Simultaneous determination of arsenic,mercury, antimony and selenium in biological materials with prior collection of gaseous products followed by neutron activation analysis

A method combining prior collection of gaseous products with subsequent neutron activation analysis has been developed for simultaneous determination of traces of arsenic, mercury, antimony and selenium in biological materials. The generation of hydrides of arsenic, antimony and selenium and cold vapor of mercury in the vapor generaion and collection system was investigated by the use of radiotracers of the respective elements. The result indicates that selenium and mercury can be completely evaporated from the digested sample solution in 5M HCl with the addition of 5% sodium tetrahydroborate solution, while additional reduction proces by potassium iodide and ascorbic acid is needed for complete evaporation of arsenic and antimony. The gaseous products were collected in a quartz tube for neutron irradiation. The detection limits of these elements were fount to be in the range of 10^–7 to 10^–8 g under the present experimental conditions. The reliability was checked with NBS standard reference materials.     

A coated-metal enzyme electrode for urea determinations

A potentiometric enzyme electrode is reported in which an enzyme immobilized in polyvinyl chloride is used to coat an antimony metal electrode to detect changes in pH when the electrode is immersed in a solution of the enzyme substrat. As an example, urea is determined in solution by using immobilized urease on an antimony electrode, giving a linear concentration range of 5.0 × 10^-4–1.0 × 10^-2 M urea with a slope of 44 mV per decade change in urea concentration. The response slope is stable for about 1 week, with response times in the range 1–2 min, but with absolute potential changes occurring from day to day.     

Sub-Microdetermination of Antimony (Iii) and Antimony (V) In Natural and Polluted Waters and Total Antimony In Biological Materials By Flameless Aas Following Extractive Separation With N-P-Methoxyphenyl-2-Furylacrylohydroxamic Acid

Abstract

Antimony (III) was separated from antimony (V) by extractive separation from 2–10^?6 M HC1 media with N-p-methoxyphenyl-2-furylacrylohydroxamic acid (MFHA) in chloroform and determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy at 2600°C using copper as matrix modifier. Antimony (V) was subsequently reduced to the trivalent form with acidic (-1M HC1) potassium iodide solution and determined as above. the mutual tolerance between antimony (III) and antimony (V) in the present mothod was very high-either of the species could be determined in presence of 15 times higher concentration of the other species. the sepatation-AAS determination system enabled accurate differential analysis of the metalloid in natural/ polluted waters down to 10^?2 ppb (ug 1^?1) levels. the method was also applied to the analysis of antimony in vehicle exhaust particulates, plant tissues, and animal tissues. the method was validated by analysing several certified reference materials with and without standard addition of antimony. MFHA was chosen from amongst thirteen new hydroxamic acids.     

Determination of traces of antimony and tin in copper by anodic stripping voltammetry

The determination of antimony and tin impurities in copper by anodic stripping voltammetry on a hanging mercury drop electrode is described. Antimony and tin were previously separated from copper by distillation with hydrobromic acid or a mixture of hydrobromic acid and hydrochloric acid. The method was applied to the analysis of various high-purity copper samples, commercially available, showing satisfactory sensitivity and precision. The determination limit was about 1.4· 10^-9M for antimony and 7·10^-10M for tin in solution, for pre-electrolysis times of respectively 15 and 25 min; this corresponds to 0.8 p.p.b. of antimony and 0.3 p.p.b. of tin for a 2-g sample and a final volume of 10 ml after separation.     

Differential determination of antimony(III) and antimony(V) by indirect spectrophotometry with chromium(VI) and diphenylcarbazide,after reduction of antimony(V)

Antimony(III) is determined indirectly through its reaction with excess of chromium(VI), the excess being quantified with diphenylcarbazide and measurement at 540 nm. Antimony(V) is reduced to antimony(III) with sodium sulfite in hydrochloric acid solution; excess of sulfite is eliminated by boiling. The subsequent determination of antimony(III) gives the concentration of total antimony, and antimony(V) is found from the difference between the results before and after reduction. Antimony in its different oxidation states can be determined in the range 0.04–0.7 mg l^?1 within an error of about 10%.     

