Determination of Copper by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry after Preconcentration with Activated Carbon Impregnated with a New Schiff Base

A simple and reliable method for the extraction and determination of trace amounts of copper（Ⅱ） ions using activated carbon （AC） impregnated by a new Schiff base 5-[（4-heptyloxyphenyl）azo]-N-（4-propyloxyphenyl）-salicylaldimine （HPPS） and atomic absorption spectrometry is presented. Recovery efficiency and the influence of pH value, volume of sample solution, effect of different eluents, and interfering ions were evaluated. The limit of detection （3σ） was 2.62 ng.mL^-1 and the relative standard deviation （n=10） was 1.5%. Under optimum conditions, the copper ions were concentrated 25 fold using 250 mL of sample solution and 10 mL of eluent. This procedure has been successfully applied to the determination of copper in different water samples.     

Solid‐phase extraction using bis(indolyl)methane‐modified silica reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes for the simultaneous determination of flavonoids and aromatic organic acid preservatives

A novel bis(indolyl)methane‐modified silica reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes sorbent for solid‐phase extraction was designed and synthesized by chemical immobilization of nitro‐substituted 3,3′‐bis(indolyl)methane on silica modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis, the extraction properties of the sorbent were evaluated for flavonoids and aromatic organic acid compounds. Under optimum conditions, the sorbent can simultaneously extract five flavonoids and two aromatic organic acid preservatives in aqueous solutions in a single‐step solid‐phase extraction procedure. Wide linear ranges were obtained with correlation coefficients (R²) ranging from 0.9843 to 0.9976, and the limits of detection were in the range of 0.5–5 μg/L for the compounds tested. Compared with the silica modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes sorbent and the nitro‐substituted 3,3′‐bis(indolyl)methane‐modified silica sorbent, the developed sorbent exhibited higher extraction efficiency toward the selected analytes. The synergistic effect of nitro‐substituted 3,3′‐bis(indolyl)methane and multiwalled carbon nanotubes not only improved the surface‐to‐volume ratio but also enhanced multiple intermolecular interactions, such as hydrogen bonds, π–π, and hydrophobic interactions, between the new sorbent and the selected analytes. The as‐established solid‐phase extraction with high‐performance liquid chromatography and diode array detection method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of flavonoids and aromatic organic acid preservatives in grape juices with recoveries ranging from 83.9 to 112% for all the selected analytes.     

New sulfonate composite functionalized with multiwalled carbon nanotubes with cryogel solid‐phase extraction sorbent for the determination of β‐agonists in animal feeds

A new mixed‐mode cation‐exchange sulfonate composite functionalized with multiwalled carbon nanotubes with polyvinyl alcohol cryogel was fabricated and used for the first time as a solid‐phase extraction sorbent for the determination of β‐agonists in animal feeds. Feed samples were extracted with 0.20 M phosphoric acid and methanol (1:4, v/v) using ultrasonication, cleaned‐up using the developed sorbent to which the β‐agonists bound then finally eluted with 5.0% ammonia in methanol and analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Various parameters that affected the extraction efficiency were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the developed sorbent strongly interacted with β‐agonists by cationic exchange and hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions, that provided a high extraction efficiency in the range of 92.8 ± 3.7–104.4 ± 2.3% over a range of 0.04–2.0 mg/kg for salbutamol and ractopamine, and 0.40–8.0 mg/kg for clenbuterol. The relative standard deviations were less than 6.0%. The developed method was successfully applied for the determination of β‐agonists in various types of animal feed and effectively reduced any matrix interference.     

Separation and preconcentration of trace amounts of gold(III) ions using modified multiwalled carbon nanotube sorbent prior to flame atomic absorption spectrometry determination

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes are attractive as sorbents for SPE because they can be used for enrichment of organic compounds and metal ions at trace levels. In this study, multiwalled carbon nanotubes were oxidized with concentrated HNO3, and then the oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes were modified with 5-(4'-dimethylamino-benzyliden)-rhodanine. The modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes were used as a solid sorbent for separation and preconcentration of trace amounts of Au(III) ions. The sorption of Au(III) ions was quantitative in the pH range of 2.0-5.0, whereas quantitative desorption occurred instantaneously with 5.0 mL 2.0 M Na2S2O3. The eluted solution was aspirated directly into the flame for atomic absorption spectrometry. The proposed method resulted in an enrichment factor of 94. The RSD of the method was +/- 1.11% (n=10, 2.0 microg/mL) and the LOD was 0.15 ng/mL. The calibration curve for Au(III) was linear between 0.53 ng/mL and 36.0 microg/mL in the initial solution, with an R2 value of 0.9999. The sorbent capacity of the modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes was 7.3 mg Au(III)/g sorbent. The influences of the experimental parameters, including sample pH, sample flow rate, eluent volume and flow rate, sample volume, and interference of some ions on the recoveries of the Au ions, were investigated. The proposed method was applied for preconcentration and determination of Au in different samples.     

