Determination of trace silver in environmental samples by room temperature ionic liquid-based preconcentration and flame atomic absorption spectrometry

We report on a new method for preconcentration of silver ion at trace level in environmental samples, and its subsequent determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafuorophosphate and the chelator 5-(4-dimethylaminobenzylidene)-rhodanine were used for extraction. Ag(I) was back-extracted from the organic phase into thiosulfate solution and then determined via FAAS. The effects of pH, concentration of chelating agent, extraction time and temperature, amounts of ionic liquid, ionic strength and potentially interfering ions were studied. Under optimized conditions, the enhancement factor is 30 was achieved. The detection limit (3???) is 0.28?ng?mL^?1, and the relative standard deviation is 4.1% for 7 replicate determinations at 5?ng?mL^?1 of Ag(I). The method was validated by analysis of certified reference materials and applied to the determination of Ag(I) in environmental samples with satisfactory results.

Ionic liquid based dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction combined with ICP-OES for the determination of trace quantities of cobalt, copper, manganese, nickel and zinc in environmental water samples

We describe a method for ionic liquid based dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction of Co(II), Cu(II), Mn(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II), followed by their determination via flow injection inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The method is making use of the complexing agent 1-(2-thenoyl)-3,3,3-trifluoracetone, the ionic liquid 1-hexyl-3-methyl imidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, and of ethanol as the dispersing solvent. After extraction and preconcentration, the sedimented ionic liquid (containing the target analytes) is collected, diluted with 1-propanol, and introduced to the ICP-OES. Effects of pH, ionic strength, ligand to metal molar ratio, volumes of extraction and disperser solvents on the performance of the microextraction were optimized in a half-fractional factorial design. The significant parameters were optimized using a face-centered central composite design. The method has detection limits between 0.10 and 0.20?ng?mL^?1 of the metal ions, preconcentration factors between 79 and 102, linear responses in 0.25 to 200?ng?mL^?1 concentration ranges, and relative standard deviations of 3.4 to 6.0%. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of drinking water, a fish farming pond water, and waste water from an industrial complex.

Determination of mercury(II) in water samples using dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and back extraction along with capillary zone electrophoresis

We have developed a method for the determination of mercury in water samples that combines dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) with back-extraction (BE) and detection by capillary zone electrophoresis. DLLME is found to be a simple, cost-effective and rapid method for extraction and preconcentration. The BE procedure is based on the fact that the stability constant of the hydrophilic chelate of Hg(II) with L-cysteine is much larger than that of the respective complex with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol. Factors affecting complex formation and extraction efficiency (such as pH value, concentration of the chelating agent, time of ultrasonication and extraction, and type and quantity of disperser solvent) were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the enrichment factor is 625, and the limit of detection is 0.62???g?L^?1. The calibration plot is linear in the range between 1 and 1,000???g?L^?1 (R ²?=?0.9991), and the relative standard deviation (RSD, for n?=?6) is 4.1%. Recoveries were determined with tap water and seawater spiked at levels of 10 and 100???g?L^?1, respectively, and ranged from 86.6% to 95.1%, with corresponding RSDs of 3.95?C5.90%.

Determination of microcystin-LR with a glassy carbon impedimetric immunoelectrode modified with an ionic liquid and multiwalled carbon nanotubes

We report on a sensitive, simple, label-free impedance-based immunoelectrode for the determination of microcystin-LR (MCLR). The surface of the electrode was modified with a composite made from multiwalled carbon nanotubes and an ionic liquid, and with immobilized polyclonal antibody against MCLR. Cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy were applied to characterize the modified electrode. It is found that the multi-walled carbon nanotubes act as excellent mediators for the electron transfer between the electrode and dissolved hexacyanoferrate redox pair, while the ionic liquid renders it biocompatible. The method exhibits a wide linear range (0.005 μg?L-1 to 1.0 μg?L-1), a low detection limit (1.7 ng?L-1) and a long-term stability of around 60 days. The ionic liquid 1-amyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate gave the best impedimetric response. The new immunoelectrode is sensitive, stable, and easily prepared. It has been successfully applied to the determination of MCLR in water samples.