A cloud point extraction for spectrophotometric determination of ultra- trace antimony without chelating agent in environmental and biological samples

We report on a simple, sensitive and reliable method for the cloud point extraction of antimony (Sb) and its subsequent spectrophotometric detection. It is based on the color reaction of Sb (III) with iodide in acidic medium and subsequent micelle-mediated extraction of tetraiodoantimonate using a non-ionic surfactant in the absence of any chelating agent. The effects of reaction and extraction parameters were optimized. The calibration plot is linear in the range of 0.80–95?ng?mL^?1 of antimony in the sample solution, with a regression coefficient (r) of 0.9994 (for n?=?9). The detection limit (at SNR?=?3) is 0.23?ng?mL^?1, and the relative standard deviations at 10 and 70?ng?mL^?1 of antimony are 3.32 and 1.85?% (at n?=?8), respectively. The method compared favorably to other methods and was applied to determine antimony in seawater, anti-leishmania drug (glucantime), and human serum.

Determination of antimony depth profiles in semiconductor silicon by chemical etching and nondispersive atomic fluorescence spectrometry with hydride generation

After the silicon has been anodized, the silica film formed is removed by dilute hydrofluoric acid, and the antimony in the etching solution determined by nondispersive atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The amount of silicon removed is measured in the etching solution by inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Down to 10¹⁸ atoms Sb cm^-3 can be determined at sectioning intervals of 50 nm.     

Use of isooctyl thioglycolate for the separation of tin and antimony

The extraction characteristics of isooctyl thioglycolate (IOTG), a chelating agent, in various diluents has been studied with respect to the metal ions, tin(IV) and antimony(III), in hydrochloric acid medium. It is concluded that antimony(III) can be separated from tin(IV) with 85% yield and with a decontamination factor of at least 1·10⁵ using IOTG diluted with petroleum ether and 3M HCl medium. Tin(IV) can be separated conveniently from antimony(III) in 2M HCl with 95% yield and with a decontamination factor greater than 7·10⁵ using IOTG diluted with carbon tetrachloride.     

Selective determination of trace arsenic and antimony species in natural waters by gas chromatography with a photoionization detector

Traces amounts of arsenic and antimony in water samples were determined by gas chromatography with a photoionization detector after liquidnitrogen cold trapping of their hydrides. The sample solution was treated with sodium hydroborate (NaBH₄) under weak-acid conditions for arsenic(III) and antimony(III) determination, and under strong-acid conditions for arsenic(III+V) and antimony(III+V) determination. Large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water vapor obscured determination of arsine and stibine. Better separation from interference could be achieved by removing CO₂ and water vapor in two tubes containing sodium hydroxide pellets and calcium chloride, respectively. The detection limits of this method were 1.8 ng dm^?3 for arsenic and 9.4 ng dm^?3 for antimony in the case of 100-cm³ sample volumes. Therefore, it is suitable for determination of trace arsenic and antimony in natural waters.     

Spectrofluorimetric Determination of Antimony

Abstract

A spectrofluorimetric procedure for the determination of micromolar concentrations of antimony(III) was devised based on its reduction of cerium(IV) to produce fluorescent cerium(III). The method was optimized and the reaction was fast enough in hydrochloric acid media without the need for iodide or osmium(VIII) as catalysts. Linear calibration graphs were obtained in the range 1-10 10^?6M. The standard deviation for determining 5 × 10^?6M antimony(III)(10 times) was 1.43 × 10^?7M and the relative error was -3.4 %. The method was applied to the determination of antimony(III) in its mixture with antimony(V), total antimony was later determined after reduction with mercury metal in deoxygenated solutions. The affect several reducing agents on the determination of antimony-was also examined.     

Simultaneous Determination of Antimony and Lead in Gunshot Residue by Cathodic Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetric Methods

Differential pulse cathodic adsorptive stripping (DPCAdSV) and square wave cathodic adsorptive stripping (SWCAdSV) voltammetric methods were developed for the determination of antimony and lead in gunshot residues. Linear working ranges for DPCAdSV and SWCAdSV methods were (2.0×10^?9–5.0×10^?7) M and (2.0×10^?9–7.0×10^?7) M for antimony and 2.0×10^?9–3.0×10^?7 M (both methods) for lead. The detection of antimony limits were found to be 1.3×10^?9 M for DPCAdSV and 7.3×10^?10 M for SWCAdSV while the corresponding values for lead were 3.0×10^?9 M and 5.8×10^?10 M. Antimony and lead contents obtained by these methods in gunshot residues are in good agreement with those obtained by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometric method within a confidence limit of 95%.     