Preconcentration procedure trace amounts of palladium using modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes sorbent prior to flame atomic absorption spectrometry: 1st Nano Update

A method for preconcentration of palladium at trace level on modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes columns and determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) has been developed. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were oxidized with concentrated HNO₃ and the oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes were modified with 5-(4′-dimethylamino benzyliden)-rhodanine, and then were used as a solid sorbent for preconcentration of Pd(II) ions. Factors influencing sorption and desorption of Pd(II) ions were investigated. The sorption of Pd(II) ions was quantitative in the pH range of 1.0–4.5, whereas quantitative desorption occurs with 3.0 mL 0.4 mol L^?1 thiourea. The amount of eluted palladium was measured using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The effects of experimental parameters, including sample flow rate, eluent flow rate, and eluent concentration were investigated. The effect of coexisting ions showed no interference from most ions tested. The proposed method permitted a large enrichment factor (about 200). The relative standard deviation of the method was ±2.73% (for eight replicate determination of 2.0 μg mL^?1 of Pd(II)) and the limit of detection was 0.3 ng mL^?1. The method was applied to the determination of Pd(II) in water, road dust, and standard samples.     

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified with 2-aminobenzothiazole modified for uniquely selective solid-phase extraction and determination of Pb(II) ion in water samples

A solid phase extraction method is presented for the selective preconcentration and/or separation of trace Pb(II) on multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified with 2-aminobenzothiazole. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry was used for detection. The effects of pH, shaking time, sample flow rate and volume, elution condition and interfering ions were examined using batch and column procedures. An enrichment factor of 100 was accomplished. Common other ions do not interfere in both the separation and determination. The maximum adsorption capacity of the sorbent at optimum conditions is 60.3?mg?g^?1 of Pb(II), the detection limit (3??) is 0.27?ng?mL^?1, and the relative standard deviation is 1.6% (n?=?8). The method was validated using a certified reference material, and has been applied to the determination of trace Pb(II) in water samples with satisfactory results.

Xylenol Orange‐Functionalized Halloysite Nanotubes as a Novel Adsorbent for Selective Solid‐phase Extraction and Determination of Trace Noble Elements

A novel method using xylenol orange‐modified halloysite nanotubes as a solid‐phase sorbent has been developed for the simultaneous preconcentration and separation of trace Au(III ) and Pd(II ) prior to their determination by inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‐AES ). The experimental effects of pH , the amount of adsorbent, sample flow rate, sample volume, interfering ions, and the elution condition were investigated in detail. Au(III ) and Pd(II ) were retained on the column at pH 3, and eluted with 2.0 mL of 1.0 mol/L HCl + 2% CS (NH₂ )₂ solution. Common interfering ions did not have any impact on the adsorption, separation, and determination. An enrichment factor of 150 was obtained. The maximum adsorption capacities of the adsorbent were 41.63 and 47.82 mg/g for Au(III ) and Pd(II ), respectively, under the optimum conditions. By the definition of IUPAC , the detection limits (3σ ) of this method for Au(III ) and Pd(II ) were 0.31 and 0.27 ng/mL , and the relative standard deviations (RSDs ) were 2.7 and 3.2%, respectively (n = 8). This newly developed method was verified by certified reference materials, and has been successfully applied to the determination of trace Au(III ) and Pd(II ) in mine samples with satisfactory results. It can be confidently predicted that the method can be used for the determination trace Au(III ) and Pd(II ) in other real samples because of its high selectivity, sensitivity, and reproducibility.     

Determination of Pb(II) and Cu(II) by Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry after Preconcentration by a Schiff Base Adsorbed on Surfactant Coated Alumina

1,2-Bis（salicylidenamino）ethane loaded onto sodium dodecyl sulfate-coated alumina was used as a new chelating sorbent for the preconcentration of traces of Pb（Ⅱ） and Cu（Ⅱ） prior to atomic absorption spectrometric determination. The influence of pH, flow rates of sample and eluent solutions, and foreign ions on the recovery of Pb（Ⅱ） and Cu（Ⅱ） by this sorbent has been studied. The retained ions were eluted with 4 mol·L nitric acid and determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry （ETAAS）. The data of limit of detection （3σ） for Pb（Ⅱ） and Cu（Ⅱ） were found to be 8.57 and 2.69 ng·L^-1 respectively, while the enrichment factor for both ions was 100. The proposed method was successfully applied to determination of lead and copper in different water samples.     

Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetric Simultaneous Determination of Copper(II) and Silver(I) with Bis(2‐hydroxyacetophenone) Butane‐2,3‐dihydrazone Modified Carbon Paste Electrodes

The behavior of a modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) for simultaneous determination of copper(II) and silver(I) by anodic adsorptive stripping voltammetry (ASV) was studied. The electrode was built incorporating the bis(2‐hydroxyacetophenone) butane‐2,3‐dihydrazone (BHAB) as a complexing agent to a Nujol‐graphite base paste. The resulting electrode demonstrated linear responses over the range of Cu(II) and Ag(I) concentrations 0.1–20 and 0.01–2.0 µM respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) for the determination of 5.0 µM of both metal ions were 2.9 and 3.1 % for Cu(II) and Ag(I), respectively. The method has been applied to the analysis of copper in wheat and barley seed samples and silver in developed radiological film.     

Solid-phase extraction using multiwalled carbon nanotubes and quinalizarin for preconcentration and determination of trace amounts of some heavy metals in food,water and environmental samples

A solid phase extraction procedure has been developed using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a solid sorbent and quinalizarin [1,2,5,8-tetrahydroxyanthracene-9,10-dione] as a chelating agent for separation and preconcentration of trace amounts of some heavy metal ions, Cd(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) before their determination by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). The influences of the analytical parameters, including pH, amounts of quinalizarin and adsorbent, sample volume, elution conditions such as volume and concentration of eluent, flow rates of solution and matrix ions, were investigated for the optimum recoveries of the analyte ions. No interference effects were observed from the foreign metal ions. The preconcentration factor was 100. The detection limit (LOD) for the investigated metals at the optimal conditions were observed in the range of 0.30–0.65 μg L^?1. The relative standard deviation (RSDs), and the recoveries of standard addition for this method were lower than 5.0% and 96–102%, respectively. The new procedure was successfully applied to the determination of analytes in food, water and environmental samples with satisfactory results.     

Determination of Diuretics in Urine Using Immobilized Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Hollow Fiber Liquid‐Phase Microextraction Combined with Liquid Chromatography‐Tandem Mass Spectrometry

A novel technique utilizing the adsorptive potential of immobilized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (I‐MWCNT) in hollow fiber liquid‐phase microextraction (HF‐LPME) was developed for the determination of diuretics in urine. In this study, the potential of carbon nanotubes as a sorbent for three‐phase liquid‐phase microextraction of diuretics from urine samples was evaluated. Analysis was performed using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). A novel method was applied to detect acetazolamide (AAA), chlorothiazide (CTA), hydrochlorothiazide (HCT), hydroflumethiazide (HFT), clopamide (CA), trichlormethiazide (TCM), althiazide (AT) and bendroflumethiazide (BFT) in urine. Two‐step extractions using different times and temperatures for each step were adopted. Parameters influencing the extraction efficiency, including the extraction solvent, sample pH, salt concentration, extraction time and extraction temperature were systematically optimized. Under the resulting optimal extraction conditions, this method showed good linearity over an analytes concentration range of 1 to 1000 ng/mL, high extraction repeatability with relative standard deviations of less than 6%, and low detection limits (0.09 to 0.51 ng/mL). The application of the methods to the determination of diuretics in real samples was tested by analyzing urine samples of patient.     

A simple,rapid and sensitive method based on modified multiwalled carbon nanotube for preconcentration and determination of lead ions in aqueous media in natural pHs

In this study, multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) was modified by the pyridine group using a silane agent and characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermal analysis (TG/DTA), and elemental analysis (CHN) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The application of this sorbent was investigated in determination of lead ions in aqueous samples, using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Through this study, different parameters such as pH and sample flow rate on adsorption process and eluent concentration, volume and flow rate were optimized. The limit of detection (LOD), the relative standard deviation and the recovery of the method were 2 ng mL^?1, 1.3% and 99.7%, respectively. Two standard reference materials (NIST 1571 and NIST 1572) were used to verify accuracy of this method. Finally, the sorbent was successfully applied for extraction and determination of low levels of Pb(II) ions in aqueous samples.     