In-situ ionic liquid-based microwave-assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction of triazine herbicides

We report on the determination of the triazine herbicides ametryne, prometryne, terbuthylazine and terbutryn in water samples. The herbicides are extracted by in-situ ionic liquid-based microwave-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and then determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. This is a new method for extraction that has the advantages of requiring less volume of ionic liquid (IL) than other methods and at the same time is quite fast. The type and volume of IL, the type and volume of disperser, irradiation temperature, extraction time and salt concentration were optimized. Figures of merit include linear regression coefficients between 0.9992 and 0.9995, acceptable recoveries (88.4–114?%), relative standard deviations of 1.6–6.2?%, and limits of detection between 0.52 and 1.3?μg?L^?1.

Glassy carbon electrode modified with organic�Cinorganic pillared montmorillonites for voltammetric detection of mercury

A glassy carbon electrode modified with organic?Cinorganic pillared montmorillonite was used for voltammetric detection of mercury(II) in water. High sensitivity is obtained due to the use of the montmorillonites which displays outstanding capability in terms of adsorbing mercury ion due to its high specific surface and the presence of multiple binding sites. The experimental parameters and the effect of a chelating agent were optimized to further enhance sensitivity and selectivity. Linear calibration curves were obtained over the Hg(II) concentration range from 10 to 800???g?L^?1 for 5?min accumulation, with a detection limit of 1???g?L^?1. Simultaneous determination of Hg(II) and Cu(II) was also studied, and no interference was observed.

Ionic liquid-based hollow fiber supported liquid membrane extraction combined with thermospray flame furnace AAS for the determination of cadmium

We have developed a simple and effective method for hollow fiber liquid-phase microextraction of cadmium. It is based on the use of a room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) and was coupled to thermospray flame furnace AAS. The RTIL was placed in the pores of a polypropylene hollow fiber (acting as a liquid membrane) and also used as the acceptor solution. Ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (APDC) was used as the chelating agent. The effects of the concentration of APDC, the pH of samples, stirring rates, extraction time, and potential interferences were optimized to result in a detection limit of 9?ng?L^?1 and an enrichment factor of 90. The relative standard deviation is 4.7% (at 0.5?ng?mL^?1, for n?=?5). The method was successfully applied to the determination of cadmium.

Ultrasensitive determination of mercury in human saliva by atomic fluorescence spectrometry based on solidified floating organic drop microextraction

We report on a new, rapid and simple method for the determination of ultra-trace quantities of mercury ion in human saliva. It is based on solidified floating organic drop microextraction and detection by cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry (CV-AFS). Mercury ion was complexed with diethyldithiocarbamate, and the hydrophobic complex was then extracted into fine droplets of 1-undecanol. By cooling in an ice bath after extraction, the droplets in solution solidify to form a single ball floating on the surface of solution. The solidified microdrop containing the mercury complex was then transferred for determination by CV-AFS. The effects of pH value, concentration of chelating reagent, quantity of 1-undecanol, sample volume, equilibration temperature and time were investigated. Under the optimum conditions, the preconcentration of a 25-mL sample is accomplished with an enrichment factor of 182. The limit of detection (3σ) is 2.5?ng?L^?1. The relative standard deviation for seven replicate determinations at 0.1?ng?mL^?1 level is 4.1%. The method was applied to the determination of mercury in saliva samples collected from four volunteers. Two volunteers having dental amalgam fillings had 0.4?ng?mL^?1 mercury in their saliva, whereas mercury was not detectable in the saliva of two volunteers who had no dental fillings.

