Influence of sample preparation on the determination of the elemental composition of fresh water sponges by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

To find the optimal way of the sample preparation of sponges for the determination of their elemental composition, three techniques of digestion were tested: acidic (mixtures of nitric, chloric, and hydrofluoric acids and hydrogen peroxide) upon heating in open vessels, autoclave-assisted at higher temperature and pressure, and decomposition in microwave ovens (MW). Using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS), we determined the concentrations of 23 elements in sponges Baikalospongia bacillifera Dubowski, 1880. The accuracy checks have demonstrated a good agreement between the measured and assured values. The attained limits of detection ranged from 32 mg/kg (for Al after autoclave digestion) to 0.1–0.2 μg/kg (for Tl, open acidic with HClO₄ and MW decomposition). The relative standard deviation varied from rather modest values (for Cu, Cs, Ba, autoclave decomposition; Se, open acidic HClO₄-free; Zn, open acidic with HClO₄) to 30% (Be, Tl, Pb, autoclave decomposition; Be, Cr, Ga, Pb, open HClO₄-free acidic digestion), 40% (Cs, MW), and 60% (Se, open acidic with HClO₄). Different ways of digestion showed good compatibility of the results for the elements under study, except for Li, Sr, and Se. For Cr and Co (open acidic with HClO₄), Cr, Ni, and As (MW), the method appeared insufficiently sensitive.     

Identification of endogenous and anthropogenic hydrocarbons in bottom deposits of peat lakes and evaluation of their contribution to the “hydrocarbon index”

Gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection was used to analyze bitumens isolated from bottom sediments of peat lakes contaminated with petroleum products. Endogenous hydrocarbons are characterized by the presence of n-alkanes with an odd number of carbon atoms in the molecule in the characteristic region of C₂₃–C₃₃, the absence of a “hump” characteristic of oil products in the chromatogram, and the presence of light hydrocarbons, eluting in the initial part of the chromatogram (light hydrocarbons are usually lost when the sample is dried). The distribution profile of odd n-alkanes is used to assess the contribution of endogenous hydrocarbons to the “hydrocarbon index” with the help of the pattern recognition method. The concentration of light hydrocarbons is from 50 and 300–400 to 3500–5000 mg/kg for a number of samples and even up to 26000 mg/kg in some samples. The concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons and heteroatomic compounds varies from the lowest values of 30–80 mg/kg up to 20000 mg/kg and higher.     

Sulfur trace determination in petroleum products by isotope dilution ICP-MS using direct injection by thermal vaporization (TV-ICP-IDMS)

An accurate, sensitive, and fast method for direct determination of total sulfur in petroleum products after thermal vaporization of an isotope-diluted sample was developed by using ICP-MS. ³⁴S-labelled dibenzothiophene spike was used for the isotope dilution step. The isotope-diluted sample was injected into a thermal vaporizer which was directly connected by a heated transfer line to the plasma torch. Sample transport was achieved by using a helium gas flow, and the isotope ratio ³⁴S/³²S was determined within seconds after injection. No other sample preparation other than the simple and fast isotope dilution step, which enables accurate and sensitive determination of sulfur at high sample throughputs, is necessary. Thus, this technique fits all needs for routine analyses. Validation of the TV-ICP-IDMS method was carried out by analyzing the certified gas oil reference materials BCR672 and BCR107. Comparison of results for noncertified low- and high-boiling samples, obtained from an ICP-IDMS microwave-assisted digestion method, also resulted in very good agreement. The low detection limit of 40 ng/g and the large dynamic range of TV-ICP-IDMS fulfill all necessities to allow analysis of sulfur in different petroleum products, e.g., even at the low concentration level of ‘sulfur-free’ gasoline.     

