Sorption of uranium using silica gel with benzoylthiourea derivatives

Benzoylthiourea derivatives (N,N-diphenyl-N′-(3-methylbenzoyl)thiourea and diphenyl-N′-(4-methylbenzoyl)thiourea) were impregnated onto silica gel. The preconcentration of uranium(VI) from aqueous solution was investigated. Extraction conditions were optimized in batch method prior to determination by uv–visible absorption spectrometry using arsenazo(III). The optimum pH for quantitative adsorption was found as 3–7. Quantitative recovery of uranium (VI) was achieved by stripping with 0.1 mol L^?1 HCl. Equilibration time was determined as 30 min for 99% sorption of U(VI). Under optimal conditions, dynamic linear range of for U(VI) was found as 0.25–10 μg mL^?1. The relative standard deviation as percentage and detection limit were 5.0% (n = 10) for 10 μg mL^?1 U(VI) solution and 8.7 ng mL^?1, respectively. The method was employed to the preconcentration of U(VI) ions in soil and tap water samples.     

Simple and fast voltammetric procedure of U(VI) determination in the presence of high concentrations of surface active substances

In this work, a simple and fast procedure for elimination of interfering surface active substances and for U(VI) adsorptive stripping voltammetric determination was developed. The adsorption in the form of U(VI)-cupferron complexes was performed, because as it was proved before, U(VI) forms with cupferron stable complexes, which were employed in voltammetric procedures. The procedure is based on two steps: the first is an adsorption of surface active substances onto an Amberlite XAD-16 or XAD-7 resin and the second is a voltammetric determination of U(VI) with a pulsed potential of accumulation alternate –0.65–0.3 V with the frequency of 0.5 Hz and then the differential pulse voltammogram was recorded, whereas the potential was scanned from –0.65 to –1.2 V. The detection limit estimated from three times the standard deviation for a low U(VI) concentrations was equal to 1.7 × 10^?10 mol L^?1 (7.2 × 10^?8 g L^?1). The linear range of U(VI) was observed over the concentration range from 5.0 × 10^?10 mol L^?1 (2.1 × 10^?7 g L^?1) to 2.0 × 10^?8 mol L^?1 (8.5 × 10^?6 g L^?1) for an accumulation time of 60 s. The influence of different kinds of surfactants, such as non-ionic, cationic and anionic on the uranium voltammetric signal was studied. The results confirm the possibility of U(VI) determination in water samples containing high concentrations of surface active substances even up to 50 mg L^?1.     

Selective preconcentration of Lanthanum(III) by Coriolus versicolor immobilised on Amberlite XAD-4 and its determination by ICP-OES

Coriolus versicolor, a wood fungus, was immobilised on Amberlite XAD-4 and used as solid-phase biosorbent for preconcentrations of rare earth elements. La(III), Th(IV), U(IV) and Ce(III) were subjected to solid-phase extraction procedure. We observed that La(III) was selectively preconcentrated, while other ions remained in solution at pH 6.0. 5.0 mL of 1.0 mol L^?1 HCl was used to elaute La(III) from column. 250 mg of C. versicolor loaded on 1000 mg of XAD-4 was optimised as solid-phase matrix. Concentrations of ions in solutions were determined by inductively coupled plasma– optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The calibration plot after preconcentration was linear in the range from 1.0 to 50.0 ng mL^?1 for La(III). Limit of detection was found as 0.27 ng mL^?1 for La(III) by SPE method. Relative standard deviation was found lower than 6.7% for 1.0 ng mL^?1 of La(III) solution (n = 10). The sensitivity of ICP-OES was improved by a factor of 46.8. The applicability of the method was validated through the analysis of certified reference samples of tea (NCS ZC-73014) and spinach (NCS ZC-73013).     

Sensitive quantification of uranium using cloud point extraction coupled with inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry

This article reports the utilization of cloud point extraction as a preconcentration strategy prior to U(VI) determination by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Complexes of U(VI) with Cyanex-301 were preconcentrated into mixed-micellar medium using Triton X-100 and Cetylpyridinium bromide at ambient temperature. Optimal values of parameters impacting the extraction efficiency were determined. The proposed technique has linearity range of 5–200 ng mL^?1 with r = 0.99 and detection and quantification limits of 0.57 and 0.85 ng mL^?1, respectively. The method has good selectivity for U(VI) over various cations and was successfully applied to U(VI) determination in water samples with satisfactory results.     