Ultratrace determination of carbamate pesticides in water samples by temperature controlled ionic liquid dispersive liquid phase microextraction combined with high performance liquid phase chromatography

A simple and sensitive method was developed for the determination of three carbamate pesticides in water samples. It is based on temperature controlled ionic liquid dispersive liquid phase microextraction combined with high-performance liquid chromatography. The ionic liquid 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate was used as the extractant, and the factors affecting the extraction were investigated in detail. The detection limits obtained for isoprocarb, diethofencarb and fenothiocarb are 0.91, 0.45, and 1.40 μgL^-1, respectively, and the precisions are in the range between 1.0 and 1.8% (n?=?6). The method was validated with environmental water samples and the results indicate that it represents a viable alternative to existing methods.

Bulk polymer nanoparticles containing a tetrakis(3-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin for fast and highly selective separation of mercury ions

We report on the synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) containing a tetrakis(3-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin, and their use for the separation of mercury(II) ion. The PNPs were prepared by bulk polymerization from methacrylic acid (the monomer), ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (the cross-linker), 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (the radical initiator) and the mercury(II) complex of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(3-hydroxyphenyl)-porphyrin. The Hg(II) ion was then removed by treatment with dilute hydrochloric acid. The PNPs were characterized by colorimetry, FT-IR spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The material is capable of binding Hg(II) from analyte samples. Bound Hg(II) ions can be eluted with dilute nitric acid and then quantified by cold vapor AAS. The extraction efficiency, the effects of pH, preconcentration and leaching times, sample volume, and of the nature, concentration and volume of eluent were investigated. The maximum adsorption capacity of the PNPs is 249 mg g^?1, the relative standard deviation of the AAS assay is 2.2 %, and the limit of detection (3σ) is 8 ng.L^?1. The nanoparticles exhibit excellent selectivity for Hg(II) ion over other metal ions and were successfully applied to the selective extraction and determination of Hg(II) ion in spiked water samples.

Determination of phenolic compounds in water samples by HPLC following ionic liquid dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and cold-induced aggregation

We report on the determination of bisphenol A and 2-naphthol in water samples using ionic liquid cold-induced aggregation dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction combined with HPLC. Parameters governing the extraction efficiency (disperser solvent, volume of extraction and disperser solvent, pH, temperature, extraction time) were optimized and resulted in enrichment factors of 112 for bisphenol A and of 186 for 2-naphthol. The calibration curve was linear with correlation coefficients of 0.9995 and 0.9998, respectively, in the concentration range from 1.5 to 200?ng?mL^?1. The relative standard deviations are 2.3% and 4.1% (for n?=?5), the limits of detection are 0.58 and 0.86?ng?mL^?1, and relative recoveries in tap, lake and river water samples range between 100.1 and 108.1%, 99.4 and 106.2%, and 97.1 and 103.8%, respectively.

A fluorescent sandwich assay for thrombin using aptamer modified magnetic beads and quantum dots

We report on a simple, rapid and efficient extraction procedure, referred to as ultrasound-assisted cold-induced aggregation (USA-CIAME), for the extraction of phenol from aqueous samples. In this method, very small amounts of the ionic liquid 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (the extractant) are dissolved in a sample solution containing phenol and ultrasonicated for 1?min. The solution is cooled in an ice bath upon which a cloudy solution forms. Following centrifugation, the extractant phase settles at the bottom of a conical-bottom centrifuge tube. Phenol is photometrically determined after its chromogenic reaction with 4-aminoantipyrine in the presences of hexacyanoferrate at pH 10.0. Compared to the conventional cold-induced aggregation microextraction (CIAME) and dispersive liquid liquid microextraction (DLLME), the optimized approach displays the highest extraction efficiency at room temperature, and the shortest extraction time (5?min). Key parameters affecting the performance were evaluated and optimized. Under optimum conditions, the limit of detection of phenol is 0.86?μg?L^?1, and the enrichment factor is 75. The calibration graph as linear over the range from 3 to 150?μg?L^?1, and the relative standard deviation is 2.65% (n?=?5). The method was successfully applied to the determination of phenol in water samples.