Sample preparation by in-gel digestion for mass spectrometry-based proteomics

The proteomic characterization of proteins and protein complexes from cells and cell organelles is the next challenge for investigation of the cell. After isolation of the cell compartment, three steps have to be performed in the laboratory to yield information about the proteins present. The protein mixtures must be separated into single species, broken down into peptides, and, finally, identified by mass spectrometry. Most scientists engaged in proteomics separate proteins by electrophoresis. For characterization and identification of proteomes, mass spectrometry of peptides is the method of choice. To combine electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, sample preparation by “in-gel digestion” has been developed. Many procedures are available for in-gel digestion, which inspired us to review in-gel digestion approaches. Figure Classical in-gel digestion process for a protein band stained with CBB. Protein bands are cut from the polyacrylamide gel (1). CBB molecules (blue circles) bound to the protein are released by iterative incubation in a buffered organic solvent system (2). To increase digestion efficiency and sequence coverage proteins are reduced (3) and alkylated (4). Proteins are subsequently digested with proteolytic enzymes (scissors symbols), typically trypsin (5). Trypsin cleaves at the amino acid residues arginine (R) and lysine (K). The resulting peptides (A, B, and C) are extracted from the polyacrylamide matrix (6). The peptide solution can be further purified for analysis by mass spectrometry (Section “Concentration and desalting of peptides”)     

Determination of lead in petroleum and petroleum products by atomic absorption spectrometry with a carbon rod atomizer

The use of a carbon rod atomizer for the analysis of lead in petroleum and petroleum products is described. Variables affecting sensitivity studied include: type of lead salt and type of solvent for standard and sample preparation, hydrogen diffusion flame, choice of analytical wavelength and interferences. For the 217.00-nm line, a sensitivity of 1·10^-11 g (absolute) and for the 283.31-nm line, a detection limit of 2·10^-12 g (absolute) are reported. Results of analysis of gasoline, used bunker heating oil, used jet engine lubricating oil, and crude oil for lead content are presented. An organic-to-aqueous solvent extraction system for lead is described.     

Effect of sample preparation conditions on the determination of the total concentrations of unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine in soils

It is shown that, for a correct determination of the total concentration of unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) in soil, it is necessary to consider the simultaneous presence of active products of its transformation, capable of hydrolysis to the parent compound, such as formic acid 1,1-dimethylhydrazide (FADMH). A comparative study is performed of the methods known in the literature for sample preparation to select conditions for the quantitative extraction of UDMH bonded by various mechanisms to organic and mineral fractions of soil, as well as FADMH as one of the most common active transformation products. It is found that the distillation with a 40% NaOH solution with an addition of Na₂S enables the quantitative recovery of UDMH and FADMH from soils of all types and the determination of the maximum concentration of UDMH in the analysis of real samples of contaminated soils, which allows us to recommend this option to determine the total concentration of UDMH.     

The Application of Perdeuterated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) as Internal Standards for the Liquid Chromatographic Determination of PAH in a Petroleum Crude Oil and Other Complex Mixtures

Abstract

A sequential liquid chromatographic (LC) procedure for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in a petroleum crude oil and other complex mixtures is described. The procedure includes normal-phase LC on an aminosilane column to isolate fractions containing isomeric PAH and reversed-phase LC on a polymeric C₁₈ column to separate the individual PAH isomers. Appropriate perdeuterated PAH are added to the sample so that each isomeric fraction will contain one internal standard. The perdeuterated PAH are excellent internal standards for this sequential LC procedure. Perdeuterated PAH have normal-phase and reversed-phase LC retention characteristics similar to those of the parent PAH. In the normal-phase LC separation, the perdeuterated PAH elute in the same fraction as the parent PAH. In the reversed-phase LC separation, the perdeuterated PAH elute first and are generally resolved from the parent PAH. The optimized spectrofluorometric detection of each PAH analyte is accomplished by programming appropriate sets of excitation and emission wavelengths to correspond with the elation time of each analyte on the polymeric C₁₈ column. The analytical results obtained from this procedure for the analysis of a shale oil sample [Standard Reference Material (SRM) 1580] and a petroleum crude oil (SRM 1582) are compared to values obtained by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry.     

