Matrix solid phase dispersion-assisted BCR sequential extraction method for metal partitioning in surface estuarine sediments

The BCR (the Community Bureau of Reference) of the European Union sequential extraction scheme for metal partitioning in estuarine sediments has been accelerated by using a matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) approach. The MSPD assisted BCR procedure consists of passing the extractants proposed by conventional BCR protocol (0.11 M acetic acid, 0.1 M hydroxylammonium chloride and 8.8 M hydrogen peroxide plus 1 M ammonium acetate) through the dispersed sample packaged inside a disposable syringe. Different silica-, magnesium- and aluminium-based materials were tested as dispersing agents and sea sand was found to offer the best performances. Variables for assisting the three stages of the BCR protocol were optimized, and accurate results were obtained when assisting the first and the third stages (exchangeable and oxidizable fractions, respectively). However, lack of accuracy was observed when assisting the second step (reducible fraction) and this result agrees with most of the assisted BCR procedures for which extracting the reducible fraction is the most troublesome stage. The organic matter oxidation (third stage) was successfully assisted by passing hydrogen peroxide at 50 °C through the dispersed sample inside de syringe just before passing ammonium acetate. Therefore, the time-consuming and unsafe conventional organic matter oxidation processes, commonly performed even for microwave/ultrasounds assisted BCR procedures, are totally avoided. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used as a selective detector. The target elements were Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Sr and Zn (first stage), Cd, Co and Ni (second stage), and Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Sr and Zn (third stage). Repeatability of the method (n = 7) was good, and RSDs values of 9, 10, 10, 8, 8, 3 and 8% was obtained for Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Sr and Zn, respectively (first stage); 10, 9 and 9% for Cd, Co and Ni, respectively (second stage); and 6, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 9% Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Sr and Zn, respectively (third stage). The procedure was also validated by analysing two certified reference materials (CRM 601 and CRM 701). Good accuracy was obtained for the target elements extracted at the first stage: Cd (4.0 ± 0.1 and 7.3 ± 0.09 μg g⁻¹ in CRM 601 and CRM 701, respectively), Cr (0.36 ± 0.008 and 2.21 ± 0.08 μg g⁻¹ in CRM 601 and CRM 701, respectively), Ni (8.0 ± 0.3 and 15.4 ± 0.3 μg g⁻¹ in CRM 601 and CRM 701, respectively) and Zn (262 ± 3 and 203 ± 3 μg g⁻¹ in CRM 601 and CRM 701, respectively). Also, good accuracy was observed for elements extracted at the third step: Cd (1.8 ± 0.09 and 0.29 ± 0.03 μg g⁻¹ in CRM 601 and CRM 701, respectively), Cr (145 ± 4 μg g⁻¹ in CRM 701), Ni (8.2 ± 0.7 and 15.1 ± 0.5 μg g⁻¹ in CRM 601 and CRM 701, respectively) and Zn (45 ± 0.7 μg g⁻¹ in CRM 701).     

Determination of metals and metalloids in light and heavy crude oil by ICP-MS after digestion by microwave-induced combustion

A method for light and heavy crude oil digestion using microwave-induced combustion (MIC) in closed vessels is described for further determination of Ag, As, Ba, Bi, Ca, Cd, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Se, Sr, Tl, V, and Zn by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Conventional microwave-assisted acid digestion (MW-AD) in pressurized vessels and analyte determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) were also used for results comparison. For MIC procedure, samples were wrapped in polyethylene films and combusted using 20 bar of oxygen and 50 µl of 6 mol l^− 1 ammonium nitrate as aid for ignition. The concentration of nitric acid used as absorbing solution was evaluated (1, 2, 4, 7, 10 and 14 mol l^− 1) using an additional reflux step after combustion. Accuracy was evaluated for As, Ba, Ni, Se V, and Zn using certified reference material (CRM) with similar matrix composition and for Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, and Mo by neutron activation analysis (NAA). Recovery tests were also performed for all the analytes by MIC and they were better than 97% using 2 mol l^− 1 nitric acid as absorbing solution (with reflux step). Agreement with certified values and NAA results was better than 95%. Using MIC it was possible to obtain lower limits of detection (LODs) by ICP-MS and also by ICP OES in comparison with those obtained by MW-AD. In spite of both sample preparation techniques were apparently suitable for crude oil digestion, MIC was preferable in view of the possibility of using diluted nitric acid as absorbing solution that is an important aspect to minimize interferences by ICP-MS and ICP OES. In order to avoid polyatomic interferences on ⁵²Cr and ⁵⁶Fe determinations by ICP-MS, a dynamic reaction cell with ammonia gas was used. Residual carbon content in digests obtained by MW-AD and MIC was 15% and < 1%, respectively. Using MIC the simultaneous digestion of 8 samples was possible in less than 30 min.     