Separation and chromium speciation by single-wall carbon nanotubes microcolumn and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Microcolumn packed single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were used as solid phase extraction adsorbent for chromium speciation coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for detection. The effects of the experimental parameters, including pH of the solution, sample flow rate, volume and concentration of eluent, sample volume and interfering ions, on separation and determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) were investigated in detail. It was found that Cr(III) was selectively sorbed on the microcolumn packed with SWCNTs in the pH range from 2.0 to 4.0, while Cr(VI) remained in solution. The retained Cr(III) was subsequently eluted with 2.0 mL of 1.2 mol L^?1 nitric acid. Under the optimum conditions, the detection limits based on 3σ criterion were 0.01 ng mL^?1 and 0.024 ng mL^?1 for Cr(III) and Cr(VI), respectively. The relative standard deviations were less than 5.0% (n?=?9, c?=?1.0 ng mL^?1). The method was successfully applied to the speciation of chromium in real samples including natural and waste water. The recoveries of spiked samples were higher than 92.5%.     

FAAS determination of palladium after its selective recovery by silica modified with hydrazone derivative

Amino propyl silica (APS) gel reacts immediately with benzyl monopyridyl hydrazone (BMPH) to produce a new effective and selective derivative (BMPH-APS) for the separation and preconcentration of traces of Pd(II) in aqueous solution. Factors affecting the sorption and desorption of Pd ions have been investigated. Acidic aqueous solution of 0.5% thiourea in 0.5 mol L^?1 HCl has been used as eluent for the desorption of Pd(II). The stripped metal ion was determined by flame AAS. The modified silica quantitatively sorbed Pd(II) at pH 2–4 with a sorption capacity of 0.65 mmol g^?1 and preconcentration factor of 250 fold in less than one minute (t_1/2). Common other ions did not interfere except Co(II) which was eliminated by EDTA . The limit of detection (LOD) is 0.1 ng mL^?1 and the relative standard deviation (R. S. D.) for 10 replicate measurements at 20 ng mL^?1 Pd level was 1.51%. The method was successfully applied for Pd preconcentration in highly concentrated salt solutions and in spiked clay, road dust, scrap and water samples.     

β-Cyclodextrin-based polyurethane (β-CDPU) polymers as solid media for adsorption and determination of Pb(II) ions in dust and water samples

In this work, β-CD-based polyurethane copolymers (β-CDPU) have been prepared by reacting β-CD with hexamethylene diisocyanate as cross-linked agent in dry DMF. This polymer showed high selectivity for preconcentration of Pb(II) at trace level prior to its flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination. The effect of several parameters such as pH, flow rate of sample, eluent kind and volume was investigated. The adsorption behaviors and mechanisms of Pb(II) on the samples were also studied. The maximum adsorption amount of Pb(II) was 8 mg g^?1 with the preconcentration factor of 250 for Pb(II). The Langmuir isotherm was proved to describe the adsorption data better than the Freundlich isotherm and a pseudo-first-order kinetic model fits the adsorption kinetic processes well. The calibration curve was linear in the range of (3–200 ng mL^?1) with a correlation coefficient of 0.9996. The limit of detection based on three times the standard deviation of the blank was 1.15 ng mL^?1. The relative standard deviations for the determination of 10 and 100 ng mL^?1 of Pb(II) were 3.60 and 0.43 % (n = 10), respectively. The method was successfully applied to the determination of lead in some environmental samples such as Tehran and Bushehr drinking water, river water and dust samples.     

Behavior of Wild-type and Transfected S2 Cells Cultured in Two Different Media

An animal protein-free medium composed of IPL-41 containing 6 g L^?1 yeastolate ultrafiltrate, 10 g L^?1 glucose, 2 g L^?1 lactose, 5 g L^?1 glutamine, 1% lipid emulsion, and 0.1% Pluronic F-68 was used for producing recombinant proteins in batch mode employing two cell lines, S2AcRVGP2k expressing the G glycoprotein from rabies virus (RVGP) and S2AcHBsAgHy-9C expressing the surface antigen of hepatitis B virus (HBsAg), both obtained from Drosophila melanogaster S2 cells. Growth of wild-type S2 cells was also evaluated in the same medium. Cell behavior in the tested medium was compared to that verified in Sf900 II®. The results show that in shake flasks, S2AcRVGP2k and S2AcHBsAgHy-9C cells reached around 2?×?10⁷ cells mL^?1 in both media. In supplemented IPL-41 and Sf900 II® media, S2AcRVGP2k cells produced 367 ng RVGP mL^?1 and 638 ng RVGP mL^?1, respectively, while S2AcHBsAgHy-9C cells correspondently produced 573 ng HBsAg mL^?1 and 322 ng HBsAg mL^?1 in the mentioned media. In stirred tanks, S2AcRVGP2k cells reached 3?×?10⁷ cells mL^?1 and produced up to 758 ng RVGP mL^?1. In general, glucose was consumed by cells, while lactate and ammonia were produced.     

