Comparison of different chemical modifiers for the direct determination of arsenic in sea water by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A comparative study of different chemical modifiers for the direct determination of arsenic in real and in synthetic sea water samples of high (72.8) and low (34.2) salinity was carried out. The use of lanthanum chloride and magnesium nitrate (LOD=3.0 gl^-1) offers good recoveries for low salinities, while for high salinities an enhancement higher than 200% was obtained, rendering this method unsuitable for sea water samples. The use of silver nitrate (LOD=2.0 gl^-1) produces unfavourable analytical recoveries, around 150 and 300% for synthetic sea water of low and high salinity. Zirconium oxychloride (LOD=1.8 gl^-1) and palladium nitrate alone or combined with magnesium nitrate and reducing agents (LOD=1.1–1.3 gl^-1) produce analytical recoveries close to 100% for all arsenic concentration tried over all salinities; thus, a single calibration curve using aqueous standard solutions may be applied to the analysis of sea water samples over all salinities. Finally, the addition of reducing agents and magnesium nitrate to palladium does not improve the sensitivity.     

Determination of Dextromethorphan and Dextrorphan in Human Urine by High Performance Liquid Chromatography for Pharmacogenetic Investigations

The aim of the present study was to develop a sensitive method to measure dextromethorphan and dextrorphan in urine by HPLC to support pharmacogenetic studies in ethnic groups. Linearity was assessed in the range: 0.015–10 g mL^–1 for dextromethorphan and 1-10 g mL^–1 for dextrorphan. Inter and intra-day coefficients of variation were < 10%. Limits of detection and quantitation were 0.003 g mL^–1 and 0.015 g mL^–1 for dextromethorphan and 0.24 g mL^–1 and 1.0 g mL^–1 for dextrorphan, respectively. The method is reliable in helping determine the phenotype of Mexican ethnic groups using model drugs such as dextromethorphan.     

Synthesis and Structure of the Complex [Mo3(μ3-S)(μ2-S2)3(Et2NCS2)3 +Br-

Tri-₂-disulfido-₃-thiotris(diethyldithiocarbamato)-S,S'-triangle-trimolybdenum bromide [Mo₃(₃-S)(₂-S₂)₃(Et₂NCS₂)₃ ⁺Br^- was obtained and characterized.     

Simultaneous Determination of Four Active Components in a Compound Formulation by Liquid Chromatography

Summary A rapid and accurate LC method is described for simultaneous determination of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (PSE), acetaminophen (AMP), dextromethorphen hydrobromide (DEX), and diphenhydramine hydrochloride (DPH) in a compound formulation. Chromatographic separation of the four drugs was achieved on a Hypersil CN column (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 m particle) by use of a mobile phase comprising a mixture of 3 mM ion-pairing solution, 2% aqueous triethylamine solution, and 2 M phosphoric acid, 68:48:88 (v/v), pH 3.0, delivered at 1.0 mL min^–1. Compounds were detected at 215 nm and the run time was less than 10 min. The linearity, accuracy, and precision of the method were found to be acceptable over the concentration ranges 6.1–36.4 g mL^–1 for PSE, 65.0–390.0 g mL^–1 for AMP, 3.1–18.6 g mL^–1 for DEX, and 5.0–30.0 g mL^–1 for DPH.     

The determination of boron in biological materials by neutron irradiation and prompt gamma-ray spectrometry

A prompt-gamma neutron activation technique has been developed using the (n, ) apparatus situated at the O degree through-tube of the Imperial College CONSORT II Reactor with a thermal neutron flux at the target position of approximately 2×10⁶ n cm^–2 sec^–1, and a Compton-suppression system involving a lithium-drifted germanium (Ge(Li)) detector and a sodium iodide anti-Compton shield. Boron levels of 1–5 g g^–1 (detection limit 0.05 g B for 10,000 sec period of measurement) can be attained using the Compton-suppression system with graphical inter-polation correction for the 472 keV sodium-ray peak contribution to the Doppler-broadened 478 keV boron gamma-ray peak resulting from the¹⁰B(n, )⁷Li reaction. Very good agreement is reached for boron levels compared using this system for various Standard Reference Materials and other published values. Measurement of the boron content of bone and tooth samples from rheumatoid arthritis individuals shows lower levels, (p<0.05); 16.13±7.53 g g^–1, when compared with a control population; 19.79±4.18 g g^–1. A positive correlation existed between the boron content of bone and tooth material for each study group. Results indicate that boron availability may be associated with rheumatoid arthritis.     

