were lowest when measured from quartz vessels. The container material had no influence on the analytical signals of cobalt and manganese.Received January 15, 2003; accepted April 15, 2003 published online August 22, 2003     

Determination of radioisotopes of Ce,Eu, Pu,Am and Cm in low-level-wastes from power reactors

Long-lived isotopes of lanthanides and actinides are very important for the disposal of low-level radioactive wastes. These nuclides serve for risk calculations of accidents. Their determination requires radiochemical separation from high activity main nuclides. Supervision of waste vessels is done by direct non-destructive -spectrometry of the key nuclides:⁶⁰Co for corrosion products and¹³⁷Cs as for fission products as for transuranic elements. The activity ratios of the long-lived nuclides to the key nuclides are called scaling factors. They have to be determined radiochemically in the laboratory in representative samples of each waste type. They are used for activity calculations of long-lived nuclides in the waste vessels. The scaling factors determined are of the order of magnitude of 10^–6 and due to the fact that we have used low-level measurement techniques, we could performe the necessary chemical separations in a laboratory not exceeding the 10-fold free-level limit.     

Flow injection flame atomic spectrometric determination of iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium in ceramic materials by using a variable-volume injector

Summary A series of different ceramic materials, such as porcelain, feldspar, kaolin, varnish, clay and stoneware have been analyzed. Iron, calcium and magnesium have been determined in these materials by flame atomic absorption and sodium and potassium by flame emission. The use of a variable-volume injector enables one to carry out these analyses in a flow system (after fusion of samples with lithium metaborate) and does not require different dilutions for the determination of each type of sample considered, nor the use of different flow injection manifolds. The developed procedure provides a limit of detection of 100 g/l for Na, 70 g/l for Ca, 50 g/l for both Fe and K and 8 g/l for Mg. The coefficient of variation obtained for the absorbance measurement is of the order of 0.5–2%. A series of 17 real samples were analyzed by the proposed procedure and the obtained results turned out to be comparable to those found by batch analysis.     

Separation of food-related biogenic amines by ion-interaction reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Tyramine,histamine, 2-phenylethylamine,tryptamine and precursor aminoacids. Application to red wine

Summary Methods for the separation of food-related biogenic amines (histamine, tyramine, 2-phenylethylamine and tryptamine) have been developed based on ion-interaction reversed-phase liquid chromatography.Two different interaction reagents have been comparatively used, namely octylamine ortho-phosphate (at wave-lengths of 230, 254 and 280 nm) and octylamine salicylate (at a wavelength of 254 nm). The different elution sequence orders shown by the investigated amines for the two reagents are discussed and compared.The detection limits obtained were 20 ppb for tryptamine ( =280 nm), 500 ppb for 2-phenylethylamine (=254 nm), 400 ppb for tyramine (=230 or 280 nm) and 900 ppb for histamine (=230 nm).The method was applied to the analysis of a five years old Italian red wine, in which 2-phenylethylamine (at a concentration of 72±3 ppm) and tryptamine (at a concentration of 4.0±0.3 ppm) were found to be present.     

Comparison of different microwave-based digestion techniques in view of their application to fat-rich foods

Summary Three different microwave-based digestion techniques are tested with a view to the determination of heavy metals in the ashing solutions of fat-rich foods of up to 98% fat content. The known dissolution techniques are amended with respect to the fatty matrix. Advantages and disadvantages are compared with the Tölg procedure and discussed in consideration of the reproducibility, carbon residue contents, losses of analyte, trace contamination, ashing time and the possibility of automation of the dissolution process. A pressurized dissolution technique in PTFE-lined vessels is shown to be the most promising procedure.     

Bestimmung von As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, V und Zn in Kohlen, Additiven, Flugaschen und Impaktorfilterst?uben aus Kohlekraftwerken

Summary The analysis of coal, additives and combustion residues of coal-fired power plants is described. The selection of the best decomposition method has a special meaning for the type of sample (coal, additive etc.) as also for the elements to be determined in the different samples. There is no universal method which fits all the different samples and no universal determination system for this problem. Problems of the determination of chromium and arsenic are described and discussed due to the matrix and the decomposition technique. The determination with another independent method and the measurement of certified reference material is a good approach to the true value of the elements to be determined in the samples.     