Optimization of Plant Sample Preparation and ICP Parameters for Analysis of Phosphorus

Abstract

Parameters of HNO₃-H₂O₂ wet digestion sample preparation method and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer     

Dynamic extraction in microcolumn as a method for the sample preparation of oil-contaminated soils

A method is proposed for the sample preparation of oil-contaminated soils based on the dynamic extraction of petroleum products in a microcolumn of special design. By an example of the analysis of GSO (State Standard Sample) 8673-2005 of an oil-contaminated soil and model soil samples, a comparative evaluation of the efficiency of dynamic and batch (shaking in a shaker) extraction for the sample preparation of oil-polluted soils is carried out. The concentration of petroleum products in the extracts was determined by IR spectrometry. It was shown that the recovery of petroleum products into carbon tetrachloride in extraction in a microcolumn is, on the average, 50% higher than that in mixing the sample and reagent in a shaker. The rapid and efficient extraction of petroleum products in a microcolumn is possible because of dynamic extraction occurring at a constant renewal of the reagent.     

Determination of Sulfur in Petroleum Coke Combining Closed Vessel Microwave-Induced Combustion and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry

Abstract

A new procedure based on closed vessel Microwave-Induced Combustion (MIC) technique is proposed for the decomposition of petroleum coke and further determination of sulfur by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The procedure is based on sample ignition by microwave radiation using closed quartz vessels pressurized with oxygen and use of NH₄NO₃ as an ignition aid. The nature and concentration of absorbing/refluxing solution were studied, as well as the operational parameters related to MIC technique. Results were compared with those obtained by conventional wet digestion in closed vessels, certified reference materials (agreement was better than 98%), and also using ion chromatography for S determination.     

Synthesis and characterization of azidated Adenopus breviflorus benth seed oil

ABSTRACT

Azidation of plant seed oils was re-investigated using methods reported in the literature, to re-examine if triacylglycerol backbone, important for maintaining biodegradability in plant oil products is retained in the final azidated oil. Reaction of NaN₃ with epoxidized Adenopus breviflorus oil (EADBO) using NH₄Cl as catalyst (Method A), gave acidolysis products and mixture of products containing triacylglycerol backbone. Reaction of EADBO with NaN₃ in water using an ionic liquid, 1-methyl imidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Hmim]BF₄ ^?), as catalyst (Method B), generated a product containing only triacylglycerol backbone while product of reaction of EADBO with NaN₃ in DMF, using [Hmim]BF₄ ^? catalyst (Method C) gave highest yield but did not contain any triacylglycerol backbone. Thus, Method B was best for environmentally friendliness of its azidated product. Azido compounds generally prepared from petrochemicals may now be prepared from plant oil source using method B for preparation of biodegradable vicinal hydroxyl triglyceride which is very versatile in surfactant industries.     

Atomic Fluorescence Determination of Selenium Using Hydride Generation Technique

Abstract

Hydride generation followed by atomic fluorescence spectrometry, a simple and very sensitive technique, has been evaluated for selenium analysis in different environmental and biological samples. Research is focused on the interfering effects of several selected anions, cations, and acids on the selenium determination and the sample preparation procedures. Besides some transition metals such as Ni²⁺ Co²⁺ and Cu²⁺ HNO₃ acid, the digestion medium used for sample preparation, shows strong interference. In order to reduce this interfering effect, matrix match or standard addition is recommended. This technique is validated by analyzing a number of standard reference materials. Results for selenium analysis in some biological samples are also presented.     