Characterization of airborne particulates by laser microprobe mass analysis

Summary Laser microprobe mass analysis (LAMMA) was applied to characterize aerosol particles collected and separated from 16m to 0.06m by a low pressure cascade impactor. Positive ion LAMMA spectra showed characteristic molecular peaks such as PbCl⁺, a series of Si₂O⁺–Si₂O₄ ⁺ and NaAl₂Si₂O₂ ⁺–NaAl₂Si₂O₅ ⁺, and TiO⁺ in 0.06–0.12m, 0.5–1m and 4–8m fraction, respectively. In the negative ion LAMMA spectra, it was observed that the fragment peaks of sulfate ions were deficient above 2m and those of nitrate ions were deficient under 2m. LAMMA allows remarkable insights into the chemical nature of aerosol particles.

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Charakterisierung luftgetragener Teilchen durch Laser-Microprobe-Massenspektrometrie

Zusammenfassung Laser-Microprobe-Spektrometrie (LAMMS) wurde zur Analyse atmosphärischen Aerosols herangezogen, welches im Korngrößenbereich zwischen 16m und 0.06m mit einem Niederdruckkaskadenimpaktor fraktioniert gesammelt wurde. Positive LAMMS-Spektren zeigten charakteristische molekulare Peaks, wie etwa PbCl⁺, eine Serie von Si₂O⁺–Si₂O₄ ⁺ und NaAl₂Si₂O₂ ⁺–NaAl₂Si₂O₅ ⁺, sowie TiO⁺ in der 0,06–0,12-m,- 0,5–1–m- bzw. 4–8-m-Fraktion. In den negativen LAMMS-Spektren konnten über 2m keine Fragmentpeaks für Sulfationen, unter 2m. keine für Nitrationen beobachtet werden. LAMMS ermöglicht eine bemerkenswerte Einsicht in die chemische Natur von Aerosolteilchen.

     

Separation of linear gramicidins using carbon dioxide-containing mobile phases

Packed-column supercritical-fluid chromatography (pSFC) is presented as a novel method for separating and analyzing gramicidin samples. By use of methanol-modified carbon dioxide as a mobile phase the pentadecapeptides gramicidin A (gA), gramicidin B (gB), and gramicidin C (gC) are readily separated and eluted from a PRP-1 poly(styrene–divinylbenzene) column. Although optimum separation conditions are typically achieved near a column temperature of 40°C, a column pressure of 11 MPa, and 30% methanol modifier, pressure and modifier gradients around these values are also found to improve the overall separation time. Measurements indicate that the mobile phase solubility of gramicidin under these conditions is 5.0±0.4 g mL^–1. Collection of individual peaks during chromatography achieved analytical-scale isolation of 2 g refined gC from 20 g injected gramicidin D. Further, supercritical-fluid extraction of 200 g gramicidin D from a Chromosorb 102 support packed into the vessel produced 57 g gA in 90% purity. The results establish that carbon dioxide-based mobile phases can be successfully used for the separation of individual gramicidin species.     

Effect of Surfactants on the Immobilization of 4-(2-Pyridylazo)resorcinol on Silochroms

The effect of cationic surfactants (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, cetylpyridinium bromide, and tetrabutylammonium perchlorate) and a nonionic surfactant (OP-7) on the conditions of the immobilization of 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol (PAR) on three types of silica gel (Silochrom S-120 (200–350 m), Silochrom S-120 (315–500 m), and Silochrom S-80 (200–350 m)) was studied. It was found that OP-7 does not affect the adsorption of surfactants. The effect of cationic surfactants increases in the order tetrabutylammonium perchlorate < cetyltrimethylammonium bromide < cetylpyridinium bromide. The adsorption activity of silica gels increases in the order Silochrom S-120 (315–500 m) < Silochrom S-80 (200–350 m) < Silochrom S-120 (200–350 m). Cetylpyridinium bromide provides full immobilization of PAR on silica gel Silochrom S-120 (200–350 m) in the pH range 2–9.     