Ionic liquid magnetic bar microextraction and HPLC determination of carbamate pesticides in real water samples

We have developed a simple method for the microextraction of the carbamate pesticides carbofuran, pirimicarb, and carbaryl. It is termed ionic liquid magnetic bar microextraction (ILMB-ME) and based on an ionic liquid deposited on a magnetic stirrer bar placed in a sealed short PCR tube into which microholes where pinned. When placed in a vial containing the aqueous sample solution, the ILMB tumbles freely in the aqueous solution and the carbamates are extracted into the ionic liquid phase which then was determined by HPLC. The enrichment factors for carbofuran, pirimicarb, and carbaryl are 107, 94, 95, respectively. The limits of detection, calculated as three times the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N), are 1.4?μg?L^?1 for carbofuran, 3.4?μg?L^?1 for pirimicarb, and 1.7?μg?L^?1 for carbaryl. The repeatability, carried out by extracting water samples spiked with carbamate levels of 200?μg?L^?1, yielded relative standard deviations between 2.9 and 6.0?%, (for n?=?5). The recoveries of all the three fungicides from tap, lake and rain water samples at spiking levels of 5 and 50?μg?L^?1 are in the range from 86 to 98?%, and from 80 to 96?%, respectively. We conclude that this is a simple, practical and efficient method for the determination of fungicide residues in real water samples.

Extraction of phthalate esters from water and beverages using a graphene-based magnetic nanocomposite prior to their determination by HPLC

We have developed a highly sensitive microextraction method for the preconcentration of some phthalate esters such as diethyl phthalate, di-n-propylphthalate, di-n-butyl-phthalate, dicyclohexyl-phthalate, and diethyl-hexyl phthalate prior to their determination by HPLC. It is based on a magnetic graphene nanocomposite as an effective adsorbent. The effects of the amount of the extractant composite employed, extraction time, pH values, salt concentration and desorption conditions were investigated. Under the optimum conditions, the enrichment factors range from 1574 to 2880. Response is linear in the concentration range from 0.1 to 50?ng?mL^?1. The limits of detection (at S/N?=?3) were between 0.01 and 0.04?ng?mL^?1. The method was successfully applied to the determination of five phthalate esters in water and beverage samples.

Supported hydrophobic ionic liquid on magnetic nanoparticles as a new sorbent for separation and preconcentration of lead and cadmium in milk and water samples

We have prepared a highly selective and efficient sorbent for the simultaneous separation and preconcentration of lead and cadmium ions from milk and water samples. An ionic liquid was deposited on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles (IL-MNPs) and used for solid phase extraction of these ions. The IL-MNPs carrying the target metals were then separated from the sample solution by applying an external magnetic field. Lead and cadmium were almost quantitatively retained by the IL-MNPs, and then eluted with nitric acid. The effect of different variables on solid phase extraction was investigated. The calibration curve is linear in the range from 0.3 to 20?ng mL^?1 of Cd(II), and from 5 to 330?ng mL^?1 of Pb(II) in the initial solution. Under optimum conditions, the detection limits are 1.61 and 0.122?μg?L-1 for Pb(II) and Cd(II) respectively. Relative standard deviations (n?=?10) were 2.87?% and 1.45?% for 0.05?μg?mL^-1 and 0.2?μg?mL^-1 of Cd (II) and Pb (II) respectively. The preconcentration factor is 200 for both of ions.

Analysis of trace amounts of chlorobenzenes in water samples: An approach towards the automation of dynamic hollow fiber liquid-phase microextraction

We have combined dynamic hollow fiber liquid-phase microextraction with GC and electron capture detection for the quantitative determination of five chlorobenzenes in water samples. Extraction is based on an automated dynamic extraction device called TT-tube extractor which consists of a polypropylene hollow fiber mounted inside a stainless steel tube. Toluene is used as the extraction solvent that fills the lumen and pores of the hydrophobic fiber and flows through the lumen of the fiber using a programmable syringe pump. The type of organic solvent, ionic strength, diameter of the TT-tube, sample volume, and the times for extraction and dwelling were optimized. Under optimum conditions, the method gives limits of detection as low as 10–100?ng?L^?1, a linear dynamic range of 0.05–100?μg?L^?1, and relative standard deviations of <7% (n?=?6). The preconcentration factor can be as large as 562–973. In an example for a practical application, the chlorobenzenes were successfully determined in environmental aqueous samples. The hollow fiber membrane can be used at least 20 times without any carry-over or loss in extraction efficiency. The system is inexpensive and convenient, and requires minimal manual handling.

