Competitive transport of toxic metal ions by polymer inclusion membranes

The paper gives a short overview of application of polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) for separation and removal of metal ions. Investigation of the selective removal of toxic metal ions, i.e. Cr(VI), Cd(II), Zn(II) from acidic chloride aqueous solutions, as well as trace radionuclides, i.e., ¹³⁷Cs, ⁹⁰Sr and ⁶⁰Co from wastewaters using transport across polymer inclusion membranes was studied. The carriers, i.e., tri-n-octylamine for anionic metal species, as well as dibenzo-21-crown-7, tertbutyl-dibenzo-21-crown-7, and dinonylnaphtalenesulfonic acid for metal cations were incorporated into polymer inclusion membranes composed of cellulose triacetate as a support and o-nitrophenyl pentyl ether as a plasticizer. Selective transport of chromium(VI) over zinc(II) and cadmium(II) chloride complexes through PIMs was observed. Competitive transport of trace radionuclide ions, i.e., ¹³⁷Cs, ⁹⁰Sr, and ⁶⁰Co from NaNO₃ aqueous solutions across polymer inclusion membranes containing a mixture of dinonylnaphtalenesulfonic acid, and dibenzo-21-crown-7 as the carrier provide the selectivity order Cs(I)>Sr(II)>Co(II).     

Heavy metal ions removal by nano-sized spherical polymer brushes

Nano-sized spherical polymer brushes(SPBs) consisting of both a polystyrene(PS) core and a brush shell of poly(acrylic acid)(PAA), poly(N-acrylcysteamine)(PSH), or poly(N-acrylcysteamine-co-acrylic acid)(P(SH-co-AA)), were prepared by photo-emulsion polymerization. The core-shell structure was observed by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Due to the strengthened Donnan effect, the PAA brush can adsorb heavy metal ions. Effects of the contact time, thickness of PAA brush and pH value on the adsorption results were investigated. Due to the coordination between the mercapto groups and heavy metal ions as well as the electrostatic interactions, SPBs with mercapto groups are capable to remove heavy metal ions selectively from aqueous solutions. The order of adsorption capacity of the heavy metal ions by SPBs with mercapto groups is: Hg2+ ≈ Au3+ Pb2+ Cu2+ Ni2+. The adsorbed heavy metal ions can be eluted from SPB by aqueous HCl solution, and the SPBs can be recovered. After three regenerations the recovered SPBs still maintain their adsorption capacity.     

Novel proton-conducting polymer inclusion membranes

The preparation and characterization of new polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) for proton transport is described. PIMs were prepared with different polymeric cellulose-based compounds and PVC as supports, tris(2-butoxyethyl)phosphate (TBEP) and 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE) as plasticizers and dinonylnaphthalenesulfonic acid (DNSA) and dinonylnaphthalenedisulfonic acid (DNDSA) as carriers. The effects of the nature and content of the supports, plasticizers and carriers on membrane proton conductivity was studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). This technique was also used to evaluate the chemical stability of a CTA–NPOE–DNDSA membrane while its selectivity was monitored with respect to sodium and calcium ions through counter-transport experiments. DSC and TGA techniques were used to determine the thermal stability of these membranes. A PIM based on CTA–DNDSA–NPOE showed the highest proton conductivity (3.5 mS/cm) with no variation of its behavior during 2 months of evaluation. FTIR characterization did not show structural changes of the membrane in this period of time. Thermal analysis indicates that it is stable up to 180 °C. An empirical functional relationship between PIM resistance and composition indicates that increasing plasticizer and carrier concentrations enhances the conductivity of the membranes, while increasing CTA content tends to decrease this property. Transport experiments showed a good selectivity of the CTA–DNDSA–NPOE membrane for protons over calcium or sodium ions.     