Comparison of two lab-made spray chambers based on MSIS™ for simultaneous metal determination using vapor generation-inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy

The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of two lab-made systems based on the Multimode Introduction System (MSIS™) and the modified MSIS™, to generate and introduce vapors of Ag, Cu, Cd, Cu, Ni, Sn, Zn, and also Au in the ICP torch. An univariate procedure was used to select the optimized working conditions (Ar flow, sample, reductant and waste flows, and reagent concentrations). Optimum conditions for working with modified MSIS were: nitric acid concentration 0.35 M, 8-hydroxyquinoline concentration: 40 mg L⁻¹, sodium borohydride concentration: 1.75% (w/v) + 0.4% (w/v) NaOH, argon purge flow to sweep the vapors to the torch: 1.2 L min⁻¹, sample flow and sodium borohydride flows: 2.3 L min⁻¹; waste flow: 7.7 mL min⁻¹. For the optimum working conditions for lab-made MSIS in dual mode the concentration of 8-hydroxyquinoline was 225 mg L⁻¹, the Ar purge flow was 0.75 L min⁻¹, and the conventional nebulization flow was 2.3 L min⁻¹. The sensitivity obtained was higher using the lab-made MSIS than using the lab-made modified MSIS or a forced outlet gas–liquid separator. The limits of detection were better for Au, Cd, Sn than those obtained using conventional nebulization; the measurements were precise (RSDs ≤ 5% in dual mode) and a good accuracy was obtained in the determination of Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn in a wastewater reference material using aqueous calibration and the lab-made MSIS in dual mode.     

Evaluation of the use of multiple lines for determination of metals in water by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry with axial viewing

Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometers (ICP OES) allow fast simultaneous measurements of several spectral lines for multiple elements. The combination of signal intensities of two or more emission lines for each element may bring such advantages as improvement of the precision, the minimization of systematic errors caused by spectral interferences and matrix effects. In this work, signal intensities for several spectral lines were combined for the determination of Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Pb, and Zn in water. Afterwards, parameters for evaluation of the calibration model were calculated to select the combination of emission lines leading to the best accuracy (lowest values of PRESS–Predicted error sum of squares and RMSEP–Root means square error of prediction). Limits of detection (LOD) obtained using multiple lines were 7.1, 0.5, 4.4, 0.042, 3.3, 28 and 6.7 µg L^− 1 (n = 10) for Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Pb and Zn, respectively, in the presence of concomitants. On the other hand, the LOD established for the most intense emission line were 16, 0.7, 8.4, 0.074, 23, 26 and 9.6 µg L^− 1 (n = 10) for these same elements in the presence of concomitants. The accuracy of the developed procedure was demonstrated using water certified reference material. The use of multiple lines improved the sensitivity making feasible the determination of these analytes according to the target values required for the current environmental legislation for water samples and it was also demonstrated that measurements in multiple lines can also be employed as a tool to verify the accuracy of an analytical procedure in ICP OES.     

Analysis of metals and phosphorus in biodiesel B100 from different feedstock using a Flow Blurring multinebulizer in inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry

A simple and fast method for determining the content of Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, and 20 heavy metals in biodiesel samples with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) using a two-nozzle Flow Blurring^® multinebulizer prototype and on-line internal standard calibration, are proposed. The biodiesel samples were produced from different feedstock such as sunflower, corn, soybean and grape seed oils, via a base catalyst transesterification. The analysis was carried out without any sample pretreatment. The standards and samples were introduced through one of the multinebulizer nozzles, while the aqueous solution containing yttrium as an internal standard was introduced through the second nozzle. Thus, the spectral interferences were compensated and the formation of carbon deposits on the ICP torch was prevented. The determination coefficients (R²) were greater than 0.99 for the studied analytes, in the range 0.21–14.75 mg kg⁻¹. Short-term and long-term precisions were estimated as relative standard deviation. These were acceptable, their values being lower than 10%. The LOQ for major components such as Ca, K, Mg, Na, and P, were within a range between 4.9 ng g⁻¹ for Mg (279.553 nm) and 531.1 ng g⁻¹ for Na (588.995 nm), and for the other 20 minor components they were within a range between 1.1 ng g⁻¹ for Ba (455.403 nm) and 2913.9 ng g⁻¹ for Pb (220.353 nm). Recovery values ranged between 95% and 106%.     