Determination of arsenic,selenium and mercury in an estuarine sediment standard reference material using flow injection and atomic absorption spectrometry

A flow-injection analysis atomic absorption spectrometric (FIA-AAS) method was developed for the determination of trace amounts of arsenic, selenium and mercury in a proposed estuarine sediment standard reference material (SRM 1646a). The samples were prepared in two manners: a) A wet digestion procedure with HNO₃, H₂SO₄, and HClO₄ using a reflux column and b) A microwave-oven digestion procedure utilizing HNO₃, H₂SO₄, and HCl for As and Se, and HNO₃ for Hg. Microwave-oven digestion provides results comparable to those found by reflux column digestion and reduces the sample preparation time by a factor of 10. The proposed method employing the microwave-oven digestion procedure coupled with FIA-AAS for As and Se, and FIA-CVAAS for Hg, has detection limits of 0.15 ng As/ml, O.17 ng Se/ml and 0.15 ng Hg/ml.On leave from the Defense Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Hyderabad, India     

The effect of sample preparation on metal determination in soil by FAAS

Different methods for the determination of several metals in soils by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) were investigated. Different procedures for total dissolution of soil: I – HF+HClO₄, H₃BO₃, HCl digestion (conventional heating), II – HF+HClO₄, H₃BO₃ digestion followed by fusion with LiBO₂ (conventional heating) and III – HF+HCl+HNO₃, H₃BO₃ digestion (microwave heating), as well as a leaching procedure with HNO₃+HClO₄, HCl were tested and compared. For quality assessment, the certified reference material S-1 soil was used. For most of the investigated metals, the best accuracy and precision were achieved when the procedure I or III were used. The developed procedure was applied to the analysis of soil samples from crude oil refinery and dump of petroleum origin wastes regions. Received: 22 Dezember 1997 / Revised: 9 February 1998 / Accepted: 12 February 1998     

Determination of petroleum trace impurities in aqueous samples by chromatography in a steam flow

A procedure was developed for the determination of trace petroleum products in water by gas chromatography with steam as the carrier gas. Solid-phase microextraction was used for sample preparation. A method for the stabilization and homogenization of water samples before the analysis and a method for the removal of polar components of the sample were proposed. The precision and accuracy indices of the proposed procedure were estimated for aqueous solutions of a mixture of diesel fuel and oil with a concentration close to the maximum permissible concentration. The relative error in the measurement is no more than ～25% in the concentration range of petroleum products of 0.05–0.5 mg/L.     

On-Line Desalting of Crude Oil in the Source Region of a Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometer

The presence of dissolved metal ions in waters associated with crude oils has many negative implications for the transport, processing, and refining of petroleum. In addition, mass spectrometric analysis of sodium containing crude oil samples suffers from ionization suppression, unwanted adduct formation, and an increase in the complexity of data analysis. Here, we describe a method for the reduction/elimination of these adverse effects by modification of the source region gas-inlet system of a 12 T Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometer. Several acids were examined as part of this study, with the most suitable for on-line desalting found to have both high vapor pressure and low pK_a; 12.1 M HCl showed the strongest desalting effect for crude oil samples with a sodium removal index (SRI) of 88%–100% ± 7% for the NaOS compound class. In comparison, a SRI of only 38% ± 9% was observed for a H₂O/toluene solution-phase extraction of Oil 1. These results clearly demonstrate the increased efficacy of pseudo-vapor phase desalting with the additional advantages that initial sample solution conditions are preserved and no sample preparation is required prior to analysis.

Ambient analysis of saturated hydrocarbons using discharge-induced oxidation in desorption electrospray ionization

Saturated nonfunctionalized hydrocarbons can be oxidized in situ by initiating an electrical discharge during desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) to generate the corresponding alchohols and ketones. This form of reactive DESI experiment can be utilized as an in situ derivatization method for rapid and direct analysis of alkanes at atmospheric pressure without sample preparation. Betaine aldehyde was incorporated into the DESI spray solution to improve the sensitivity of detecting the long-chain alcohol oxidation products. The limit of detection for alkanes (C₁₅H₃₂ to C₃₀H₆₂) from pure samples is ∼20 ng. Multiple oxidations and dehydrogenations occurred during the DESI discharge, but no hydrocarbon fragmentation was observed, even for highly branched squalane. Using exact mass measurements, the technique was successfully implemented for analysis of petroleum distillates containing saturated hydrocarbons.     

