Analysis of sintered products of iron ore fines by flame atomic absorption spectrometry using a matrix modifier

A very precise and accurate method for chemical analysis of sintered products (from iron ore fines in "pot grate furnace") is discussed. A matrix modifier/buffer (a mixture of KCl, tartaric acid, HCl and H2SO4) is used to prevent interference of iron in the determination of calcium and magnesium by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Also, an EDTA titration method is recommended for calcium and magnesium after separating iron in the form of mixed oxides by ammonia-ammonium chloride buffer. Statistical data for a series of experiments are presented and precision values are found to be comparable with those of conventional methods used for complex metallurgical products. For the majority of cases, the agreement between the two methods is extremely good. A slight deviation has been noted in a few samples which may be overcome by a more thorough sampling prior to analysis.     

The optimization of an ICP injection technique and the application to the direct analysis of small-volume serum samples

The optimization and the analytical properties of an injection technique for the analysis of small-volume samples (50–200 μl) by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) are described. Samples are injected into a small funnel connected to a concentric glass nebulizer. A 3 kW argon/nitrogen ICP with power stabilization is used as excitation source. When operating the nebulizer at an argon pressure of 5 bar, relative detection limits for calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc (0.2–50 $\text{ng}\text{ml}$) are a factor of 2 to 10 higher when compared with ICP methods using continuous nebulization. However, the full power of detection of the injection method is obtained at a 50 μl sampling volume. Matrix effects caused by sodium salt concentrations of 5 $\text{g}\text{l}$ are lower than 10%. Relative standard deviations s_r,(I_X) ranged from 0.03 to 0.07. The method was applied to the sequential determination of trace elements (copper, iron and magnesium) in human serum samples after a 1 + 4 dilution with Herrmann solution. The accuracy of the method is illustrated by the analysis results for calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc in a series of test serum samples.     

Synthesis of o,o′-dihydroxyazo compounds and their application to the determination of magnesium and calcium by flow injection analysis

Seven _o,o′-dihydroxyazo dyes were synthesized and examined as spectrophotometric reagents for magnesium and calcium. These reagents are highly sensitive for magnesium (? = 47 000) and calcium (? = 39 000 l mol^?1 cm^?1). Of the reagents synthesized, 2-(2-hydroxy-3,6-disulfo-1-naphthylazo)-5-(N,N-diethylamino)phenol was the best because of its ease of preparation and purification, and its stability in alkaline solution. This dye was applied in the determination of magnesium and calcium by flow injection analysis. The total concentration of magnesium (0.1–1.2 mg 1^?1) and calcium (0.4–4.0 mg 1^?1) was determined by masking iron(III), aluminium(III), copper(II), zinc(II), manganese(II) and cadmium(II) with 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanol (DMP) and triethanolamine (TEA). Magnesium was determined by masking calcium and the other metal ions with a ligand buffer containing barium(II)—EGTA, DMP and TEA. The amount of calcium was obtained as the difference between the two peak heights. Results for the determination of magnesium and calcium in potable water and serum are presented.     

Characterization of hot particles in surface soil around the Chernobyl NPP

An ICP-AES method for the analysis of trace amounts of lanthanides and yttrium in sodium or magnesium diuranate samples (yellow cake) and other beneficiation product generated during the uranium extraction process (hydrometallurgy) from its ores is described. Most of the matrix elements are removed by an initial oxalate precipitation of lanthanides using calcium as carrier. A solvent extraction procedure using a mixture of mono 2-ethylhexyl dihydrogen phosphate (H₂MEHP) and bis (2-ethylhexyl) hydrogen phosphate (HDEHP) is used for the removal of calcium, iron and the occluded uranium. A combination of oxalate precipitation and solvent extraction procedure is applied for the selective separation and preconcentration of traces of lanthanides from yellow cake and iron cake samples. The solvent extraction procedure is directly applied for the separation of lanthanides from the uranium leach liquor and lime cake. The accuracy of the method is checked by analyzing synthetic mixture containing known amounts of traces of lanthanides and also by comparing with another standard separation procedure like ion exchange method, and the recovery was better than 95%. The method is rapid, simple, accurate and suitable for the separation of lanthanides from uranium, iron and calcium rich materials. The precision of the method is characterized by an RSD of 2 to 4%.     

The Determination of Yttrium in High Temperature Refractory Oxides by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Abstract

A rapid method is described for determining yttrium in refractory zirconia using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The sample is fused with a mixture of LiBO₂ and H₃BO₃, and the melt is dissolved in hot dilute HClO₄. A flame buffer consisting of potassium and EDTA is employed to effect maximum absorbance. The compositions of the standard solutions are matched as closely as possible to the samples. The yttrium absorbance is measured at 410.2 nm using a stoichiometric NS₂O + C₂H₂ flame. Sulfate, phosphate, calcium, and magnesium do not interfere. Silica can be removed by fuming with HF before the fusion. Recovery studies show that the procedure is sufficiently accurate to be used for the routine determination of yttrium in samples containing from 2 to 18% Y₂O₃.     