A novel method for the anodic stripping voltammetry determination of Sb(III) using silver nanoparticle-modified screen-printed electrodes

Carbon screen-printed electrodes (CSPE) modified with silver nanoparticles present an interesting alternative in the determination of antimony using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry.Metallic silver nanoparticle deposits have been obtained by direct electrochemical deposition. Scanning electron microscopy measurements show that the electrochemically synthesized silver nanoparticles are deposited in aggregated form. Any undue effects caused by the presence of foreign ions in the solution were also analyzed to ensure that common interferents in the determination of antimony by ASV, such as bismuth, do not influence the electrochemical response of the latter element. The detection limit for Sb(III) obtained was 6.79 × 10⁻¹⁰ M. In terms of reproducibility, the precision of the above mentioned method in %RSD values was calculated at 3.50%. The method was applied to determine levels of antimony in seawater samples and pharmaceutical preparations.     

Chemical Speciation of Antimony(III and V) in Water by Adsorptive Cathodic Stripping Voltammetry Using the 4‐(2‐Thiazolylazo) – Resorcinol

A simple adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry method has been developed for antimony (III and V) speciation using 4‐(2‐thiazolylazo) – resorcinol (TAR). The methodology involves controlled preconcentration at pH 5, during which antimony(III) – TAR complex is adsorbed onto a hanging mercury drop electrode followed by measuring the cathodic peak current (I_p,c) at ?0.39 V versus Ag/AgCl electrode. The plot of I_p,c versus antimony(III) concentration was linear in the range 1.35×10^?9–9.53×10^?8 mol L^?1.The LOD and LOQ for Sb(III) were found 4.06×10^?10 and 1.35×10^?9 mol L^?1, respectively. Antimony(V) species after reduction to antimony(III) with Na₂SO₃ were also determined. Analysis of antimony in environment water samples was applied satisfactorily.     

Flow analysis-hydride generation-Fourier transform infrared spectrometric determination of antimony in pharmaceuticals

In this work, a flow analysis system with hydride generation and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometric detection has been developed for the determination of antimony in pharmaceuticals. The method is based on the on-line mineralization/oxidation of the organic antimonials present in the sample and pre-reduction of Sb(V) to Sb(III) with K₂S₂O₈ and KI, respectively; prior to the stibine generation. The gaseous SbH₃ is separated from the solution in a gas phase separator, and transported by means of a nitrogen carrier into a short pathway (10 cm) IR gas cell, where the corresponding FTIR spectrum is acquired by accumulating 3 scans in a continuous mode. The 1893 cm⁻¹ band was used for the quantification of the antimony. The procedure is carried out in a closed system, which reduces sample handling and makes possible the complete automation of the antimony determination. The figures of merit of the proposed method (linear range: 0-600 mg l⁻¹, limit of detection (3σ)=0.9 mg l⁻¹, limit of quantification (10σ)=3 mg Sb l⁻¹, precision (R.S.D.) less than 1% and sample frequency=28 h⁻¹), are appropriate for the designed application. Furthermore, precise and accurate results were found for the analysis of different antimonial pharmaceutical samples, indicating that the methodology developed represents a valid alternative for the determination of antimony in pharmaceuticals, which could be suitable for the routine control analysis.     

Anodic stripping voltammetry of antimony using gold nanoparticle-modified carbon screen-printed electrodes

Carbon screen-printed electrodes (CSPE) modified with gold nanoparticles present an interesting alternative in the determination of antimony using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. Metallic gold nanoparticles deposits have been obtained by direct electrochemical deposition. Scanning electron microscopy measurements show that the electrochemically synthesized gold nanoparticles are deposited in aggregated form. Any undue effects caused by the presence of foreign ions in the solution were also analyzed to ensure that common interferents in the determination of antimony by ASV. The detection limit for Sb(III) obtained was 9.44 × 10⁻¹⁰ M. In terms of reproducibility, the precision of the above mentioned method in %R.S.D. values was calculated at 2.69% (n = 10). The method was applied to determine levels of antimony in seawater samples and pharmaceutical preparations.     

Antimony determination and speciation by multisyringe flow injection analysis with hydride generation-atomic fluorescence detection

A new analytical procedure for determination of inorganic antimony and speciation of antimony(III) and antimony(V) is presented. For this purpose, a software-controlled time-based multisyringe flow injection system, which contains a multisyringe burette provided with a multi-port selection valve, was developed. Hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry was used as a detection technique. A 0.3% (w/v) reducing sodium tetrahydroborate solution, hydrochloric acid (2 M), an antimony solution and a pre-reducing solution of 10% (w/v) KI and 0.3% (w/v) ascorbic acid are dispensed simultaneously into a gas-liquid separation cell with further propulsion of the reaction product into the flame of an atomic fluorescence spectrometer using argon flow. A hydrogen flow was employed to support the flame.The linear range and the detection limit (3s_b/S) of the proposed technique were 0.2-5.6 μg l⁻¹ and 0.08 μg l⁻¹, respectively. A sample throughput of 18 samples per hour (corresponding to 80 injections per hour) was achieved. The relative standard deviation for 18 independent measurements was 4.6%. This technique was validated by means of reference solid and water materials with good agreement with the certified values. Satisfactory results for speciation of Sb(III) and Sb(V) by means of the developed technique were obtained.     