Cadmium determination in wrapping paper

Summary The determination of cadmium in wrapping paper was carried out by the Inorganic Constituents working group in an interlaboratory comparison. Pressure digestion in PTFE bombs and high pressure ashing in quartz vessels with nitric acid were used. Eleven participants used ET AAS and only two DPASV for cadmium determination. The mean of all (13) participants was 0.059±0.027 mg/kg. Individual data are presented.     

Retention of diphenyls,terphenyls, phenylalkanes and fluorene on graphitized thermal carbon black

Summary This paper defines values of retention volumes for zero surface coverage (Henry's constant) at different temperatures, retention indices and variations of the internal energy (differential heats of adsorption) of diphenyl and its alkyl derivatives, terphenyls, diphenylmethane, triphenylmethane, diphenylethanes and fluorene on graphitized thermal carbon black (GTCB). Adsorption on GTCB takes place in accordance with the geometry of these molecules, the strongest adsorption being observed for para-terphenyl with least inhibited internal rotation of the molecule, while the weakest adsorption occurs for 2,6,2,6-tetramethyldiphenyl with the most inhibited internal rotation of the molecules. The flat molecules of fluorene are adsorbed on GTCB more readily than the nonflat molecules of diphenylmethane.     

Fischer-Tropsch, organometallics, and other friends

Recent researches on the mechanism of the Fischer-Tropsch hydrogenation of CO heterogeneously catalyzed by ruthenium, rhodium, cobalt or iron (on silica), both with and without added probe molecules, are reviewed. When the reactions are carried out under mild conditions of temperature, pressure and catalyst, we find that, although the absolute activities of the four catalysts differ, the relative product distributions are rather similar. Our data indicate that the primary products are largely n-1-alkenes (and methane); n-alkanes and some internal olefins are also produced, but these arise substantially from subsequent (secondary) reactions of the 1-alkenes. Mechanisms for the formation of 1-alkenes are suggested, both from our work and that of other groups, based upon data from (i) a variety of labeling and spectroscopic studies, (ii) model stoichiometric reactions of organometallic complexes, and (iii) some theoretical and computational data now available. The mechanism in best agreement with experimental data involves, (a) initiation via deoxygenation of coordinated CO and the production of a C₂ based surface species, probably a vinyl {CH₂CH_(ad)}, via formation of surface carbide, methylidyne and methylene; (b) propagation by reaction of surface methylene {CH_2(ad)} with surface vinyl or alkenyl {RCHCH_(ad)} to give a surface allyl {RCHCHCH_2(ad)}, followed by a 1,3-H shift to generate a new surface alkenyl {RCH₂CHCH_(ad)}; and (c) termination by hydride-mediated cleavage of the alkenyl chain from the catalyst giving the 1-alkene, RCH₂CHCH₂, directly. By contrast, the hydrogenation of CO homogeneously catalyzed by soluble complexes(chiefly of Ru) is reported to occur only under more stringent conditions and to lead mainly to methanol and ethylene glycol; clearly quite different mechanisms operate there.     

Determination of boron in biological tissues by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES)

Summary The application of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) to the determination of boron was studied with regard to the optimization of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), a method used in cancer radiotherapy. In order to enable trace determinations of B in tissue down to the sub g/g-level (as this application requires), the different parameters of ICP-OES (gas flow, power, observation height) were optimized towards highest power of detection. Two different nebulizers (Babington and Meinhard nebulizer) as well as ICPs with argon or nitrogen as outer gases were used. The optimization was carried out with the aid of a modified simplex. The lowest detection limit for B (25 ng/ml) is obtained in the case of a Babington nebulizer and with an ICP using Ar as outer gas as well as a forward power of 1.3 kW (plate voltage at the r.f. generator: 2.75 kV). Therefore, the nebulizer gas flow had to be set at 1.1 l/min (at 4.5 bar) and an intermediate gas flow of 5 l/min in the case of a Greenfield-type torch was required. After optimization the natural concentration of B in biological tissues (0.1–0.3 g/g) could be determined after decomposition of 1–1.5 g of the sample with 5 ml HNO₃ (63%) at high temperature and pressure during 2 h in closed PTFE vessels. Results obtained with spiked liver standards were precise (RSD 5%–8%) and accurate in a concentration range of 5 g/g to 100 g/g. The method developed could be satisfactorily used for the analysis of tissue samples of mice tumors. Furthermore, the uptake and metabolization of boron and its derivatives could be well monitored at the 1–5 g/g level.Dedicated to Prof. Dr. V. Krivan on the occasion of his 60th birthday     