Determination of calcium,magnesium, and phosphate in the presence of iron and each other

Excess EDTA and MgSO₄ solution is added to a mildly acidic solution of the sample containing calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphate ions. Addition of NH₄OH to this solution results in the precipitation of MgNH₄PO₄·6H₂O and various iron compounds. Calcium ions and a portion of the magnesium ions stay in the solution as the respective EDTA chelates. The mixture is adjusted to a known volume and filtered. The EDTA content of the filtrate with the exception of the EDTA tied up as calcium-EDTA chelate, is titrated with standard CaCl₂ solution at pH 12.5–13.0 in the presence of hydroxy naphthol blue indicator. The calcium content of the sample can be calculated from the result of this titration.     

Capillary electrophoretic assay of human acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase 2

Human acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase 2 catalyzes the carboxylation of acetyl coenzyme A to form malonyl coenzyme A, along with the conversion of magnesium‐adenosine triphosphate complex to magnesium‐adenosine diphosphate complex. A simple off‐column capillary electrophoresis assay for human acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase 2 was developed based on the separation of magnesium‐adenosine triphosphate complex, magnesium‐adenosine diphosphate complex, acetyl coenzyme A and malonyl coenzyme A with detection by ultraviolet absorption at 256 nm. When Mg²⁺ was absent from the separation buffer, the zones due to magnesium‐adenosine triphosphate complex and magnesium‐adenosine diphosphate complex both split and migrated as two separate peaks. With Mg²⁺ added to the separation buffer, magnesium‐adenosine triphosphate complex and magnesium‐adenosine diphosphate complex produced single peaks, and the reproducibility of peak shape and area improved for human acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase 2 assay components. The final separation buffer used was 30.0 mM HEPES, 3.0 mM MgCl₂, 2.5 mM KHCO₃, and 2.5 mM potassium citrate at pH 7.50. The same buffer was used for the enzyme‐catalyzed reaction (off‐column). Inhibition of human acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase 2 by CP‐640186, a known inhibitor, was detected using the capillary electrophoresis assay.     

An investigation of a flameless atomic-absorption method for determination of aluminium, calcium, iron and magnesium in sewage sludge

The methods currently used for the determination of aluminium, calcium, iron and magnesium in sewage sludge are time-consuming. A rapid flameless atomic-absorption procedure, utilizing homogenization of diluted samples as the only pretreatment, has been compared with wet and dry analytical methods followed by flame atomic-absorption analysis, in a statistically designed experiment. Low-sensitivity (secondary absorption) lines have been used for the flameless analysis. The flameless atomic-absorption method described is better than all the other methods tested, with the exception of the nitric-perchloric-hydrofluoric acid digestion procedure. The time saved is substantial and the method could be used advantageously for routine analysis.     

Chelatometric determination of calcium and magnesium in iron ores, slags, anorthosite, limestone, copper-nickel-lead-zinc ores and divers materials

Chelatometric methods for the determination of calcium and magnesium in iron ores, slags, anorthosite, copper-nickel-lead-zinc ores and various other materials are described. Potential interfering elements are masked with triethanolamine and potassium cyanide. In one aliquot calcium is titrated at pH > 12, with calcein and thymolphthalein mixed indicator and in another aliquot calcium and magnesium are titrated in ammonia buffer, with o-cresolphthalein complexone screened with Naphthol Green B as indicator. The results compare favourably with certified values for reference materials of diverse nature.     

Fluoride ion-selective electrode in flow injection analysis : Part 2. Interference Studies

The influence of the sample composition on the response characteristics of the fluoride ion-selective electrode in flow injection analysis is described. Sample parameters such as ionic strength, viscosity and pH affect the response time of the electrode and cause transient signals when limiting values are exceeded. The respective limiting values depend on the total ionic-strength adjustment buffer (TISAB) used and these interferences can be minimized by proper choice of the TISAB. The complex formation of fluoride by several elements in the presence of TISAB containing CDTA is discussed. Aluminium and magnesium were found to interfere when present at levels above 1 and 100 mg l^?1, respectively. The signal decrease in the presence of iron, calcium and silicon can be attributed to ionic strength effects rather than complexation. Provided that the ionic strength is taken into account and corrected for, no influence occurs even in the presence of 0.5, 2 and 5% of iron, calcium and silicon, respectively.     