Selective metal ion transport through polymer inclusion membrane containing surfactin as carrier reagents

Metal ion selective polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) was prepared by using cellulose triacetate as matrix, surfactin (SF) as ion carrier, and 2-nitrophenyl n-octyl ether as plasticizer. The structure and morphology of the prepared PIM were characterized by means of thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The effects of plasticizer and the amount of SF to ionic membrane flux were investigated, and the optimized component was obtained thereof. The selectivity of the membrane toward metal cation was studied and the order of Ni(II) > Ca(II) > Co(II) > Pb(II) > Cu(II) > Mg(II) was followed. In addition, the durability of the PIM was studied by successive reuse of the membrane, and the ionic flux slightly decreased after five cycles of reuse, indicating the excellent durability of the PIM.     

Heavy metal complexation by N-acyl(thio)urea-functionalized cavitands: synthesis, extraction and potentiometric studies

The synthesis and binding properties of resorcinarene-based cavitands functionalized with N-acylthiourea moieties towards different cations are described. Extraction studies with metal (Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ag⁺, Hg²⁺, Cd²⁺, Eu³⁺, Fe³⁺, K⁺, Na⁺, and Ca²⁺) picrates and the incorporation in ion selective electrodes (ISEs), show that there is more than a 40% increase of the Ag⁺ extraction for N-acylthiourea ionophores (2, 3, and 8) in comparison with N-benzoyl-N′-benzylthiourea (9). Ionophore 8, which has a C₃ chain between the platform and the ionophore, extracts two times more Cu²⁺ than the more rigid one (2). Stoichiometry studies showed for ligand 2 a ligand/metal ratio of 1:1, while for model compound 9 a ratio of 1:2 was found. Potentiometric studies of electrodes revealed that cavitands 2, 3, and 8 induce a significantly different selectivity pattern compared to the cation-exchanger used, as well as model compound 9. Especially, a considerable enhancement of the selectivity towards Ag⁺ and Pb²⁺ over K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Na²⁺ ions was observed.     

Heavy metal pollution from phosphate rock used for the production of fertilizer in Pakistan

Phosphate rock belongs mainly to sedimentary, slightly to igneous, and negligibly to metamorphic rocks. It is used for the production of phosphorous based fertilizers, acids, detergents and many products of common use. The rock is mainly composed of phosphorous and minutely of many other elements. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn (environmental pollutants i.e. toxic elements), and Co, K, Mg, Mn, Na (common elements) in phosphate rocks used for production of fertilizer in Pakistan. Rock samples of local origin were collected from the geological rock formations around the city of Abbottabad and those of foreign origin were obtained from the fertilizer factories and research institutes in Pakistan. Analysis of phosphate rock for all the elements of interest was carried out with Flame Atomic Absorption spectrometer (FAAS) except for sodium which was analyzed using Flame Photometer, while the concentration of potassium was determined using both the techniques. The results showed that heavy metal content was lower in Pakistani phosphate than that in imported rock and were below the safe limits with the exception of lead whose concentration was found to be higher in local phosphate deposits than that in imported rock samples. Phosphate rock is a source of heavy metal pollution of air, soil, water, food chain etc, therefore requires removal of heavy metals (HMs) from the rock prior to its use.     

Heavy metal mobility assessment in sediments based on a kinetic approach of the EDTA extraction: search for optimal experimental conditions

The feasibility of kinetic extraction studies using EDTA as the complexing agent is evaluated for the extraction of Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Fe³⁺ from contaminated sediments. In the first approach, the study was carried out in batch equilibrium conditions in order to determine optimal ranges for operational parameters, such as pH, concentration of EDTA and the ratio of mass of sediment to volume of EDTA, m/V. It has been concluded that the quantities of metal extracted by EDTA do not depend on the m/V ratio and that an EDTA concentration of 0.05 M ensures an excess of extractant. The kinetic studies were performed with the optimised experimental conditions. Two extraction protocols were used and compared in terms of experimental performance. The main difference between these two protocols is the use, in protocol I of a single sediment/EDTA mixture in which aliquots are collected at different times, whereas in protocol II several mixtures are stirred, each one for a different time. It has been shown that results of EDTA extractions can be influenced by the protocol used and we recommend protocol II for kinetic studies.     