Speciation of Antimony by Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry Using Pyrogallol Red

This paper proposes a procedure for the speciation of antimony by Differential Pulse Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry (DPAdSV) using pyrogallol red (PGR) as a complexing agent. It employs a Partial Least Squares regression (PLS) in the resolution of strongly overlapping voltammetric signals obtained from mixtures of Sb(III) and Sb(V) in the presence of pyrogallol red. The absolute value of the relative error was less than 3.5% when concentrations of several mixtures were calculated, the minimum concentrations being 9.98×10^?9 mol dm^?3 and 4.87×10^?8 mol dm^?3 for Sb(III) and Sb(V), respectively. Any undue effects caused by the presence of foreign ions in the solution were also analyzed. The procedure was successfully applied to the speciation of antimony in pharmaceutical preparations.     

Nanostructured Carbon/Antimony Composites as Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries with Long Life

A series of nanostructured carbon/antimony composites have been successfully synthesized by a simple sol–gel, high‐temperature carbon thermal reduction process. In the carbon/antimony composites, antimony nanoparticles are homogeneously dispersed in the pyrolyzed nanoporous carbon matrix. As an anode material for lithium‐ion batteries, the C/Sb10 composite displays a high initial discharge capacity of 1214.6 mAh g^?1 and a reversible charge capacity of 595.5 mAh g^?1 with a corresponding coulombic efficiency of 49 % in the first cycle. In addition, it exhibits a high reversible discharge capacity of 466.2 mAh g^?1 at a current density of 100 mA g^?1 after 200 cycles and a high rate discharge capacity of 354.4 mAh g^?1 at a current density of 1000 mA g^?1. The excellent cycling stability and rate discharge performance of the C/Sb10 composite could be due to the uniform dispersion of antimony nanoparticles in the porous carbon matrix, which can buffer the volume expansion and maintain the integrity of the electrode during the charge–discharge cycles.     

Bioaccumulation of Antimony by Chlorella vulgaris and the Association Mode of Antimony in the Cell

The bioaccumulation and excretion of antimony by the freshwater alga Chlorella vulgaris , which had been isolated from an arsenic-polluted environment, are described. When this alga was cultured in a medium containing 50 μg cm⁻³ of antimony(III) for 14 days, it was found that Chlorella vulgaris bioaccumulated antimony at concentrations up to 12 000 μg Sb g⁻¹ dry wt after six days' incubation. The antimony concentration in Chlorella vulgaris decreased from 2570 to 1610 μg Sb g⁻¹ dry wt after the cells were transferred to an antimony-free medium. We found that the excreted antimony consists of 40% antimony(V) and 60% antimony(III). This means that the highly toxic antimony(III) was converted to the less toxic antimony (V) by the living organism. Antimony accumulated in living Chlorella vulgaris cells was solvent-fractionated with chloroform/methanol (2:1), and the extract residue was fractionated with 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Gel-filtration chromatography of the solubilized part showed that antimony was combined with proteins whose molecular weight was around 4×10⁴ in the antimony-accumulated living cells. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Spectrophotometric Determination of Antimony (III) By Solvent Extraction with Mandelic Acid and Malachite Green

Abstract

A sensitive and selective method has been developed for the spectrophotometric determination of antimony in the tervalent oxidation state. It was found that antimony (III) reacts with mandelic acid to form a complex anion extractable into chlorobenzene with malachite green in weak acidic media (pH 2.2 to 3.5) at room temperature and is determined indirectly by measuring the absorbance of malachite green in the extract at 628 nm. The calibration graph is linear for antimony (III) over the range 0.088–1.8 mg 1^?1 (7.2 × 10^?7–1.5 × 10^?5 mol 1^?1) with the apparent molar absorptivity ε × 6.9 × 10⁴ 1 mol^?1 cm^?1. Antimony (V) was slightly extracted in the presence of phosphate buffer with ε × 2.7 × 10³ 1 mol^?1 cm^?1.