Accurate determination of arsenic in arsenobetaine standard solutions of BCR-626 and NMIJ CRM 7901-a by neutron activation analysis coupled with internal standard method

Neutron activation analysis (NAA) coupled with an internal standard method was applied for the determination of As in the certified reference material (CRM) of arsenobetaine (AB) standard solutions to verify their certified values. Gold was used as an internal standard to compensate for the difference of the neutron exposure in an irradiation capsule and to improve the sample-to-sample repeatability. Application of the internal standard method significantly improved linearity of the calibration curve up to 1 μg of As, too. The analytical reliability of the proposed method was evaluated by k₀-standardization NAA. The analytical results of As in AB standard solutions of BCR-626 and NMIJ CRM 7901-a were (499 ± 55) mg kg⁻¹ (k = 2) and (10.16 ± 0.15) mg kg⁻¹ (k = 2), respectively. These values were found to be 15-20% higher than the certified values. The between-bottle variation of BCR-626 was much larger than the expanded uncertainty of the certified value, although that of NMIJ CRM 7901-a was almost negligible.     

Determination of water-soluble and insoluble compounds in size classified airborne particulate matter

The elemental composition of water soluble and acid soluble size-fractionated airborne particulate matter (APM) was investigated. PM2.5 and PM2.5-10 samples were collected every three days from October 2006 to October 2007 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The collection was performed on Nucleopore® filters using a GENT sampler. Samples containing fine and coarse particles were subjected to an aqueous leaching to obtain information on the dissolution behaviors of ions, metal and metalloids. Key elements namely, Al, Ba, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, Se, Ti and Zn were determined in each fraction by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). In the aqueous fractions, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, Na⁺ and NH₄⁺ were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A (6:2:5) mixture of nitric, hydrochloric and perchloric acids was used for leaching metals from the residual filters. For validation of the extraction procedure, the ICP OES measurements the Standard Reference Material NIST 1648 (Urban particulate matter) was subjected to the same analytical procedure that the samples loaded with APM. Total analyte concentration varied from 333.2 μg g^− 1 (equivalent to 3.7 ng m^− 3) for Ti to 692 mg g^− 1 (equivalent to 2.47 μg m^− 3) for Ca.     

Simultaneous extraction and preconcentration of uranium and thorium in aqueous samples by new modified mesoporous silica prior to inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry determination

A new synthesized modified mesoporous silica (MCM-41) using 5-nitro-2-furaldehyde (fural) was applied as an effective sorbent for the solid phase extraction of uranium(VI) and thorium(IV) ions from aqueous solution for the measurement by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). The influences of some analytical parameters on the quantitative recoveries of the analyte ions were investigated in batch method. Under optimal conditions, the analyte ions were sorbed by the sorbent at pH 5.5 and then eluted with 1.0 mL of 1.0 mol L⁻¹ HNO₃. The preconcentration factor was 100 for a 100 mL sample volume. The limits of detection (LOD) obtained for uranium(VI) and thorium(IV) were 0.3 μg L⁻¹. The maximum sorption capacity of the modified MCM-41 was found to be 47 and 49 mg g⁻¹ for uranium(VI) and thorium(IV), respectively. The sorbent exhibited good stability, reusability, high adsorption capacity and fast rate of equilibrium for sorption/desorption of uranium and thorium ions. The applicability of the synthesized sorbent was examined using CRM and real water samples.     