Surface hydration of crystalline and amorphous silicas

The surface properties of three SiO₂ samples, one crystalline (quartz) and two amorphous, with a large difference in particle size, have been investigated by thermal analysis, adsorption calorimetry and infrared spectroscopy. The variation in the silanol group population upon thermal treatment has been followed via the evolution of the i.r. bands at 3745–3750 cm^–1 (free hydroxyl groups) and 3650-3550 cm^–1 (adjacent pairs of SiOH) and the evolution of the heat of adsorption of water with coverage on the outgassed samples.The adsorption capacities increase in the sequence high surface area amorphous sample T=673 K) brings about dehydroxylation leaving only isolated silanols on the high surface area amorphous silica, and partial dehydroxylation of the low surface area material. Quartz is totally hydrophilic, as its regular structure probably stabilizes the hydroxyl layers at the surface.

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Zusammenfassung Die Oberflächeneigenschaften von einer kristallinen (Quarz) und zwei amorphen SiO₂-Proben mit großen Unterschieden in der Partikelgröße wurden durch thermische Analyse, Adsorptionskalorimetrie und Infrarotspektroskopie untersucht. Bei thermischer Behandlung eintretende Veränderungen in der Silanolgruppenpopulation wurden durch Messung der IR-Banden bei 3745–3750 cm^–1 (freie Hydroxylgruppen) und 3650–3550 cm^–1 (benachbarte SiOH-Paare) und der Adsorptionswärme von Wasser an ausgeheitzten Proben untersucht. Die Adsorptionskapazitäten nehmen in folgender Reihenfolge ab: amorphe Probe mit großer Oberfläche > amorphe Probe mit geringer Oberfläche > Quarz. Dehydroxylierung der Oberfläche hat zunehmenden hydrophoben Charakter (Gestalt der Isothermen, Adsorptionswärme kleiner als Kondensationswärme von Wasser) zur Folge. Bei der gleichen thermischen Behandlung (673 K) werden bei amorphen Siliciumdioxid mit großer Oberfläche eine nur isolierte Hydroxylgruppen zurücklassende Dehydroxylierung und bei Material mit kleiner Oberfläche eine teilweise Dehydroxylierung beobachtet. Quarz ist vollkommen hydrophyl, da die reguläre Struktur wahrscheinlich die Hydroxylschichten an der Oberfläche stabilisiert.

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, , (), — . 3745–3750 ^–1 ( ) 3650–3550 ^–1 ( SiOH), . < < . ( , ). (T=673 K) . , , , .

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This research was supported by the Ministry of Public Education within a national programme relating to the structure and reactivity of surfaces.     

ET-AAS in the Analysis of high-purity mercury

ET-AAS is investigated for the analysis of high purity mercury. Two possibilities are proposed: ET-AAS determination of trace analytes in the presence of high mercury concentrations or after matrix separation by reduction. The ET-AAS analysis of high-purity mercury under optimal instrumental parameters permits fast and reproducible determination of 0.03 gg^–1 Al, Cd and Mn; 0.05 gg^–1 Cu, Co, Cr, Fe, Ni and Pb and 0.2 gg^–1 V. Preliminary mercury matrix reductive separation with ascorbic acid allows determination of 0.005 gg^–1 Cd, 0.02 gg^–1 Cu, Cr and Mn, 0.03 g g^–1 Co, Ni and Pb, 0.05 g g^–1 Al and Fe and 0.1 gg^–1 V, but the reproducibility is lower. The main advantage of the second procedure is that it avoids laboratory and instrument pollution with toxic mercury.     