Stripping voltammetry method for determination of manganese as complex with oxine at the carbon paste electrode with and without modification with montmorillonite clay

Oxine (8-hydroxyquinoline) was used as an efficient and selective ligand for stripping voltammetry trace determination of Mn(II). A validated square-wave adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry method has been developed for determination of Mn(II) selectively as oxine complex using both the bare carbon paste electrode (CPE) and the modified CPE with 7 % (w/w) montmorillonite-Na clay. Modification of carbon paste with montmorillonite clay was found to greatly enhance its adsorption capacity. Limits of detection of 45 ng l^?1 (8.19?×?10^?10 mol L^?1) and 1.8 ng l^?1 (3.28?×?10^?11 mol L^?1) Mn(II) were achieved using the bare and modified CP electrodes, respectively. The achieved limits of detection of Mn(II) as oxine complex using the modified CPE are much sensitive than the detection limits obtained by most of the reported electrochemical methods. The developed stripping voltammetry method using both electrodes was successfully applied for trace determination of Mn(II) in various water samples without interferences from various organic and inorganic species.     

Alizarin-modified sulfonate carbon nanoparticles in vanadium sensing

The adsorption processes of alizarin onto hydrophilic carbon nanoparticles (Emperor 2000?) are investigated. The significant increase in voltammetric responses for pre-adsorbed alizarin compared with those for solution confirms high affinity of alizarin to carbon nanoparticles (possibly due to π–π stacking interaction between aromatic rings of alizarin and surface-sulfonated carbon nanoparticles). To obtain the optimum of adsorption conditions, the effects of pH, agitation rate, and adsorption time are investigated. Under square wave voltammetry conditions, the peak current for the reduction of alizarin shows a linear relationship with concentration in the range from 2.0 to 10.0 nM. The limit of detection is estimated 5.8?×?10^?9 mol L^?1. Next, alizarin is applied as a receptor for sensing of trace vanadium in acetate buffer pH 5. Linear calibration curves are obtained for vanadium in the range of 1.0?×?10^?6 to 1.0?×?10^?4 mol L^?1 and the limit of detection is estimated 9.6?×?10^?8 mol L^?1. Determination of vanadium in real samples such as sea and tap water is demonstrated.     

Solid phase extraction using silica gel functionalized with Sulfasalazine for preconcentration of uranium(VI) ions from water samples

Silica gel surface was chemically functionalized by reaction the silanol from the silica surface with 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane followed by reaction with Sulfasalazine. This new sorbent has been used for the preconcentration of low levels of U(VI) ions from an aqueous phase. Parameters involved in extraction efficiency such as pH, weight of the sorbent, volume of sample and eluent were optimized in batch and column methods prior to determination by spectrophotometry using arsenazo(III) reagent. The results showed that U(VI) ions can be sorbed at pH range of 5.0–6.0 in a minicolumn and quantitative recovery of U(VI) (>98.0?±?1.6%) was achieved by stripping with 2.5 mL of 0.1 mol L^?1 HCl. The sorption capacity of the functionalized silica gel was 1.15 mmol g^?1 of U(VI). A linear calibration graph was obtained over the concentration range of 0.02–27.0 μg mL^?1 with a limit of detection of 1 μg L^?1 in treatment with 1000 mL of the U(VI) solution in which the preconcentration factor was as high as 400. The method was employed to the preconcentration of U(VI) ions from spiked ground water and synthetic sea water samples.     

