Flow injection-mini-column technique with ICP-AES detection for the isolation and preconcentration of the fast reactive aluminium fraction in waters

A flow injection mini-column system based on short reaction times with 8-hydroxyquinoline (oxine) with ICP-AES detection is described for the isolation and preconcentration of the fast reactive or toxic aluminium fraction in water samples. Using a 3 s reaction time with oxine (5 × 10^–4 mol/l) at pH 5.0, the fast reactive aluminium fraction is shown not to include the non-toxic AlF²⁺ species at low F^–: Al³⁺ molar ratios (0.3 : 1). The complexed aluminium is isolated in a stable and recoverable form on mini-columns of Amberlite XAD-2 (0.3 cm × 5.0 cm, resin particle size range 0.08 mm–0.16 mm)). The retained aluminium is recovered by back-flushing the analytical column with 1 mol/l HCl for final element specific detection by ICP-AES. Detection limits (after preconcentration) of 2 g/l, a linear range of 0–500 g/l, and possible preconcentration factors of up to 18 times are demonstrated with the present system. Implications for the possible solution of sample stability problems encountered with labile aluminium species analysis and the development of a field sampling technique are discussed, where the desired Al fraction is quantitatively retained in a stable form on mini-columns.     

Trace uranium analysis of water from the south-west coastal region of India

Water samples collected from various sources along the south-west coastal region of India have been analyzed for trace uranium concentration. Fission track registration technique with the Dry method has been used for the analysis. Uranium concentration was found to vary from 0.28±0.01 g/l to 2.71±0.41 g/l and was higher in sea water than in well, river and tap water, respectively.     

Flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of cadmium and copper in biological reference materials using on-line sorbent extraction preconcentration

Summary Cadmium and copper at the g/g to ng/g level in plant and animal tissue reference materials, and at the g/l level in urine were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry using on-line sorbent extraction preconcentration based on flow injection techniques. Bonded silica reversed phase sorbent with octadecyl functional groups (RP-C 18), packed in a 100 l column, was used to collect the diethylammonium-N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) complex formed on-line in the sample digests at low pH. Methanol was used to elute the analyte chelates directly into the nebulizer-burner system of the spectrometer. Small air segments introduced before and after elution prevented the eluent from mixing with the sample solution and increased the sensitivity. A sampling frequency of 85/h could be obtained with a sample loading time of 30 s at a flow rate of 4.0 ml/min. The enrichment factor for both elements was 20 and the enhancement factors, including the effect of the organic solvent and with the flow spoiler removed, were 126 and 114 for cadmium and copper, respectively. The detection limits (3) were 0.15 g/l for cadmium and 0.2 g/l for copper. The precision was 2.3% and 1.4% r.s.d. for 10 g/l Cd and 45 g/l Cu, respectively (n=11). Results for the determination of cadmium and copper in various biological reference materials were typically in good agreement with certified values. Low recoveries were observed, however, for cadmium in samples containing high levels of copper and/or iron, such as bovine liver.On leave from Flow Injection Analysis Research Center, Institute of Applied Ecology, Academia Sinica, Shenyang, China     

Determination of tetraethyllead and tetramethyllead using high performance liquid chromatography and electrochemical detection

Summary A new method for the separation of tetramethyllead (TML) and tetraethyllead (TEL) was developed using high-performance liquid chromatography. The electrochemical detection was examined with different electrodes. Amperometric and pulse-amperometric techniques were investigated and the optimal working potential for each electrode was determined. Linearity for the glassy carbon electrode was observed between 350 ng and 30 g; the detection limit is 310 ng (TML) resp. 340 ng (TEL). In case of the mercury gold electrode the linearity range was 300 g–3 g and the detection limit 1.5 m (TML) resp. 1.7 g (TEL).     

Untersuchungen zur Bestimmung von Spurenelementen in Blutserum mit Hilfe der Totalreflexions-R?ntgenfluoreszenzanalyse

Summary The quantitative determination of trace elements in human blood serum by Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis (TXRF) is influenced by absorption- and reflection-effects caused by the organic (proteins) and inorganic (P, S, Na, K, Ca, Cl) matrices. To minimize these effects we have developed a sample preparation technique based on the decomposition of the organic matrix and followed by the separation of the trace elements from the organic matrix by ion-exchange. The described method enables the simultaneous determination of K (1584 g), Ca (666 g), Fe (22 g), Cu (9.6 g), Zn (8.8 g), Se (0.97 g), Sn (1.3 g), Pb (0.12 g) and Rb (1.6 g) (obtained values in parentheses).