Solid-phase extraction of lead(II) ions using multiwalled carbon nanotubes grafted with tris(2-aminoethyl)amine

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes were grafted with tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (MWCNTs-TAA) and employed for solid phase extraction and preconcentration of trace lead ions prior to its determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The material was characterized by FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy, thermosgravimetric and elemental analysis. The effects of pH value, shaking time, sample volume, elution conditions and potentially interfering ions were investigated. Under the optimum conditions, the maximum adsorption capacity is 38?mg?g^?1 of Pb(II), the detection limit is 0.32?ng?mL^?1, the enrichment factor is 60, and the relative standard deviation is 3.5% (n?=?6). The method has been applied to the preconcentration of trace amounts of Pb(II) in environmental water samples with satisfactory results.

Determination of chloride, sulfate and nitrate in drinking water by microchip electrophoresis

We report on a method for simultaneous determination of chloride, sulfate and nitrate in drinking water by microchip electrophoresis. By adjusting a pH value of 4.2 in the aspartate background electrolyte, and by applying separation mechanisms via the ionic strength effect (bis-tris propane) and association equilibria (N-dodecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate), a complete resolution of analytes from other co-migrating constituents is accomplished. In addition, isotachophoretic preconcentration of nitrate was implemented directly on the microchip. The ions were detected via conductivity measurements after injecting 900-nL samples. The limits of detection range from 40 to 120?μg?L^-1. The method displays a high reproducibility of the migration velocities under suppressed hydrodynamic and electroosmotic flow and therefore allows for a precise quantitation of analytes. The total analysis time is <450?s, and the working range is up to 60?mg?L^-1 for chloride and sulfate, and of up to 20?mg?L^-1 for nitrate. Filtration and degassing are the only sample treatment steps prior to analysis. The use of an internal standard enabled an easy chip-to-chip transfer of the method.

Square wave anodic stripping voltammetric determination of lead(II) using a glassy carbon electrode modified with a lead ionophore and multiwalled carbon nanotubes

We report on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with a lead ionophore and multiwalled carbon nanotubes. It can be applied to square wave anodic stripping voltammetric determination of Pb(II) ion after preconcentration of Pb(II) at ?1.0?V (vs. SCE) for 300?s in pH?4.5 acetate buffer containing 400?μg?L^?1 of Bi(III). The ionophore-MWCNTs film on the GCE possesses strong and highly selective affinity for Pb(II) as confirmed by quartz crystal microbalance experiments. Under the optimum conditions, a linear response was observed for Pb(II) ion in the range from 0.3 to 50?μg?L^?1. The limit of detection (at S/N?=?3) is 0.1?μg?L^?1. The method was applied to the determination of Pb(II) in water samples with acceptable recovery.

Geobacillus thermoleovorans immobilized on Amberlite XAD-4 resin as a biosorbent for solid phase extraction of uranium (VI) prior to its spectrophotometric determination

Geobacillus thermoleovorans subsp stromboliensis, was immobilized on an Amberlite XAD-4 ion exchanger and used as a solid phase extractant for the preconcentration of U(VI) ions prior to their determination by UV-VIS spectrophotometry. Parameters affecting the preconcentration (such as the pH value of the sample solution, the concentration of U(VI), the volume and type of eluent, the flow rate and the effect of potentially interfering ions) were studied. The optimum pH for the sorption of U(VI) was found to be pH 5.0. 5.0?mL of 1 M hydrochloric acid were used to eluate the U(VI) from the column. The loading capacity is 11?mg?g^?1. The limits of detection and quantification are 2.7 and 9.0?μg?L^?1, respectively, and relative standard deviations are <10?%. The method was applied to the determination of U(VI) in a certified reference sample (NCS ZC-73014; tea leaves) and in natural water samples.