Size fractionated impactor sampling of aerosol particles over the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to Antarctica as a methodology for source identification of Cd, Pb, Tl, Ni, Cr, and Fe

Four different samples of aerosol particles over the North Atlantic, South Atlantic, an area near the equator influenced by Saharan mineral dust, and the Antarctic Ocean were collected on board of the German research vessel Polarstern by a six stage cascade impactor system. A continental sample, typical in its size distribution pattern and heavy metal enrichment factors (relative to crust material) for industrialized areas, was used for comparison. To analyse the elements of interest, isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) using the thermal ionization technique was applied. The samples were digested with nitric acid followed by an electrodeposition of the heavy metals to be analysed in alkaline solution. Source identification could be carried out by the distribution of the heavy metals and enrichment factors on the different impactor stages using iron as a reference element for crustal origin. Two opposite types of size distribution patterns were obtained over the Atlantic Ocean. On the one hand, the main heavy metal fraction was found to be associated with the smallest particles collected on the last two impactor stages and the back-up filter with aerodynamic diameters (AD) of less than 0.95 m. This pattern together with the high enrichment factors of up to several thousand indicates combustion processes and biogenic emissions as possible sources and were typical for cadmium and lead. On the other hand, chromium and iron were preferably associated with the larger particles of >1.5 m AD. This and the low chromium enrichment factor demonstrate that the earth crust is the major source for these two elements in marine aerosol particles. Thallium and nickel could not be classified by one of these two size distribution patterns, which indicates that at least two different primary sources contribute to the content of these heavy metals in marine aerosol particles depending on the region investigated. Contrary to that, the sample collected over the Antarctic Ocean showed some significant differences. Here, a substantial amount of the total cadmium and lead was associated with the larger particles. However, relatively high enrichment factors found for cadmium, nickel, lead, and thallium in the smallest particles suggest a natural source, probably biogenic activities, in the Antarctic Ocean.Dedicated to Professor Dr. Dr. h.c. mult. J.F.K. Huber on the occasion of his 70th birthday     

Direkte Bestimmung von Schwermetallen (Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, Hg) in Vollblut und Harn mit der Zeeman-Atom-Absorption

Zusammenfassung Durch die kritische Vor- und Aufbereitung der Proben sind bisher nur sehr erfahrene und gut ausgestattete Labors in der Lage, die toxischen Schwermetalle im Blut richtig zu bestimmen. Clean-bench-Bedingungen, sorgfältigste Reinigung und Lagerung der Gefäße, Verwendung von hochreinen Chemikalien sind bei den herkömmlichen Verfahren unerläßlich. Mit der Zeeman-Atom-Absorption und der Verwendung der L'vovschen Plattform ist die Direktanalyse von Vollblut ohne Probenvorbereitung möglich. Die Richtigkeit und Reproduzierbarkeit ist gewährleistet. Damit können solche Analysen auch in kleinen Labors durchgeführt werden, die nicht auf die Spurenanalyse spezialisiert sind. Bei einer begrenzten Anzahl von Proben ist die Analysengeschwindigkeit durch die nicht notwendige Probenvorbereitung höher. Die Analysenkosten sind deutlich niedriger.

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Direct determination of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, Hg) in blood and urine by means of Zeeman atomic absorption

Summary Hitherto, only well-equipped and experienced laboratories are able to perform accurate determinations of toxic heavy metals in blood because of the necessary pretreatment of the sample. Clean-bench conditions, careful cleaning and storage of the vessels and use of high-purity chemicals are essential with the conventional methods. However, when employing Zeeman atomic absorption and L'vov platforms direct analysis of blood without prior treatment becomes possible. Accuracy and reproducibility are ensured. Thus, such analyses can also be carried out by small laboratories not specialised in trace analysis. With a limited number of samples the rate of analysis is higher because of the not required pretreatment of the samples. Costs are distinctly lower.