LC Method for the Determination of Multiple Components in a Compound Cold Formulation

An isocratic liquid chromatographic method for determination of acetaminophen (AMP), caffeine (CAF), chlorphenamine maleate (CPM) and guaiacol glyceryl ether (GGE) in a compound cold formulation is described. Separation and quantitation were achieved on a Diamonsil C18 column using a binary mixture of methanol and 1.5% aqueous acetic acid (55: 45, v/v, pH 3.6) as mobile phase delivered at 0.4 mL min^–1. Single wavelength detection was at 220 nm for all four drugs and the run time was < 10 min. The linearity, accuracy and precision of the method were found to be acceptable over the concentration ranges: 16.0–127.8 g mL^–1 for AMP, 6.0–48.2 g mL^–1 for CAF, 5.0–40.0 g mL^–1 for CPM and 10.1–80.6 g mL^–1 for GGE.     

Development and validation of a novel HPLC/ELSD method for the direct determination of tobramycin in pharmaceuticals,plasma, and urine

A novel method for the direct determination of the aminoglycoside tobramycin was developed and validated based on reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) with evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD). Using a Waters ODS-2 C18 Spherisorb column with an evaporation temperature of 45°C and nitrogen pressure of 3.5 bar, the selected mobile phase consisted of water/acetonitrile 55:45 containing 1.5 mL L^–1 HFBA (11.6 mM) in an isocratic mode at a rate of 1.0 mL min^–1. Tobramycins retention time was 4.3 min with an asymmetry factor of 1.7. A logarithmic calibration curve was obtained from 1 to 38 g mL^–1 (r > 0.9998). LOD was 0.3 g mL^–1; within-day %RSD was 1.0 (n = 3, 4.7 g mL^–1) and between-day %RSD was 1.1 (3 days within a week). The developed method was applied to the determination of tobramycin in a pharmaceutical crude substance and formulations (eye drops and ointments). Dilution experiments revealed the absence of interference from excipients (no constant and proportional errors); recovery from spiked samples was 99–103% with %RSD < 2.2 (n = 3×3). The developed HPLC/ELSD method was also found to be applicable in the determination of tobramycin in human plasma (0.6–12.5 g mL^–1) and urine (1.5–12.5 g mL^–1) after solid-phase extraction using carboxylate cartridges followed by solvent evaporation (×2 preconcentration). A mean recovery of 86% for plasma and 91% for urine was obtained.     

Bestimmung von Chrom in menschlichem Serum und Plasma mit der flammenlosen Atomabsorptions-Spektrophotometrie

Zusammenfassung Die bis heute in der Literatur mitgeteilten Werte für Chrom im Serum nüchterner gesunder Probanden unterscheiden sich um Größenordnungen. Die in der vorliegenden Arbeit mitgeteilten Untersuchungen betreffen die analytische Problematik der Chrombestimmung mit Hilfe der flammenlosen Atomabsorptions-Spektrometrie, wobei aufgezeigt wird, daß diese Methodik für die Chrombestimmung in biologischem Material ohne großen statistischen Aufwand zu keiner sicheren Beurteilbarkeit und Interpretierbarkeit der gemessenen Werte führt. Mit Hilfe synthetischer Chromkomplexverbindungen werden die Probleme der Standardaddition zur Chrombestimmung untersucht. Unter Berücksichtigung der Blindwerte und der daraus resultierenden Nachweisgrenze sowie Garantiegrenze für Reinheit, wurde Chrom in einem Standardreferenzmaterial (1569 Brewers yeast [U. S. National Bureau of Standards]) im Rahmen eines Ringversuchs zur Chromanalyse sowie im Serum und Plasma von 41 Probanden bestimmt. Für das Referenzmaterial wurde ein Wert von 45±4 mol/kg (2,3±0,2 g/g) ermittelt. Der Referenzwert betrug 41±1 mol/kg (2,12±0,05 g/g). Im Serum wird eine lognormale Verteilung der Chromkonzentration mit den zentralen Parametern ±_M=132,2 nmol/l (0,72,2 g/l) ermittelt. Im Plasma lagen die Werte zwischen 20 und 30 nmol/l (1–1,5 g/l). Aufschluß, Durchführung der Bestimmung sowie die biologische Bedeutung und Interpretation des Parameters Chrom im Serum und Plasma werden eingehend diskutiert.