Voltammetric determination of 17α-ethinylestradiol hormone in supply dam using BDD electrode

In this work, a simple method for electroanalytical determination of 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) hormone in natural waters was developed using a boron-doped diamond electrode (BDD). The analyses were performed using square wave voltammetry and the parameters were optimized. The results showed a well-defined irreversible oxidation peak (BR buffer 0.1 mol L^?1, pH 8.0) at +0.65 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The voltammetric results showed also that the oxidation process is controlled by adsorption of species and indicated that there are two electrons involved. The obtained analytical curves for 17α-ethinylestradiol presented good linearity in the concentration range 9.9?×?10^?7 to 5.2?×?10^?6 mol L^?1 in utlrapure water and 7.9?×?10^?7 to 5.2?×?10^?6 mol L^?1 in natural water samples (supply dam). Detection limits (DL) obtained were between 2.4?×?10^?7 and 7.5?×?10^?7 mol L^?1 and quantification limits (QL) between 7.9?×?10^?7 and 2.5?×?10^?6 mol L^?1. The recovery experiments showed values between 86 and 114 % for spiked samples thus indicating the applicability of the electroanalytical methodology to quantify 17α-ethinylestradiol directly in natural water of supply Dam (Billings Dam in Diadema-SP. Brazil), without any preconcentration or derivatization.     

A novel solid-phase extraction method for separation and preconcentration of zirconium

This work assesses the use of modified natural clinoptilolite as an adsorptive material for separation and preconcentration of trace amounts of zirconium ions. A simple, rapid and economical method was developed for the preconcentration of trace amounts of zirconium in aqueous medium using 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol as a complexing agent. Effect of sample pH, flow rate of sample and elution solutions, breakthrough volume and interference of several ions were studied. Determination of zirconium was made by ICP-AES technique. The sorption was quantitative in the pH range from 3.0 to 4.0, whereas quantitative desorption occurred instantaneously with 2 mol L^?1 hydrochloric acid. Linearity was maintained between 0.05 and 9.0 μg mL^?1. Relative standard deviations range from ±0.9% to ±2.3% (n?=?5). The detection limit was 0.1 ng mL^?1. Because of good recovery (>97%), this method is suitable for preconcentration and determination of zirconium in effluents containing trace amount of zirconium.     

Determination of silver(I) ion in water samples by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry after preconcentration with dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction

A method was developed for the determination of silver ion (Ag) by combining dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction preconcentration with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Diethyldithiocarbamate was used as a chelating agent, and carbon tetrachloride and methanol as extraction and dispersive solvent. Factors influencing the extraction efficiency of Ag and its subsequent determination were studied and optimized. The detection limit is 12 ng L^?1 (3 s) with an enrichment factor of 132, and the relative standard deviation is 3.5% (n?=?7, at 1.0 ng mL^?1). The method was successfully applied to the determination of trace amounts of Ag in water samples.     

Pico-Level Monitoring of Ampicillin by Using a Novel Cerium Fluorescence Probe

In this work, for the first time, a simple and sensitive fluorimetric method for low level determination of ampicillin, a beta-lactam antibiotic drug, using a cerium quenching fluorescence signal was developed. Among the lanthanide ions, cerium has a broad band spectrum in 300–400 nm which is due to the 5d to 4f allowed transition. The employed methodology is based on the formation of a complex formed between Ce³⁺ and ampicillin molecule. The detection limit was 0.0115 ng mL^?1 (33 × 10^?12 mol L^?1).     

Determination of Catechol by a Laccase Biosensor Based on Silica-Modified Zirconia Nanoparticles

A promising nanotechnological material, zirconia nanoparticles modified with SiO₂, was used as a medium for the immobilization of laccase to construct a novel biosensor that exhibits sensitive amperometric response to catechol in 0.1 mol · L^?1 phosphate buffer (pH 6.0) using cyclic voltammetry. The linear response to catechol was from 1.0 × 10^?6 to 1.0 × 10^?4 mol · L^?1 and the detection limit was 3.5 × 10^?7 mol · L^?1 at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The biosensor exhibited good stability, precision, and few interferences.     