A novel multi-element coprecipitation technique for separation and enrichment of metal ions in environmental samples

A multi-element preconcentration-separation technique for heavy metal ions in environmental samples has been established. The procedure is based on coprecipitation of gold(III), bismuth(III), cobalt(II), chromium(III), iron(III), manganese(II), nickel(II), lead(II), thorium(IV) and uranium(VI) ions by the aid of Cu(II)-9-phenyl-3-fluorone precipitate. The Cu(II)-9-phenyl-3-fluorone precipitate was dissolved by the addition 1.0 mL of concentrated HNO₃ and then the solution was completed to 5 mL with distilled water. Iron, lead, cobalt, chromium, manganese and nickel levels in the final solution were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometer, while gold, bismuth, uranium and thorium were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The optimal conditions are pH 7, amounts of 9-phenyl-3-fluorone: 5 mg and amounts of Cu(II): 1 mg. The effects of concomitant ions as matrix were also examined. The preconcentration factor was 30. Gold(III), bismuth(III), chromium(III), iron(III), lead(II) and thorium(IV) were quantitatively recovered from the real samples. The detection limits for the analyte elements based on 3 sigma (n = 15) were in the range of 0.05-12.9 μg L⁻¹. The validation of the presented procedure was checked by the analysis of two certified reference materials (Montana I Soil (NIST-SRM 2710) and Lake Sediment (IAEA-SL-1)). The procedure was successfully applied to some environmental samples including water and sediments.     

Preparation and characterisation of thiol functionalised p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-embedded polymer inclusion membranes: performance and selectivity

ABSTRACT

Here in we report the syntheses of the thiol functionalised p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene from the reaction of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-dialkylbromide derivative with thiourea. The structure of the thiol functionalised p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene was determined by using ¹HNMR, ¹³CNMR and elemental analysis techniques. Furthermore, the thiol functionalised p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene, cellulose triacetate (CTA) and 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether (o-NPPE) in dichloromethane were used to make a new calixarene-embedded polymer inclusion membrane (Bu^t-C@PIM). The surface and structure morphology of Bu^t-C@PIM was detected using thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis techniques and scanning electron microscopy. The affinity (the percentage of metal ion transferred from the source solution) of a PIM towards a range of divalent cations was found to follow the order Pb²⁺ > Zn²⁺ > Ni²⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Cd²⁺ > Co²⁺. The results also indicated that the transport efficiency of Bu^t-C@PIM was repeatable and may be beneficial in the development of a simplistic and highly influential trace metal recovery method from aqueous solution.     

Selective separation of magnolol using molecularly imprinted membranes

Molecularly imprinted membranes (MIMs) for selective separation of magnolol were prepared by thermal polymerization using magnolol as the template, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the cross‐linker, 2,2‐azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the initiator, organic solvent as the porogen, methacrylamide (MAM) and acrylic acid (AA) as the functional monomers and cellulose acetate as the agglutinant. Commercial filter paper was used as the supporting material. The effects of different porogens and the ratio of functional monomers on the binding and recognition capacity of MIMs were investigated, and the morphology of the membranes was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the MIMs have the highest selectivity to magnolol when the ratio of MAM/AA was 1:4 and tetrahydrofuran (THF) with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used as the porogen. The morphology of the imprinted membranes after template extracting is much rougher with big cavities than that of the non‐imprinted membranes (NIMs) and the imprinted membranes before template extracting. The MIMs can selectively separate the magnolol.     