Characterization and determination of 28 elements in fly ashes collected in a thermal power plant in Argentina using different instrumental techniques

Different techniques were selected for comprehensive characterization of seven samples of fly ashes collected from the electrostatic precipitator of the San Nicolás thermal power plant (Buenos Aires, Argentina). Particle size was measured using laser based particle size analyzer. X-ray diffraction powder (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the mineral phase present in the matrix consisting basically of aluminosilicates and large amounts of amorphous material. The predominant crystalline phases were mullite and quartz. Major and minors elements (Al, Ca, Cl, Fe, K, Mg, Na, S, Si and Ti) were detected by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). Trace elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, V and Zn) content was quantified by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). Different acid mixtures and digestion procedures were compared for subsequent ICP OES measurements of the dissolved samples. The digestion procedures used were: i) a mixture of FH + HNO₃ + HClO₄ (open system digestion); ii) a mixture of FH + HNO₃ (MW-assisted digestion); iii) a mixture of HF and aqua regia (MW-assisted digestion). Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was employed for the determination of As, Ba, Co, Cr, Ce, Cs, Eu, Fe, Gd, Hf, La, Lu, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Ta, Tb, Th, U and Yb. The validation of the procedure was performed by the analysis of two certified materials namely, i) NIST 1633b, coal fly ash and ii) GBW07105, rock. Mean elements content spanned from 41870 μg g^− 1 for Fe to 1.14 μg g^− 1 for Lu. The study showed that Fe (41870 μg g^− 1) ? V (1137 μg g^− 1) > Ni (269 μg g^− 1) > Mn (169 μg g^− 1) are the main components. An enrichment, with respect to crustal average, in many elements was observed especially for As, V and Sb that deserve particular interest from the environmental and human health point of view.     

Evaluation of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy for the determination of micronutrients in plant materials

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been evaluated for the determination of micronutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) in pellets of plant materials, using NIST, BCR and GBW biological certified reference materials for analytical calibration. Pellets of approximately 2 mm thick and 15 mm diameter were prepared by transferring 0.5 g of powdered material to a 15 mm die set and applying 8.0 tons cm^− 2. An experimental setup was designed by using a Nd:YAG laser operating at 1064 nm (200 mJ per pulse, 10 Hz) and an Echelle spectrometer with ICCD detector. Repeatability precision varied from 4 to 30% from measurements obtained in 10 different positions (8 laser shots per test portion) in the same sample pellet. Limits of detection were appropriate for routine analysis of plant materials and were 2.2 mg kg^− 1 B, 3.0 mg kg^− 1 Cu, 3.6 mg kg^− 1 Fe, 1.8 mg kg^− 1 Mn and 1.2 mg kg^− 1 Zn. Analysis of different plant samples were carried out by LIBS and results were compared with those obtained by ICP OES after wet acid decomposition.     

Method development and optimization for the determination of selenium in bean and soil samples using hydride generation electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

The present investigation is the first part of an initiative to prepare a regional map of the natural abundance of selenium in various areas of Brazil, based on the analysis of bean and soil samples. Continuous-flow hydride generation electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (HG-ET AAS) with in situ trapping on an iridium-coated graphite tube has been chosen because of the high sensitivity and relative simplicity. The microwave-assisted acid digestion for bean and soil samples was tested for complete recovery of inorganic and organic selenium compounds (selenomethionine). The reduction of Se(VI) to Se(IV) was optimized in order to guarantee that there is no back-oxidation, which is of importance when digested samples are not analyzed immediately after the reduction step. The limits of detection and quantification of the method were 30 ng L⁻¹ Se and 101 ng L⁻¹ Se, respectively, corresponding to about 3 ng g⁻¹ and 10 ng g⁻¹, respectively, in the solid samples, considering a typical dilution factor of 100 for the digestion process. The results obtained for two certified food reference materials (CRM), soybean and rice, and for a soil and sediment CRM confirmed the validity of the investigated method. The selenium content found in a number of selected bean samples varied between 5.5 ± 0.4 ng g⁻¹ and 1726 ± 55 ng g⁻¹, and that in soil samples varied between 113 ± 6.5 ng g⁻¹ and 1692 ± 21 ng g⁻¹.     

Determination of Se in biological samples by axial view inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry after digestion with aqua regia and on-line chemical vapor generation

A simple and fast method for the determination of Se in biological samples, including food, by axial view inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry using on-line chemical vapor generation (CVG–ICP OES) is proposed. The concentrations of HCl and NaBH₄, used in the chemical vapor generation were optimized by factorial analysis. Six certified materials (non-fat milk powder, lobster hepatopancreas, human hair, whole egg powder, oyster tissue, and lyophilised pig kidney) were treated with 10 mL of aqua regia in a microwave system under reflux for 15 min followed by additional 15 min in an ultrasonic bath. The solutions were transferred to a 100 mL volumetric flask and the final volume was made up with water. The Se was determined directly in these solutions by CVG–ICP OES, using the analytical line at 196.026 nm. Calibration against aqueous standards in 10% v/v aqua regia in the concentration range of 0.5–10.0 µg L^− 1 Se(IV) was used for the analysis. The quantification limit, considering a 0.5 g sample weight in a final volume of 100 mL^− 1 was 0.10 µg g^− 1. The obtained concentration values were in agreement with the total certified concentrations, according to the t-test for a 95% confidence level.     