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Herrn Prof. Dr. G. Tölg zum 60. Geburtstag gewidmet     

Extraction inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) determination of traces of phosphorus in tungsten

A method for the separation and preconcentration of traces of phosphorus from tungsten was developed. Solid phase extraction of the phosphovanadomolybdate complex performed on a micro-column was applied. Phosphorus was determined by optical emission spectroscopy (OES) with inductively coupled plasma (ICP) excitation. A limit of detection of 0.4 g/g P with respect to the solid phase is obtained. By directly coupling the extraction/elution step to the ICP instrument a detection limit of 0.06 g/g P in W was achieved. Besides, the complexity of spectral evaluation in ICP-OES determinations of traces in spectralline-rich matrices is discussed.Presented in part at the 1989 European Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry, Reutte, Austria     

Semiquantitative estimation of the mycotoxins citrinin, Ochratoxin A, Aflatoxin M1 and penicillic acid on thin-layer chromatograms with a grey scale

Summary Spots of citrinin, ochratoxin A, aflatoxin M₁ and penicillic acid on thin-layer chromatograms can be semi-quantitatively estimated by using a grey scale, commonly used in photo laboratories. The detection limits are 0.01 g for citrinin, 0.006 g for ochratoxin A, 0.002 g for aflatoxin M₁ and 0.01 g for penicillic acid. Standard curves for these mycotoxins are given.

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Halbquantitative Bestimmung der Mycotoxine Citrinin, Ochratoxin A, Aflatoxin M₁ und Penicillinsäure auf Dünnschicht-Chromatogrammen mit Hilfe eines Graukeils

Zusammenfassung Mit Hilfe eines in Photolabors gebräuchlichen Graukeils können dünnschicht-chromatographische Flecke der obengenannten Mycotoxine halbquantitativ bestimmt werden. Die Nachweisgrenzen betragen 0,01 g für Citrinin, 0,006 g für Ochratoxin A, 0,002 g für Aflatoxin M₁ und 0,01 g für Penicillinsäure. Eichkurven werden angegeben.

     

Fällungsanalyse im Mikrogrammbereich: Eine neue Methode

Zusammenfassung Eine neue Methode zur Durchführung gravimetrischer Bestimmungen im Mikrogrammbereich wurde beschrieben; diese beruht im wesentlichen darauf, daß der Niederschlag nicht mehr zusammen mit dem Filter, sondern nach Überführen mit einem geeigneten Lösungsmittel in einem separaten Wägegefäß gewogen wird.Die dazu nötigen Geräte und deren Herstellung wurden beschrieben. Nach dieser Methode wurden folgende Bestimmungen mit zufriedenstellender Richtigkeit durchgeführt: 2,5–25g Al, 5–50g Cu und 5–50g Zn mit Oxin, 2,5–25g Fe(III) und 2,5–25g Ti(IV) mit N-Benzoyl-phenylhydroxylamin, 5–50g Ni und 5–50g Cu mit Salicylaldoxim, 2,5–50g Co(II) und 2,5–50g Fe(III) mit -Nitroso--naphthol sowie 5–50g Chlorid als Silberchlorid.

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Precipitation analysis in the microgram-scale: A new method

Summary A new method for gravimetric determinations in the microgram-scale is described. This method is based on the fact that the precipitate is not weighed together with the filter but is transferred to a separate weighingvessel using a suitable solvent. The necessary simple devices and their use are described. The following determinations were carried out with satisfying accuracy: 2,5–25g Al, 5–50g Cu and 5–50g Zn with Oxine, 2,5–25g Fe and 2,5–25g Ti withN-benzoylphenylhydroxylamine, 5–50g Ni and 5–50g Cu with salicylaldoxime, 2,52–50g Co and 2,5–50g Fe with -nitroso--naphthol and 5–50g chloride as silver chloride.

     

Human prostate specific antigen (hPSA) purification and establishment of hPSA radioimmunoassay

Human prostate specific antigen (hPSA) RIA was developed with hPSA and anti-PSA prepared in our laboratory. Its standard curve was linear with a sensitivity of 0.5 g/L. Serum PSA levels of 130 normal males ranged from 0 to 3.5 g/L (1.15±0.93 g/L), which are consistent with the results of other conventional RIA. The recovery, intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation conform to the demands of RIA, and the results of 41 samples obtained by both the PSA RIA and PSA RIA of DPC were well correlated (=0.990). PSA level of 23 patients with prostatic carcinoma was 10400 g/L.     

Uranium and thorium determination in Brazilian coals by epithermal neutron activation analysis

An experimental technique has been developed to determine impurities in coal. Uranium was determined by counting the²³⁹Np 106.1 keV -ray with a LEPS detector and thorium by counting the²³³Pa 311.8 keV -ray with a Ge(Li) detector. Seventeen coal samples were analyzed with an average precision of 3% and a quantitative determination limit of 0.153 g/g for uranium and 0.078 g/g for thorium. The technique allows determinations of up to twenty elements besides U and Th and can be applied in routine analysis.     