Trace metal studies of selected white wines: an alternative approach

A number of white wines from vineyards outside the metropolitan region of Melbourne were analyzed for the trace metals copper, iron, potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The 24 wines analyzed included Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris. In addition, preliminary transmission near infrared (NIR) spectrometric analyses for these metals in the above wines indicated, using both multiple linear regression (MLR) and partial least squares (PLS), that promising results may be obtained for some metals. The squared correlation coefficients (R²) and the ratios of the standard error of cross validation (SECV) and the standard deviation (S.D.) for the calibration models for potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium were acceptable, however those for iron and copper were not. Although, only a small number of wines were used in this study, the preliminary data indicated that NIR spectrometry may provide a suitable, rapid method for analysis for some metals in white wines, and warrants a further investigation using a larger number of white wines over a wider range of locations.     

Determination of mechanism of thermal decomposition of Mg,Ca and Zn hydrazidocarbonates by evolved gas analysis

Hydrazo-carbonates are complex compounds and products of the reactions between solutions of metal ion and solutions of hydrazido-carbonic acid. The decomposition of Mg(N₂H₃COO)₂. 2H₂O, Ca(N₂H₃COO)₂·H₂O and Zn(N₂H₃COO)₂ in inert atmosphere were studied. By classical thermoanalytical methods and data on the composition of the intermediates and final products the mechanisms of the thermal decomposition could not be resolved therefore also evolved gas analysis was used (EGA). The first step of thermal decomposition of Ca and Mg hydrazidocarbonates is dehydration. With the heating the decomposition of the hydrazido-carbonates proceeds under evolution of the ammonia, carbon monoxide and/or nitrogen and carbon dioxide giving as the intermediates for calcium and magnesium compounds the corresponding carbonates oxides as the final products. The zinc compound decomposes to the oxide, ZnO but also zinc cyanamide was detected during to the thermal treatment.     

Thermal Analysis of Magnesium Tris(maleato) Ferrate(III) Dodecahydrate. Physico-chemical studies

Thermal analysis of magnesium tris(maleato) ferrate(III) dodecahydrate has been studied from ambient to 700°C in static air atmosphere employing TG, DTG, DTA, XRD, Mössbauer and infrared spectroscopic techniques. The precursor decomposes to iron(II) intermediate species along with magnesium maleate at 248°C. The iron(II) species then undergo oxidative decomposition to give α-Fe₂O₃ at 400°C. At higher temperatures magnesium maleate decomposes directly to magnesium oxide, MgO, which undergoes a solid state reaction with α-Fe₂O₃ to yield magnesium ferrite (MgFe₂O₄) at 600°C, a temperature much lower than for ceramic method. The results have been compared with those of the oxalate precursor.     

Determination of calcium in silicate rocks by potentiometric titration with ethyleneglycol-bis-(2-Aminoethylether)tetraacetic acid and a calcium-selective electrode

The method reported for the determination of calcium in silicate rocks involves titration with ethyleneglycol-bis(2-aminoethylether)tetraacetic acid (EGTA) to a potentiometric end-point. A Crytur calcium-selective electrode is used; the selectivity constants (K_ca,x) are less than 10^-3 for Mg, Ba, Sr, K and Na. The method can be used for calcium contents of 2% or higher (and exceptionally for lower contents), in the presence of up to 60% Mg, 33% AI, 17% Fe, 5% Ba, 5% Ti, and 2.5% Mn. Al, Fe and Ti are masked with sulphosalicylic acid, barium is precipitated as its sulphate, and manganese is bound as its cyanide complex. If the magnesium content is less than that of calcium, EDTA can be used as titrant, magnesium being masked with acetylacetone.     

A rapid complexometric scheme for analysis of iron, aluminium, calcium and magnesium in slags

A simple and rapid complexometric method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of iron, aluminium, calcium and magnesium in a single solution in slags. Phosphorous and small amounts of chromium (1.5 mg) and vanadium (1 mg) do not interfere in the titration. Titanium and manganese are suitably masked with lactic acid and tetra sodium pyrophosphate, respectively. In a suitable aliquot, iron is titrated at pH 2 with EDTA, using sulphosalicylic acid as indicator. To this solution, excess disodium 1,2-cyclohexane diamine tetra acetic acid (DCTA) is added and aluminium is titrated by titrating the excess DCTA with standard copper sulphate solution at pH 3.5, using 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) as an indicator. A known excess of EDTA is added, the pH is raised to 10 and calcium and magnesium are jointly titrated by titrating the excess EDTA with copper sulphate solution, using PAN indicator. The Ca-EDTA complex is demasked with ammonium oxalate at pH 5 and the released EDTA equivalent to calcium is titrated with copper sulphate solution at pH 10 with PAN indicator. Results of analysis compare favourably with certified values and values obtained by standard methods for BCS and other slags. A set of five samples can be analysed for iron, aluminium, calcium and magnesium in four hours as compared to three days by the classical conventional method.     