Fabrication of a new nanocomposite modified carbon paste Al<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-ion selective electrode based on <Emphasis Type="Italic">N,N</Emphasis>′-dipyridoxyl (1,2-cyclohexanediamine) (PYCA) as an active material

Construction and feature of a nanocomposite modified carbon paste electrode for aluminum(III) ion determination based on N,N′-dipyridoxyl (1,2-cyclohexanediamine) (PYCA) as a novel selector material will be covered by this paper. The optimum composition, Nernstian slope/linear range/detection limit in the forms of calibration graph, response time, utilizable pH range, repeatability and precision of measurements of the aluminum(III) ion using the new fabricated Al³⁺-CPE was evaluated. The optimal composition which performed over Al⁺³ ion concentration range 1.0 × 10^?8 mol L^?1–1.0 × 10^?1 mol L^?1 with near-Nernstian slope equal 20.9 ± 0.2 mV decade^?1 and low detection limit about 5.0 × 10^?9 mol L^?1, was formed of ionophore (PYCA 3 %), binder (paraffin oil 30 %), modifier [multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) 1 %] & [Nanosilica (NS) 0.5 %], and inert matrix (graphite powder 65.5). The request time to give rise Nernstian response of electrode for concentrations from 1.0 × 10^?8 mol L^?1 to 1.0 × 10^?1 mol L^?1 of Al³⁺ ion solution was estimated about ~6 s. The new Al³⁺-CPE was applied in pH range 2.0–5.0 with no consequential change in potential response. To verify the selectivity of electrode toward aluminum(III) ion in the presence of different metallic cations, matched potential method was used. The obtain results in analytical applications reflect the excellent ability of this electrode to play the role as endpoint indicator electrode in both titration and direct potentiometric measurements.     

Magnetic nanoparticles grafted with β-cyclodextrin for solid-phase extraction of 5-hydroxy-3-indole acetic acid

We describe the synthesis of ß-cyclodextrin modified magnetic nanoparticles (CD-mNPs) as a material for solid-phase extraction of the cancer biomarker 5-hydroxy-indole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) from urine. The CD-mNPs were characterized by TEM, FTIR, and XRD, and the kinetics and adsorption isotherms were studied. The strong interaction between the CD-mNPs and 5-HIAA is the main driving force for recognition and extraction, while the magnetic core of the NPs allows their separation from the sample matrix. Recovery of 5-HIAA from the adsorbent using an adequate solvent regenerated the adsorbent for further use. 5-HIAA was then quantified by fluorometry of its complex with ß-CD. The method works in the 1?×?10^?7 to 1?×?10^?5 mol L^?1 (R² 0.9982–0.9996) concentration range, and the limits of detection (3σ) and quantification (10 σ) of the method are 1.2?×?10^?8 mol L^?1 and 4.01?×?10^?8 mol L^?1 5-HIAA, respectively. The recovery of 5-HIAA from urine samples spiked with 5-HIAA in three concentrations (1.4?×?10^?6, 4.50?×?10^?6 and 1.0?×?10^?5 mol L^?1) are within 63?±?3 %.

Preconcentration of Trace Cadmium (II) and Copper (II) in Environmental Water Using a Column Packed with Modified Silica Gel-Chitosan Prior to Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Determination

A new column loaded with modified silica gel-chitosan is proposed as a preconcentration system for adsorption of trace cadmium (II) and copper (II). The optimization steps were performed under dynamic conditions, involving pH, sample flow rate, eluent selection, concentration, volume, and flow rate. Trace Cd(II) and Cu(II) were quantitatively adsorbed by the modified silica gel-chitosan. The metal ions adsorbed on the separation column were eluted with 0.1 M HNO₃ and determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Under the optimum conditions, this method allowed the determination of cadmium and copper with limits of detection (LOD) of 20 ng L^?1 and 38 ng L^?1, respectively. The relative standard deviation values (RSDs) for 1.0 mg L^?1 of cadmium and 1.0 mg L^?1 of copper were 2.62% and 2.85%, respectively.     

Determination of lead(II) in aqueous solution using carbon nanotubes paste electrodes modified with Amberlite IR-120

A new composite electrode is described for anodic stripping voltammetry determination of Pb(II) at trace level in aqueous solution. The electrode is based on the use of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and Amberlite IR-120. The anodic stripping voltammograms depend, to a large extent, on the composition of the modified electrode and the preconcentration conditions. Under optimum conditions, the anodic peak current at around ?0.57 V is linearly related to the concentration of Pb(II) in the range from 9.6?×?10^?8 to 1.7?×?10^?6 mol L^?1 (R?=?0.998). The detection limit is 2.1?×?10^?8 mol L^?1, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) at 0.24?×?10^?6 mol L^?1 is 1.7% (n?=?6). The modified electrode was applied to the determination of Pb(II) using the standard addition method; the results showed average relative recoveries of 95% for the samples analysed.