Automatic flow procedure based on multicommutation exploiting liquid-liquid extraction for spectrophotometric lead determination in plant material

A not expensive automatic flow system based on multicommutation and exploiting the liquid-liquid extraction methodology for the determination of lead in plant material is described. The spectrophotometric procedure for lead determination was based on the reaction with dithizone followed by extraction using an organic solvent. The facilities afforded by the multicommutation approach allowed the use of an air stream as carrier, thus contributing to reduce the overall waste generation. The results obtained analysing plant materials compare very well with those obtained employing inductive coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) at 90% confidence level. Others profitable features such as a linear response range between 50 and 200 μg l⁻¹ Pb (r = 0.999); a sampling rate of 15 determination per hour; a relative standard deviation of 1.8% (n = 12) for a typical sample containing 163 μg l⁻¹ Pb; a detection limit of 12 μg l⁻¹; a reagent consumption of 4.5 mg dithizone; and a waste generation of 225 μl organic solvent per determination were also achieved.     

Total sulfur determination in gasoline,kerosene and diesel fuel using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry after direct sample introduction as detergent emulsions

Herein, we present the development of a procedure for the determination of total sulfur in petroleum-derived products (gasoline, kerosene and diesel fuel) employing inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). For this procedure, samples were prepared as emulsions that were made using concentrated nitric acid, Triton X-100, sample, and ultra pure water in proportions of 5/10/7/78% (v/v), respectively. Sample volumes were weighed because of the density differences, and oxygen was added to the sheat gas entrance of the ICP OES in order to decrease carbon deposition in the torch and to minimize background effects. A Doehlert design was applied as an experimental matrix to investigate the flow ratios of argon (sheat and plasma gas) and oxygen in relation to the signal-to-background ratio. A comparative study among the slopes of the analytical curves built in aqueous media, surfactant/HNO₃, and by spike addition for several sample emulsions indicates that a unique solution of surfactant in acidic media can be employed to perform the external calibration for analysis of the emulsions. The developed procedure allows for the determination of the total sulfur content in petroleum derivatives with a limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.72 and 2.4 μg g^− 1, respectively. Precision values, expressed as the relative standard deviations (% RSD, n = 10) for 12 and 400 μg g^− 1, were 2.2% and 1.3%, respectively. The proposed procedure was applied toward the determination of total sulfur in samples of gasoline, kerosene, and diesel fuel commercialized in the city of Niterói/RJ, Brazil. The accuracy of the proposed method was evaluated by the determination of the total sulfur in three different standard reference materials (SRM): NIST 2723a (sulfur in diesel fuel oil), NIST 1616b (sulfur in kerosene), and NIST 2298 (sulfur in gasoline). The data indicate that the methodology can be successfully applied to these types of samples. Spiking tests, conducted with the analyzed samples, indicate that recoveries are between 97 and 103%.     

Determination of picloram in natural waters employing sequential injection square wave voltammetry using the hanging mercury drop electrode

This paper describes the development of a sequential injection analysis method to automate the determination of picloram by square wave voltammetry exploiting the concept of monosegmented flow analysis to perform in-line sample conditioning and standard addition. To perform these tasks, an 800 μL monosegment is formed, composed by 400 μL of sample and 400 μL of conditioning/standard solution, in medium of 0.10 mol L⁻¹ H₂SO₄. Homogenization of the monosegment is achieved by three flow reversals. After homogenization the mixture zone is injected toward the flow cell, which is adapted to the capillary of a hanging drop mercury electrode, at a flow rate of 50 μL s⁻¹. After a suitable delay time, the potential is scanned from −0.5 to −1.0 V versus Ag/AgCl at frequency of 300 Hz and pulse height of 25 mV. The linear dynamic range is observed for picloram concentrations between 0.10 and 2.50 mg L⁻¹ fitting to the linear equation I_p = (−2.19 ± 0.03)C_picloram + (0.096 ± 0.039), with R² = 0.9996, for which the slope is given in μA L mg⁻¹. The detection and quantification limits are 0.036 and 0.12 mg L⁻¹, respectively. The sampling frequency is 37 h⁻¹ when the standard addition protocol is followed, but can be increased to 41 h⁻¹ if the protocol to obtain in-line external calibration curve is used for quantification. The method was applied for determination of picloram in spiked water samples and the accuracy was evaluated by comparison with high performance liquid chromatography using molecular absorption at 220 nm for detection. No evidences of statistically significant differences between the two methods were observed.     