Quantitative thermogravimetric analysis of binary mixtures

Thermogravimetric analysis is used to determine the amounts of Mg(OH)₂ and Mg(CH₃COO)₂in a mixture thereof. The application and suitability of different analysis methods are discussed. In the first method the mass losses in the temperature ranges as indicated by the decomposition of the pure compounds were used. Results obtained using these temperature ranges were unusable. The percentage mass losses due to the decomposition of Mg(OH)₂ and Mg(CH₃COO)₂ were then determined in a second method using the minimum in the derivative mass vs. temperature curves. The results obtained by this method compared well with the actual values for mixtures containing more than 15% magnesium acetate. The third method employed the total experimental mass loss of both decomposition reactions. The results obtained using this method compared well to the actual values, giving a R ² value of more than 0.99. This method of using the total mass losses can however only be used for binary mixtures that consist only of magnesium hydroxide and magnesium acetate. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Bench‐Stable Stock Solutions of Silicon Grignard Reagents: Application to Iron‐ and Cobalt‐Catalyzed Radical C(sp3)–Si Cross‐Coupling Reactions

A robust method for the preparation of silicon‐based magnesium reagents is reported. The MgBr₂ used in the lithium‐to‐magnesium transmetalation step is generated in situ from 1,2‐dibromoethane and elemental magnesium in hot THF. No precipitation of MgBr₂ occurs in the heat, and transmetalation at elevated temperature leads to homogeneous stock solutions of the silicon Grignard reagents that are stable and storable in the fridge. This method avoids the preparation of silicon pronucleophiles such as Si?Si and Si?B reagents. The new Grignard reagents were applied to unprecedented iron‐ and cobalt‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions of unactivated alkyl bromides. The functional‐group tolerance of these magnesium reagents is excellent.     

Compleximetric determination of calcium in impure calcium carbonate and limestone

Calcium is determined in impure calcium carbonate and limestone samples by titrating with 0.01 M disodium EGTA at pH 12 in the presence of at least 0.6 mg of magnesium and a maximum of 500 μg of iron(III), using a pH 12.5 sodium hydroxide-potassium cyanide-sodium sulfide buffer and Calcon indicator. The results of such titrations are compared with those obtained by titrating at pH 10 the calcium perchlorate solutions derived from calcium oxalate, and with those of a modified LEWIS AND MELNICK method. The results for magnesium (% MgO) obtained by difference are in fair agreement. Magnesium can be titrated compleximetrically as magnesium perchlorate, but the reagent blank must be determined.     

Preconcentration and determination of calcium and magnesium in brine with flow-injection systems

On-line preconcentration on a chelating resin (Dowex A-1) and elution with 0.1 M hydorchloric acid is followed by spectrophotometry based on the metal complexes formed with 1- (2-hydroxy-4-diethylamino-1-phenylazo)-2-hydroxynaphthalene-3,6-disulfonic acid. The total concentration of calcium and magnesium is determined; in a second sample, calcium is masked with a ligand buffer containing excess of barium(II) and EGTA, and magnesium is determined. The calcium concentration is measured by difference. Magnesium (1–30 μg l^?1 and calcium (8– 10 μg l^?1) in 2.5 M sodium chloride can be determined. Calcium and magnesium in analytical reagent-grade sodium chloride and potassium chloride and primary standard sodium chloride are aslo determined. The method based on the exchange between calcium ions and Mg(EDTA) is proposed to enchance the sensitivity for calcium.     

Determination of iron and copper in seawater at pH 1.7 with a new commercially available chelating resin, NTA Superflow

The use of a commercially available chelating resin with NTA-type functional groups for concentration of trace metals from seawater is described. Trace metal recoveries from this NTA Superflow chelating resin are pH dependent. At a pH of ≤2 only iron(III) and copper are quantitatively recovered from the resin. Iron(II) cannot be quantitatively recovered from this resin below a pH of 5. However, oxidation of acidified seawater samples (pH 1.7) with H₂O₂ prior to loading onto the resin has been demonstrated to allow quantitative recovery of total dissolved iron. Deferrioxamine and Rhodoturlic Acid, two commercially available siderophores were used to investigate the effect of strong Fe(III)-binding organic ligands on the ability to retain iron at different pH values. Acidification of seawater samples to pH 1.7 dissociates the iron complexed to these organic ligands, thereby allowing total dissolved iron and copper to be determined. Acidified samples from Monterey Bay were analyzed by a flow injection method coupled to ICP-SFMS detection using the NTA Superflow resin in the pre-concentration step. Results from this study show that when seawater samples are stored acidified (pH 1.7) over time, a portion of iron(III) is reduced to iron(II), thus necessitating the use of H₂O₂ to reoxidize the Fe(II) to Fe(III) prior to analysis. Total dissolved concentrations of iron and copper can be directly obtained on seawater samples at pH 1.7 with this method, eliminating the need to buffer the sample to a higher pH prior to column loading. This resin has the potential to be used in shipboard or in situ flow injection methods.