火焰原子吸收光谱法测定某城区污泥中4种重金属元素

将采集的污泥样品晾干并碾碎至粒径为150μm的细粉,置于105℃温度条件下烘干4 h,称取烘干的样品,用硝酸-氢氟酸-高氯酸混合酸消解后,将溶液定容至250 mL容量瓶中。分取5.00 mL试液置于100 mL容量瓶中用硝酸(0.2+99.8)溶液定容至100 mL,用火焰原子吸收光谱法按所选仪器工作条件测定其中4种重金属元素锰、铜、镉及铅的含量。方法的检出限(2s)分别为0.006 5(锰),0.001 6(铜),0.001 9(镉)及0.020 7(铅)mg.L-1。用标准加入法做回收试验,测得回收率在92.3%~98.6%之间。     

Heavy metal distribution in the sediment profiles of the Sauípe River Estuary, north seashore of the Bahia State, Brazil

The distribution of the elements Al, Fe and selected heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu and Cr) plus the organic matter in the sedimentary substratum of the mangrove ecosystem that surrounds the estuary of the Sauípe River (Bahia, Brazil) is presented. Mangrove sediments were collected from six stations from where each sample was collected from the interface water-sediment till the depth of 50 cm and its location was in accordance to the inter-tidal transection in order to characterize the three mangrove stands (proximal, intermediate and distal spatial position in relation to the main river channel). The results are important to subsidize any further studies in this region that require local geochemical references. The substratum of the Sauípe River's mangrove is in accordance with the other mangroves that occur in the Bahia State where there is no evidence of anthropic source of pollution.     

A sinapic acid–calix[4]arene hybrid selectively binds Pb over Hg and Cd

The binding affinity for Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Hg²⁺ of the sinapic acid–calix[4]arene hybrid 2, having four sinapyl pendants at the upper rim, has been investigated via an UV–Vis study. Compound 2 has better complexing ability than the monomeric p-phenetidine derivative 1. This highlights that the clustering of sinapyl units in a basket-like structure, dictated by the calixarene scaffold, greatly enhances the complexing properties. Ligand 2 forms complexes even with Hg²⁺, which is not complexed by 1 at all; the complexes formed by 2 with Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ are much stronger than the analogous complexes formed by 1. The UV–Vis investigation shows that the hybrid 2 markedly favors Pb²⁺ over Cd²⁺ and Hg²⁺. Information on the structural properties of the complex species was obtained by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. NMR data show that all three metal ions are placed into the cavity consisting of the calixarene scaffold and the sinapyl pendants, though their binding affects the coordinating regions to a different extent.     

Effect of Environmental Pollution on Heavy Metals Content of Withania Somnifera

Heavy metals were investigated in the medicinal plant Withania somnifera as well as of the soil it was grown in using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The plant samples were collected from three different locations of N.W.F.P, Pakistan. The plant parts including roots, stem, leaves and fruits were found to have the quantity of heavy metals corresponding to their content in the soil. The purpose of the study is to create awareness among people about the proper use and collection of medicinal plants containing high levels of heavy metals and their adverse health affects.     

Feasibility of the use of disposable optical tongue based on neural networks for heavy metal identification and determination

This study presents the development and characterization of a disposable optical tongue for the simultaneous identification and determination of the heavy metals Zn(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II). The immobilization of two chromogenic reagents, 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol and Zincon, and their arrangement forms an array of membranes that work by complexation through a co-extraction equilibrium, producing distinct changes in color in the presence of heavy metals. The color is measured from the image of the tongue acquired by a scanner working in transmission mode using the H parameter (hue) of the HSV color space, which affords robust and precise measurements. The use of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in a two-stage approach based on color parameters, the H feature of the array, makes it possible to identify and determine the analytes. In the first stage, the metals present above a threshold of 10⁻⁷ M are identified with 96% success, regardless of the number of metals present, using the H feature of the two membranes. The second stage reuses the H features in combination with the results of the classification procedure to estimate the concentration of each analyte in the solution with acceptable error. Statistical tests were applied to validate the model over real data, showing a high correlation between the reference and predicted heavy metal ion concentration.     