Enthalpy change and mechanism of oxidation of o-phenylenediamine by hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by horseradish peroxidase

The hydrogen peroxide-oxidation of o-phenylenediamine (OPD) catalyzed by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) at 37 °C in 50 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) was studied by calorimetry. The apparent molar reaction enthalpy with respect to OPD and hydrogen peroxide were −447 ± 8 kJ mol⁻¹ and −298 ± 9 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively. Oxidation of OPD by H₂O₂ catalyzed by HRP (1.25 nM) at pH 7.0 and 37 °C follows a ping-pong mechanism. The maximum rate V_max (0.91 ± 0.05 μM s⁻¹), Michaelis constant for OPD K_m,S (51 ± 3 μM), Michaelis constant for hydrogen peroxide Km,H₂O₂ (136 ± 8 μM), the catalytic constant k_cat (364 ± 18 s⁻¹) and the second-order rate constants k₊₁ = (2.7 ± 0.3) × 10⁶ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ and k₊₅ = (7.1 ± 0.8) × 10⁶ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ were obtained by the initial rate method.     

Solid sampling coupled to flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry for Mn and Ni determination in petroleum coke

A solid sampling flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (SS-FF-AAS) system was developed for Mn and Ni determination in petroleum coke. The proposed system for solid sampling was a quartz cell with two perpendicular tubes (T-shaped tubes), positioned above the burner. Manganese and Ni determination was made using an atomic absorption spectrometer with deuterium background corrector, air-acetylene flame and a single slit burner. Powdered samples of coke were introduced as pellets (up to 62 mg) into the quartz cell with a movable hollow quartz piston. When the sample pellet reached the end of quartz cell (T-connection), in the presence of a constant oxygen flow, it quickly burned and the combustion products were transferred to the upper slit tube where the atomic absorption process occurs. Calibration was possible using aqueous reference solutions applied directly on high purity graphite pellets. Results obtained for Mn and Ni using the proposed SS-FF-AAS system were compared to those obtained by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after sample decomposition by high pressure microwave assisted acid digestion and also by microwave induced combustion. Agreement better than 96% was obtained for both methods employing a previous step of sample digestion (ICP OES and ICP-MS) and by SS-FF-AAS. Accuracy was evaluated using certified reference materials and also recovery tests. The relative standard deviation was lower than 9% for both analytes. The characteristic mass was 18.3 and 14.7 ng and the limit of detection was 0.6 and 0.8 µg g^− 1 for Mn and Ni, respectively. The proposed SS-FF-AAS system can be applied for Mn and Ni determination in petroleum coke, combining a relatively high sample throughput (9 determinations per h), and a suitable precision and accuracy.     

Sorptive potential of sunflower stem for Cr(III) ions from aqueous solutions and its kinetic and thermodynamic profile

The sorptive potential of sunflower stem (180-300 μm) for Cr(III) ions has been investigated in detail. The maximum sorption (≥85%) of Cr(III) ions (70.2 μM) has been accomplished using 30 mg of high density sunflower stem in 10 min from 0.001 M nitric and 0.0001 M hydrochloric acid solutions. The accumulation of Cr(III) ions on the sorbent follows Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R), Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. The isotherm yields D-R saturation capacity X_m = 1.60 ± 0.23 mmol g⁻¹, β = −0.00654 ± 0.00017 kJ² mol⁻², mean free energy E = 8.74 ± 0.12 kJ mol⁻¹, Freundlich sorption capacity K_F = 0.24 ± 0.11 mol g⁻¹, 1/n = 0.90 ± 0.04 and of Langmuir constant K_L = 6800 ± 600 dm³ mol⁻¹ and C_m = 120 ± 18 μmol g⁻¹. The variation of sorption with temperature (283-323 K) gives ΔH = −23.3 ± 0.8 kJ mol⁻¹, ΔS = −64.0 ± 2.7 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹ and ΔG_298k = −4.04 ± 0.09 kJ mol⁻¹. The negative enthalpy and free energy envisage exothermic and spontaneous nature of sorption, respectively. Bisulphate, Fe(III), molybdate, citrate, Fe(II), Y(III) suppress the sorption significantly. The selectivity studies indicate that Cr(III), Eu(III) and Tb(III) ions can be separated from Tc(VII) and I(I). Sunflower stem can be used for the preconcentration and removal of Cr(III) ions from aqueous medium. This cheaper and novel sorbent has potential applications in analytical and environmental chemistry, in water decontamination, industrial waste treatment and in pollution abatement. A possible mechanism of biosorption of Cr(III) ions onto the sunflower stem has been proposed.     