     

Micro reversed phase liquid chromatography of Cd-, Ni-, Zn-, Cu-, Co-, Hg-diethyldithiocarbamates at picogram level

Summary The use of micro reversed phase columns (Polygosil C18) for the separation of metal DDTC chelates was investigated and applied to drinking water analysis.Three different eluents have been tested [702010 (MeOH H₂OCHCl₃); 8020 (MeOHH₂O); 7030 (MeOHH₂O)] at flow rates of 7 to 28gml/min. Eluent composition showed strong influence onk of Co(DDTC)₂.The linear working curves fitted at least 3 decades with detection limit of 40–500 pg. Monitoring at _max instead of 254 nm decreases the detection limits. The consume of eluent is 10 to 20 times less than with analytical columnes.Results of micro LC have been compared with predictible data of theoretical considerations.

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Mikro-Umkehrphasen-Flüssigkeitschromatographie der Cd-, Ni-, Zn-, Cu-, Co-, Hg-Diethyldithiocarbamatchelate im Picogrammbereich

Zusammenfassung Die Anwendung von Mikro-RP-Säulen (Polygosil C18) für die Trennung von Metall-DDTC-Chelaten wurde untersucht und auf die Analyse von Trinkwasser angewendet. Drei verschiedene Eluentien [702010 (MeOH H₂OCHCl₃); 8020 (MeOHH₃O); 7030 (MeOHH₂O)] bei Fließraten von 7 bis 28gml/min wurden untersucht,k von Co(DDTC)₂ wird von der Eluenszusammensetzung erheblich beeinflußt. Der lineare Meßbereich betrug mindestens 3 Dekaden mit einer Nachweisgrenze von 40–500 pg, die durch Detektion bei _max statt bei 254 nm noch weiter gesenkt werden kann.Der Verbrauch an Eluens ist 10–20mal geringer als bei analytischen Säulen.Die Ergebnisse der Mikro-LC wurden anhand theoretischer Überlegungen mit den vorhersagbaren Daten verglichen.

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Presented in parts at 9th International Symposium on Microchemical Techniques, Amsterdam 1983.     

High-pressure microwave dissolution of ceramics prior to trace metal determinations by microwave induced plasma atomic emission spectrometry

A commercial laboratory microwave acid digestion system was evaluated for the acid dissolution of ceramic powders (Al₂O₃, AlN, BN and Si₃N₄) prior to the determination of their trace element content by microwave induced plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Newly designed vessels, capable of withstanding internal pressures of over 110 bar, provide rapid and satisfactory results for sample dissolution. Sample preparation time was approximately 30 min (including the subsequent cooling time and preparation of the final solution). Results from conventional stainless-steel acid digestion vessel (Teflon bomb) dissolution are compared with the microwave bomb results of microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry.     

Studies on Acoustic Behavior, Viscosity, and Density of Some Commercial Extractants and Their Molecular Interaction with Diluent, Modifier, and Extractant

Acoustical and viscosity measurements have been made for binary liquid mixtures of commercially available solvent extractants, LIX reagents such as LIX 622 and LIX 860 in benzene, amyl alcohol, and tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) at 303.15 K. The measured values of ultrasonic velocity, density, and viscosity have been utilized to compute some acoustic as well as thermodynamic parameters such as intermolecular free length, L _f, isentropic compressibility, _s, molar volume, V, and Gibb's excess free energies of activation of viscous flow, G*^E. These parameters along with the derived values of isentropic compressibility, _s ^E, intermolecular free length, L _f ^E, and molar volume, V ^E, have been utilized for a comparative study of molecular interactions between the components present in different liquid systems. The experimental ultrasonic velocities for aforementioned mixtures have been compared with theoretically estimated velocities using different empirical relations, and the relative merits of these theories and relations have been discussed in terms of percentage variation.     