PNP-16-crown-6 derivatives as ion carriers for Zn(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) transport across polymer inclusion membranes

Transport rate of metal cations can be explained by the size of substituents, namely larger substituents such as 7 and 8 prefer Pb(II) cations. The bis-PNP-lariat ethers remove Zn(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) more efficiently than simple PNP-lariat ethers. The increase of linker length in the bis-PNP-lariat ether molecules lowers the metal cations’ transport rate. In addition, the synergetic effect for lead(II) transport across polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) with PNP-lariat ether 9 and DNNS was using PNP-lariat ethers—carriers 1 and 2 in a PIM system, Zn(II) and Cd(II) were transported with low selectivity from acidic aqueous source phase solutions. The ether 3 used to transport Zn(II) and Cd(II) cations from aqueous phase at pH 5.0 into hydrochloric aqueous solution shows high selectivity of Cd/Zn, but small efficiency of process.     

Investigations into cluster formation with alkyl-tethered bis-calix[4]arenes

Abstract

Calix[4]arenes are versatile ligands capable of forming a wide range of cluster motifs when reacted with 3d, 4f or 3d/4f metal ions. Synthetic modification at the calix[4]arene methylene bridge offers a unique opportunity to explore cluster formation with these alternative building blocks. Here, we present the synthesis of a range of bis-calix[4]arenes that are tethered by alkyl chains, as well as exploratory structural studies into cluster-forming reactions. Single crystals were formed in four cases, and from the X-ray structures elucidated it is possible to conclude that sufficiently long alkyl tethers allow for the formation of established cluster topologies without disruption to the core coordination chemistry.     

Determination of heavy metal ions by microchip capillary electrophoresis coupled with contactless conductivity detection

An integrated detection circuitry based on a lock-in amplifier was designed for contactless conductivity determination of heavy metals. Combined with a simple-structure electrophoresis microchip, the detection system is successfully utilized for the separation and determination of various heavy metals. The influences of the running buffer and detection conditions on the response of the detector have been investigated. Six millimole 2-morpholinoethanesulfonic acid + histidine were selected as buffer for its stable baseline and high sensitivity. The best signals were recorded with a frequency of 38 kHz and 20 V(pp). The results showed that Mn(2+), Cd(2+), Co(2+), and Cu(2+) can be successfully separated and detected within 100 s by our system. The detection limits for five heavy metals (Mn(2+), Pb(2+), Cd(2+), Co(2+), and Cu(2+)) were determined to range from about 0.7 to 5.4 μM. This microchip system performs a crucial step toward the realization of a simple, inexpensive, and portable analytical device for metal analysis.     

Trace Analysis of Heavy Metals with Two New Disodium Bisdithiocarbamates

Two chelating reagents, disodium N,N′-dibenzylethylenebisdithiocarbamate 1 and disodium piperazinebisdithiocarbamate 2, were synthesized and used to preconcentrate trace metals in aqueous samples. For analysis of Cu(II) using a UV-vis spectrometer, Beer's law was obeyed from 5.0 μg L^?1 to 6.0 mg L^?1 for reagent 1, and from 0.2 mg L^?1 to 6.0mg L^?1 for reagent. 2. The chelation ratio for reagent 1 to Cu(II) was determined to be 1:1, with a formation constant 1.0 × 10⁹ M^?l. The dependence of extraction and extraction efficiency of reagent 1 on pH was also studied with an atomic absorption spectrometer for nine heavy-metal ions-Cu(II), Fe(III), Pb(II), Co(II), Cr(VI), Ni(II), Zn(II), Mn(II) and Cd(II). Except Cr(VI) and Mn(II), the recovery yields of the other seven metal ions were almost quantitative at pH = 4 ? 6. The recovery was 82% for Cr(VI) at pH = 4 ? 5, and 52% for Mn(II) at pH = 6 ? 7.