The effect of sample preparation on metal determination in soil by FAAS

Different methods for the determination of several metals in soils by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) were investigated. Different procedures for total dissolution of soil: I – HF+HClO₄, H₃BO₃, HCl digestion (conventional heating), II – HF+HClO₄, H₃BO₃ digestion followed by fusion with LiBO₂ (conventional heating) and III – HF+HCl+HNO₃, H₃BO₃ digestion (microwave heating), as well as a leaching procedure with HNO₃+HClO₄, HCl were tested and compared. For quality assessment, the certified reference material S-1 soil was used. For most of the investigated metals, the best accuracy and precision were achieved when the procedure I or III were used. The developed procedure was applied to the analysis of soil samples from crude oil refinery and dump of petroleum origin wastes regions.     

电感耦合等离子体发射光谱法测定植物油中的磷

用电感耦合等离子体发射光谱法(ICP-AES)测定了植物油中的磷.采用多谱线拟合技术(MSF)校正了铜对P213.617 nm和P214.914 nm光谱干扰.比较了活性炭炭化灰化法和微波消解法两种样品前处理方法对分析结果的影响.结果表明这两种前处理方法所得结果都能与国标磷钼蓝分光光度法的分析结果吻合,其中活性炭炭化灰化法的方法检出限(0.053 mg/kg)较微波消解法的方法检出限(0.42 mg/kg)更低,所以对低含量的磷的检测结果其相对误差及精密度更好.该法应用于植物油中磷的测定.     

Measurements of sulfur in oil using a pressurised wet digestion technique in open vessels and isotope dilution mass spectrometry

Graz University of Technology has developed a new technique for digesting samples using the well-established high-pressure asher (HPA) from Anton Paar GmbH (Graz, Austria). The digestion is performed in semi-open vessels inside a pressurised autoclave. The new HPA equipment consists of a liner for the autoclave, special sample racks and 30-mL digestion vessels made of quartz, covered with PTFE stoppers. The Laboratory for Isotope Dilution and Nuclear Analysis of the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM, Berlin) tested this new equipment in order to assess its usability for the decomposition of larger sample amounts of gas oils for the measurement of sulfur. Several experiments were carried out using the new sample decomposition technique. In order to test the recovery of the new digestion method, a gas oil material with known sulfur content was chosen, quantified by the validated conventional closed vessel HPA digestion in combination with thermal ionisation mass spectrometry. Isotope dilution mass spectrometry has been applied as analytical method in this investigation. The gas oil was spiked with an isotopic spike material, which is enriched in ³⁴S, and was then wet digested in the HPA. The oxidized sulfur of the dried samples was reduced to H₂S and precipitated as As₂S₃. The sulfur was measured as arsenic monosulfide (AsS⁺). The mass content of sulfur in the gas oil tested is 453.5 mg kg^–1. Recovery tests for increasing masses of gas oils indicate that the recovery using the new measurement technique decreases with increasing mass of gas oil. Results were obtained for approximately 0.3 g sample weight and had less overlap with the result of the old HPA method within the stated uncertainties. At approximately 0.5 g sample weight the yield decreases to about 97% and at approximately 1.0 g sample weight to about 87%. In comparison with the conventional closed vessel HPA digestion, the new technique shows no clear advantages for the certification of the sulfur content in gas oil other than a more convenient handling. The total uncertainty of the sulfur mass fractions (k=2) is about 1.5%. Repeated determination of the oil samples show a relative standard deviation of about 0.8% and indicate that the analytical procedure is robust and reproducible. The demonstrated reproducibility allows the establishment of correction factors for the yield, which in turn enables higher sample masses for routine work. The blank level (0.26×10^-6 g) was within the range of the conventional closed HPA digestion procedure·(0.28×10^-6 g). Cross contamination could not be detected. In terms of trace metal analysis a good applicability and more advantages over the conventional closed vessel HPA digestion can be assumed.