Reactivity studies of trans-[PtClMe(SMe2)2] towards anionic and neutral ligand substitution processes

Reaction of trans-[PtClMe(SMe₂)₂] with the mono anionic ligands azide, bromide, cyanide, iodide and thiocyanate result in substitution of the chloro ligand as the first step. In contrast the neutral ligands pyridine, 4-Me-pyridine and thiourea substitute a SMe₂ ligand in the first step as confirmed by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and the kinetic data. Detailed kinetic studies were performed in methanol as solvent by use of conventional stopped-flow spectrophotometry. All processes follow the usual two-term rate law for square-planar substitutions, k_obs = k₁ + k₂[Y] (where k₁ = k_MeOH[MeOH]), with k₁ = 0.088 ± 0.004 s⁻¹ and k₂ = 1.18 ± 0.13, 3.8 ± 0.3, 17.8 ± 1.3, 34.9 ± 1.4, 75.3 ± 1.1 mol⁻¹ dm³ s⁻¹ for Y⁻ = N₃, Br, CN, I and SCN respectively at 298 K. The reactions with the neutral ligands proceed without an appreciable intercept with k₂ = 5.1 ± 0.3, 15.3 ± 1.8 and 195 ± 3 mol⁻¹ dm³ s⁻¹ for Y = pyridine, 4-Me-pyridine and thiourea, respectively, at 298 K. Activation parameters for MeOH, , Br⁻, CN⁻, I⁻, SCN⁻, and Tu are ΔH^≠ = 47.1 ± 1.6, 49.8 ± 0.6, 39 ± 3, 32 ± 8, 39 ± 5, 34 ± 4 and 31 ± 3 kJ mol⁻¹ and ΔS^≠ = −107 ± 5, −77 ± 2, −104 ± 9,−113 ± 28, −85 ± 18, −94 ± 14 and −97 ± 10 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹, respectively. Recalculation of k₁ to second-order units gives the following sequence of nucleophilicity: (1:13:42:57:170:200:390:840:2170) at 298 K. Variation of the leaving group in the reaction between trans-[PtXMe(SMe₂)₂] and SCN⁻ follows the same rate law as stated above with k₂ = 75.3 ± 1.1, 236 ± 4 and 442 ± 5 mol⁻¹ dm³ s⁻¹ for X⁻ = Cl, I and N₃, respectively, at 298 K. The corresponding activation parameters were determined as ΔH^≠ = 34 ± 4, 32 ± 2 and 39.3 ± 1.7 kJ mol⁻¹ and ΔS^≠ = −94 ± 14, −86 ± 8 and −68 ± 6 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹. All the kinetic measurements indicate the usual associate mode of activation for square planar substitution reactions as supported by large negative entropies of activation, a significant dependence of the reaction rate on different entering nucleophiles and a linear free energy relationship.     

Multivariate optimization of a spectrophotometric method for copper determination in Brazilian sugar-cane spirits using the Doehlert design

This present work reports a multivariate optimization of a spectrophotometric method for copper determination in sugar-cane spirits, exploring the reaction of Cu(II) with phenylfluorone (PF) in the presence of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and Triton X-100. The optimization strategy was based on the application of a two-level full factorial design for the screening of significant variables followed by a Doehlert design to determine the optimum conditions. The highest sensitivity was achieved when the pH was 8.0 and the PF and TX-100 concentrations were 6.2 × 10^− 5 and 1.0 × 10^− 2 mol L^− 1, respectively. The optimized method presented a limit of detection of 3.4 μg L^− 1 and a limit of quantification of 11 μg L^− 1 and was applied in the determination of Cu in 17 samples. The obtained results were compared with those obtained by ICP OES and no statistical difference between the methods was observed.