Novel methacrylate copolymers with fluorine containing: Synthesis, characterization, reactivity ratios, thermal properties and biological activity

New methacrylate based monomers 2-(4-benzoylphenoxy)-2-oxoethyl-2-methylacrylate (BOEMA), 2-(4-acetylphenoxy)-2-oxoethyl-2-methylacrylate (AOEMA), and 2-[(4-fluorophenyl)amino]-2-oxoethyl-2-methylacrylate (FPAMA), were synthesized first time. The free-radical-initiated copolymerization of AOEMA and BOEMA with FPAMA were carried out in 1,4-dioxane solution at 65 °C using 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator with different monomer-to-monomer ratios in the feed. The monomers and copolymers were characterized by FTIR, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectral studies. The copolymer compositions were evaluated by nitrogen content in polymers. The reactivity ratios of the monomers were determined by the application of Fineman-Ross and Kelen-Tudos methods. The analysis of reactivity ratios revealed that BOEMA and AOEMA are less reactive than FPAMA, and copolymers formed are statistically in nature. The molecular weights ( and ) and polydispersity index of the polymers were determined using gel permeation chromatography. Thermogravimetric analysis of the polymers reveals that the thermal stability of the copolymers increases with an increase in the mole fraction of FPAMA in the copolymers. Glass transition temperatures of the copolymers were found to decrease with an increase in the mole fraction of FPAMA in the copolymers. The prepared homo and copolymers were tested for their antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi and yeast.     

Separation of carrier free65Zn and66,67,68Ga, the alpha-particle activation products of copper with HDEHP

A radiochemical charged particle activation procedure has been developed for the production and separation of the carrier free radioisotopes,⁶⁵Zn and^66,67,68Ga. The carrier free radioisotopes produced by the irradiation of a pure copper foil with 50 MeV -particle beam through the nuclear reactions, (, pxn), (,pxn) and (,xn), have been quantitatively separated from the activated copper matrix from an aqueous hydrochloric acid and an alkaline solution using the liquid cation exchanger HDEHP, as an extractant. Detection of different radionuclides in the activated copper target and verification of their purity at different stages of their LLX separation have been performed by -ray spectrometric studies.     

pH-dependence of 31P-NMR spectroscopic parameters of monofluorophosphate, phosphate, hypophosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate and their dimers and trimers

³¹P-NMR chemical shifts and coupling constants of nine inorganic phosphorus compounds composed of different structural units or oxidation numbers P^V, P^IV, P^III, and P^I were measured in the pH-range 3 11. A concise map of NMR data providing the pH-dependence of the chemical shift (-pH map) was set up to be used for identifying phosphorus compounds under varying pH-conditions. Chemical shifts of monofluorophosphate, as well as most phosphorus compounds of oxidation numbers 5 and 4, were greatly dependent on pH, in contrast to the less or negligible pH-dependence of phosphorus compounds of oxidation numbers 1 and 3. Monofluorophosphate gave the parameters: =+1.3±0.2 ppm and ¹J_PF=870±0.2 Hz, that remained unchanged at pH>6, but varied at pH<6. The practical use of the -pH map was shown with a few kinetic experiments in which monofluorophosphate was enzymatically hydrolyzed by alkaline phosphatase (EC3.1.3.1) at pH 7.2 and non-enzymatically at pH 3.     

Certified reference materials (CRM 408 and 409) for quality control of main components (ammonium, calcium, hydronium, magnesium, nitrate, potassium, sodium and sulphate) in simulated rain water

Analyses of rainwater are routinely performed by a number of organisations to monitor the contribution from rainwater to the component occurrences in the environment and the acidification of the environment. To control the quality of such determinations, the Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) has organised a certification campaign to produce two simulated rainwater reference materials (CRM 408, low mineral content and CRM 409, high mineral content). The materials were carefully prepared (addition of pro analysis and supra pure reagents with the mentioned elements to silica-free deionised water) and its homogeneity and long-term stability were verified. The materials were certified for their contents of ammonium (106 mol/kg) (CRM 409), calcium (7.68 and 15.5 mol/kg), chloride (67.3 and 113 mol/kg), hydronium (16.6 and 48.0 mol/kg), magnesium (6.14 and 12.3 mol/kg), nitrate (20.1 and 78.1 mol/kg), potassium (4.25 mol/kg) (CRM 409), sodium (42.0 and 82.9 mol/kg) and sulphate (10.5 and 53.2 mol/kg). Indicative values (not certified) are given for ammonium and potassium in CRM 408. This paper presents the certification work performed, as well as the analytical work for the certification of the contents of relevant species.