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Determination of chromium in human serum and plasma by flame-less atomic-absorption spectrophotometry

Summary Concentrations of Cr in serum of overnight fasting volunteers differ over a wide range in the literature. The investigations of the analytical problems of Cr determination by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry underline the necessity of statistical methods for the interpretation of the measurements of Cr in biological matrices. With nine different synthetic chromium complexes the method of standard addition was investigated. Considering the blank values, the limit of detection and the limit of guarantee for purity, Cr was determined in the standard reference material 1569 brewers yeast (National Bureau of Standards) with 45±4 Mol · kg^–1 (2.3±0.2g·g^–1), compared with the reference data 41±1 Mol·kg^–1 (2.12±0.05 g±g^–1). In serumuuuuu we found a lognormal distribution with the central parameters 132.2 nMol ·1^–1 (0.72.2 g·1^–1). In plasma the values were in the range between 20 and 30 nMol·1^–1 (1–1.5 g·1^–1). The ashing process and the determination are demonstrated and discussed in detail.

     

Determination of 6-amino-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxepan-5-ol by postcolumn derivatization witho-phthalaldehyde/2-mercapto-ethanol after ion-pair chromatography

Summary A high-performance liquid chromatographic method is discribed for the determination of 6-amino-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxepan-5-ol using Spherisorb ODS II stationary phase and mobile phase 30:70 (v/v) methanol: aqueous 1-octane sulfonic acid. Detection was fluorimetric following postcolumn derivatization with o-phthaladehyde/2-mercaptoethanol. The procedure was applied to the analysis of aqueous solutions and microcrystalline suspensions in liquid paraffin, prepared for investigation of the toxicological profile. The method was validated for selectivity, linearity of detector response, repeatability, limit of detection and quantitation. The HPLC method was selective. The instrumental limit of detection was 0.5 ng per injection (0.05 g mL^–1). The method detection limits were 0.5 g mL^–1 aqueous solution and 5 g mL^–1 liquid paraffin suspension, the quantitation limit 0.05 mg mL^–1 aqueous solution and 1.0 mg mL^–1 liquid paraffin. Linearity was within 0.94–47.1 g mL^–1. Intra-assay accuracy accounted for 99–100% in the range 0.05–226 mg mL^–1 aqueous solution, intra-assay precision for 2% (C.V.). For microcrystalline liquid paraffin suspensions with 1 and 250 mg mL^–1 99 and 109% was found for intra-assay accuracy. Intra-assay precision was 5% (C.V.). Reliable results over a wide concentration range can be obtained. The procedure is considered valid for determination of the analyte in aqueous solution or microcrystalline paraffin oil suspensions.     

Determination of pentachlorophenol residues in wine and corks by solvent extraction methodology and specific gas chromatography detection

Summary A gas chromatographic methodology with selective detection is presented for the analysis in wines and corks of pentachlorophenol residues, which are suspected to be the most likely precursors of some off-flavours described in several wine samples. After derivatisation, pentachlorophenol acetate residues were monitored by electrolytic conductivity detection and/or mass spectrometric detection in the selective ion mode at m/z 264 and 266. Recoveries varied from 80 to 96% for wine samples fortified with 5 to 100 g l^–1 and from 83 to 91% for corks (fortified at 25 to 100 g kg^–1). The proposed methodology allowed for a determination limit of g l^–1 for wine and 10 g kg^–1 for corks.     

Alkylation of toluene with methanol over rare earth forms of Na?X, FAU and Na?Y, FAU

(La^ex, Na)-X, FAU, (Na, Y^ex)-X, FAU, (La^ex, Na)-Y, FAU and (Na, Y^ex)-Y, FAU have been shown to be active and selective catalysts for the alkylation of toluene with methanol. Na–X, FAU and Na–Y, FAU modified by La³⁺ have the highest activity but a very stable activity was reached only on Y³⁺ forms. (Na, RE^ex)-X FAU series prefer ortho-substitution while (Na, RE^ex)-Y, FAU para-substitution. Brönsted acid centers and their strength are responsible for substition.