Potential of Modified Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes with 1-(2-Pyridylazo)-2-naphtol as a New Solid Sorbent for the Preconcentration of Trace Amounts of Cobalt(II) Ion

The present paper reports on the application of modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MMWCNTs) as a new, easily prepared and stable solid sorbent for the preconcentration of trace Co(II) in aqueous solution. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were oxidized with concentrated HNO(3) and modified with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphtol (PAN), and were then used as a solid phase for the preconcentration of Co(II). Factors influencing the sorption and desorption of Co(II) were investigated. Elution was carried out with 0.5 mol L(-1) HNO(3). The amount of eluted Co(II) was measured using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The effects of the experimental parameters, including the sample pH, sample flow rate, eluent flow rate and eluent concentration, were investigated. The effect of coexisting ions showed no interference from most ions tested. The proposed method permitted a large enrichment factor (about 300). The precision of the method was 1.63% (for eight replicate determination of 0.5 microg mL(-1) of Co(II)) and the limit of detection was 0.55 ng mL(-1). The method was applied to the determination of Co(II) in water, biological and standard samples.     

Extraction of methocarbamol from human plasma with a polypyrrole/multiwalled carbon nanotubes composite decorated with magnetic nanoparticles as an adsorbent followed by electrospray ionization ion mobility spectrometry detection†

In this work, a polypyrrole/multiwalled carbon nanotubes composite decorated with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles was chemically synthesized and applied as a novel adsorbent for the extraction of methocarbamol from human plasma. Electrospray ionization ion mobility spectrometry was used for the determination of the analyte. The properties of the magnetic‐modified adsorbent were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The effects of experimental parameters on the extraction efficiency of the sorbent were investigated. Under the optimized conditions, the linear dynamic range was found to be 2–150 ng/mL with the detection limit of 0.9 ng/mL. The relative standard deviation was 5.3% for three replicate measurements of methocarbamol in plasma sample. The extraction efficiency of the sorbent for the determination of different drugs with various polarities was also compared to that of Fe₃O₄‐polypyrrole and Fe₃O₄‐multiwalled carbon nanotubes sorbents. Finally, the method was used for the determination of methocarbamol in blood samples.     

Application of a thiourea‐containing task‐specific ionic liquid for the solid‐phase extraction cleanup of lead ions from red lipstick,pine leaves,and water samples

Here, task‐specific ionic liquid solid‐phase extraction is proposed for the first time. In this approach, a thiourea‐functionalized ionic liquid is immobilized on the solid sorbent, multiwalled carbon nanotubes. These modified nanotubes packed into a solid‐phase extraction column are used for the selective extraction and preconcentration of ultra‐trace amounts of lead(II) from aqueous samples prior to electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy determination. The thiourea functional groups act as chelating agents for lead ions retaining them and so, give the selectivity to the sorbent. Elution of the retained ions can be performed using an acidic thiourea solution. The effects of experimental parameters including pH of the aqueous solution, type and amount of eluent, and the flow rates of sample and eluent solutions on the separation efficiency are investigated. The linear dependence of absorbance of lead on its concentration in the initial solution is in the range of 0.5–40.0 ng/mL with the detection limit of 0.13 ng/mL (3s_b/m, n = 10). The proposed method is applicable to the analysis of red lipstick, pine leaves, and water samples for their lead contents.     

Application of multiwalled carbon nanotubes for the preconcentration and determination of organochlorine pesticides in water samples by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry

A fast, sensitive, and convenient technique consisting of a miniaturized solid‐phase extraction method named microextraction in packed syringe coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry was developed for the preconcentration and determination of some pesticides, including hexachlorobenzene, heptachlor, alachlor, aldrine, and metolachlore, in natural water samples. Carboxyl‐purified multiwalled carbon nanotubes were used as a sorbent in microextraction in packed syringe. Based on this technique, 6.0 mg of multiwalled carbon nanotubes was inserted in the syringe between two polypropylene frits. The analytes would be adsorbed on the solid phase, and would subsequently be eluted using organic solvents. The influence of some important parameters involved including the solution pH, type, and volume of the organic desorption solvent, and amount of the multiwalled carbon nanotubes sorbent on the extraction efficiency of the selected pesticides were investigated. The proposed method showed a good linearity in the range of 0.1–25.0 ng/mL and low limits of detection in the range of 0.02–0.19 ng/mL using the selected ion‐monitoring mode. Reproducibility of the method was in the range of 3.3–8.5% for the studied pesticides. Also to evaluate the matrix effect, the developed method was applied to the preconcentration and determination of the selected pesticides in different water samples.     