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, (La^ex, Na)-X, FAU, (Na, Y^ex)-X, FAU, (La^ex, Na)-Y, FaU (Na, Y^ex)-Y, FAU . Na–X, FAU Na–Y, FAU, La³⁺, , , Y³⁺. (Na, RE^ex)-X, FAU -, (Na, RE^ex)-Y, FAU--. .

     

Application of L-Cysteine-Capped ZnS Nanoparticles in the Determination of Nucleic Acids Using the Resonance Light Scattering Method

Nanometer-sized L-cysteine-capped ZnS particles were synthesized by a colloidal aqueous method. The functionalized nanoparticles are water-soluble and suitable for biological applications. In Tris-HCl buffer solution, nucleic acids combine with cysteine-capped nano-ZnS particles by intermolecular forces to form larger nanoparticles. There are two resonance light scattering peaks at 304.5nm and 373.8nm, respectively. The enhanced RLS is related to the concentration of nucleic acids in the range of 0.04 to 1.2µgmL^–1 for calf thymus DNA and 0.2 to 1.0µgmL^–1 for fish sperm DNA. The detection limits (3) are 19ngmL^–1 for calf thymus DNA and 23ngmL^–1 for fish sperm DNA, respectively. Four synthetic samples were analyzed satisfactorily.     

Nuclear interferences of uranium and thorium in a reactor neutron activation analysis determination of cerium using the radionuclides141Ce and143Ce

The interference contributions of uranium and thorium to the determination of cerium based on radionuclides¹⁴¹Ce and¹⁴³Ce produced by irradiation in a reactor core was determined. The values of the interference contributions for¹⁴¹Ce were 0.28±0.01 g Ce/g U and /2.01±0.05/x10^–3 g Ce/g Th, and for¹⁴³Ce 1.33±0.03 g Ce/g U and /9.0±0.2/x10^–3 g Ce/g Th.     

Simultaneous Determination of Pioglitazone and Glimepiride by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

A rapid and accurate HPLC method has been developed for simultaneous determination of pioglitazone and glimepiride. Chromatographic separation of the two pharmaceuticals was performed on a Cosmosil C₁₈ column (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 m) with a 45:35:20 (v/v) mixture of 0.01 m triammonium citrate (pH adjusted to 6.95 with orthophosphoric acid), acetonitrile, and methanol as mobile phase, at a flow rate of 1.0 mL min^–1, and detection at 228 nm. Separation was complete in less than 10 min. The method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, limit of quantitation, and robustness [1, 2]. Linearity, accuracy, and precision were found to be acceptable over the ranges 2.50–30.00 g mL^–1 for pioglitazone and 0.10–10.00 g mL^–1 for glimepiride.     

Using enzymes isolated from diverse sources to determine metal ion cofactors

Oxidoreductases and hydrolases isolated from different sources (horseradish and peanut peroxidases, alcohol dehydrogenases from bakers yeast and horse liver, and alkaline phosphatases from Escherichia coli, chicken and seal intestine) were used to determine their metal ion cofactors: Fe(III), Zn(II) and Mg(II), respectively. Studying the effects of the metal ion cofactors on the catalytic activity of the enzymes of different origin showed that the extent of their inhibition, activation, or reactivation of their apoenzymes depended on the structure and accessibility of the enzyme active site, which varies among the biocatalysts isolated from different sources. The developed procedures are based on the inhibiting (Zn(II)) or activating (Mg(II)) effects of the metal ions on the catalytic activity of the enzymes, or on reactivating effects (Fe(III) and Zn(II)) on the apoenzymes. The procedures are characterized by high sensitivity and selectivity; the detection limits of Fe(III) using horseradish peroxidase, Zn(II) using alcohol dehydrogenase from bakers yeast, alkaline phosphatase from seal intestine and its apoenzyme, and Mg(II) using alkaline phosphatase from chicken intestine equal 10 ng L^–1, 20 ng L^–1, 3 g L^–1, 8 g L^–1 and 0.2 g L^–1, respectively.Presented at the 8th Symposium Kinetics in Analytical Chemistry, Rome, Italy, 5–8 July 2004.