Application of a new nanoporous sorbent for extraction and pre-concentration of lead and copper ions

The authors describe a method for the trace determination of copper (II) and lead (II) in water and fish samples using solid-phase extraction via siliceous mesocellular foam functionalised by dithizone. Siliceous mesocellular was functionalised with dithizone, and the resulting sorbent was characterised by scanning electron microscopy, surface area analysis, thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis and FTIR. Following solid-phase extraction of target ions by the sorbent, copper and lead ions were quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Factors affecting the sorption and desorption of target ions by the sorbent were evaluated and optimised. The calibration plot is linear in the 1 – 500 μg L^?1 copper (II) and 3–700 μg L^?1 lead (II) concentration range. The relative recovery efficiency in real sample analysis is in the range from 96 to 102%, and precision varies between 1.7 and 2.8%. It is should be noted that the limits of detection for the copper and lead analysis were 0.8 and 1.6 μg L^?1, respectively. Also, the adsorption capacities for copper and lead ions were 120 and 160 mg g^?1, respectively. The obtained pre-concentration factor for the lead and copper ions by the proposed solid-phase extraction was 75. The method was successfully applied to the determination of low levels of copper (II) and lead (II) in tap, Caspian sea, Persian gulf and lake water and also their detection in fish samples.     

Determination of four sulfonylurea herbicides in tea by matrix solid‐phase dispersion cleanup followed by dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction

Matrix solid‐phase dispersion combined with dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction has been developed as a new sample pretreatment method for the determination of four sulfonylurea herbicides (chlorsulfuron, bensulfuron‐methyl, chlorimuron‐ethyl, and pyrazosulfuron) in tea by high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. The extraction and cleanup by matrix solid‐phase dispersion was carried out by using CN‐silica as dispersant and carbon nanotubes as cleanup sorbent eluted with acidified dichloromethane. The eluent of matrix solid‐phase dispersion was evaporated and redissolved in 0.5 mL methanol, and used as the dispersive solvent of the following dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction procedure for further purification and enrichment of the target analytes before high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis. Under the optimum conditions, the method yielded a linear calibration curve in the concentration range from 5.0 to 10 000 ng/g for target analytes with a correlation coefficients (r²) ranging from 0.9959 to 0.9998. The limits of detection for the analytes were in the range of 1.31–2.81 ng/g. Recoveries of the four sulfonylurea herbicides at two fortification levels were between 72.8 and 110.6% with relative standard deviations lower than 6.95%. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of four sulfonylurea herbicides in several tea samples.     

Determination of Trace Amounts of Copper in Tap Water Samples with a Calix[4]arene Modified Carbon Paste Electrode by Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetry

A calix[4]arene modified carbon paste electrode was used for trace determination of copper. The study of the preconcentration of copper as well as the other heavy metal ions at the modified electrode, with subsequent measurement by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV), indicates the efficient open‐circuit accumulation of the analytes onto the electrode. Many parameters such as the composition of the paste, pH, preconcentration time and stirring rate influence the response of the measurement. The procedure was optimized for copper determination. For a 10‐minute preconcentration time at pH 6.5–7.5, the detection limit (LOD) was 1.1 μg L^?1. The optimized method was successfully applied to the determination of copper in tap water sample by means of standard addition procedure. The copper content of the sample was comparable with the result obtained with AAS method.     

Effect of oxidation of activated carbon on its enrichment efficiency of metal ions: comparison with oxidized and non-oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes

The effect of oxidation of activated carbon (AC) with various oxidizing agents (nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide, ammonium persulfate) on preconcentration of metal ions (Cr3+, Mn2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Cd2+ and Zn2+) from environmental waters prior to their flame atomic absorption spectroscopic analysis was investigated. The highest recoveries and adsorption capacities towards metal ions were achieved when using nitric acid-oxidized AC (sorbent AC-NA) as preconcentrating sorbent at pH 9. A preconcentration procedure was optimized using AC-NA as sorbent, which was then compared with non-oxidized AC in terms of analytical performance of the preconcentration method. Higher sensitivity, lower detection limits and wider linear ranges were achieved when AC-NA was used. The analytical performance of the method using AC-NA as preconcentrating sorbent was also compared with nitric acid-oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (sorbent MWCNT-NA) and non-oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (sorbent MWCNT). The analytical performance of the preconcentration method using AC-NA was close to MWCNT-NA, but AC-NA was better than non-oxidized MWCNT. Application of the optimized preconcentration method (using AC-NA sorbent) to environmental waters (tap water, reservoir water, stream water) gave spike recoveries of the metals in the range 63-104%.