Stripping voltammetric determination of trace amounts of mercury using a carbon paste electrode modified with 2-mercapto-4(3H)-quinazolinone

A carbon paste electrode modified with 2-mercapto-4(3H)-quinazolinone was used for the voltammetric determination of mercury(II). Mercury was preconcentrated onto the surface of the modified electrode only by the complexing effect of the modifier without application of potential (i.e. in open-circuit conditions). After exchange of the medium, the accumulated amount of mercury(II) was determined by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. The response depended on the concentration of mercury in the bulk solution, preconcentration time, and other parameters. The detection limit was 0.1 g 1^–1 Hg(II) for a preconcentration time of 15 min. Preconcentration for suitable times yielded a linear calibration graph from 0.5 to 6000 g 1^–1 Hg(II). For multiple determinations (5 runs), the relative standard deviation was 5% for a concentration of 100 g 1^–1 Hg(II). The proposed procedure was used to determine trace mercury in plant and sewage sludge samples with good results.On leave from Hainan University, Hainan Peoples Republic of China     

Chromatographic preconcentration of copper in environmental and biological samples using 2,4,6-tri(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine-tetraphenylborate-naphthalene adsorbent

A method was established for the determination of trace amounts of copper using chromatographic preconcentration of copper(I) with 2,4,6-tri(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine and tetraphenylborate. Copper is quantitatively adsorbed on this adsorbent in the pH range 1.8–10.5 and at flow-rates of 0.2–10 ml/min. The solid mass consisting of copper complex along with naphthalene is dissolved from the column with 5 ml of dimethylformamide. A calibration curve is obeyed over the concentration range 0.2–10.0 g of copper in 5 ml of dimethylformamide. Eight replicate determinations of 3 g of copper gave a mean absorbance of 0.185 with a relative standard deviation of 1.4%. The characteristic concentration for 1% absorption is 0.0143 g/ml (0.103 gmg/ml for direct AAS in aqueous medium). The interference of various ion and salts has been studied and the proposed method has been employed to the determination of copper in biological and water samples.     

Simultaneous determination of copper,mercury and lead by first-order derivative spectrophotometry using dithizone as reagent

A first-order derivative spectrophotometric method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of copper, mercury and lead at g/L levels using dithizone as reagent. The procedure involves the simultaneous extraction of these elements by dithizone in chloroform from weakly alkaline solutions. Linear calibration curves were obtained in the ranges 0.5–10 (Cu), 1–10 (Hg) and 1–10 (Pb) g present in 40 ml of aqueous phase with detection limits of 5 g/L (Cu) and 20 g/L (Hg and Pb). The R.S.D.s for 100 g/L of copper, mercury and lead were 2.5, 2.6 and 3.1% respectively, for 5 determinations. The method is applicable for the determination of copper and lead in marine sediment samples with good precision and accuracy.     

Trace analysis of cationic surfactants in water using HPLC with conductometric detection

Summary A simple and fast determination of trace amounts of commercially used cationic surfactants is described. After extraction from water cationic surfactants are separated by HPLC and detected by conductometry. The detection limit is 3 g/l for distearyldimethylammonium chloride, 16 g/l for ditallowimidazolinium methosulphate, and 6 g/l for dodecylpyridinium chloride.     

Determination of trace metals in sea waters of the Albanian coast by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence

Preconcentration of trace transition and heavy metal ions by precipitation with APDC has been combined with energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence for environmental sea water analysis. The preconcentration procedure implies adding of 500 g Mo ion and 10 ml of 1% water solution of APDC to a 500 ml water sample at pH 4, filtering off on a Millipore filter and analyzing after drying. Realistic detection limits are at 1 g·l^–1 level and precision varies between 10–25% at about 5 g·l^–1 level, depending on the element. Eleven sea water samples, covering Albanian Adriatic and Ionian coast, are analyzed for trace metal ions.     

Determination of some trace elements in high-purity aluminium, zinc and commercial steel by AAS after preconcentration on amberlite XAD-1180 resin

The determination of trace metals, e.g. Bi, Cd, Pb, in high-purity aluminium, zinc and commercial steel by flame or graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry following their preconcentrations as iodo complexes on XAD-1180 resin by means of a short column system is described. The recoveries are quantitative (95%). The relative standard deviations varies between 6% and 10%. The relative errors are less than 8% in a concentration range of 1 × 10^–3 –4 × 10^–5%. Detection limits for flame AAS and GFAAS were in the ranges of 0.002–0.110 g/ml and 0.0003–0.004 g/ml or in the ranges of 0.08–4.40 g/g and 0.012–0.16 g/g with respect to the solid samples, respectively.     

Selective determination of neodymium and erbium in mixtures with other lanthanides by second-derivative spectrophotometry of complexes with benzoyl-indan-1,3-dione and cetylpyridinium chloride

The absorption spectra of 4f electron transitions of the neodymium and erbium complexes with benzoyl-indan-1,3-dione and cetylpyridinium chloride have been studied by conventional and derivative spectrophotometry. The second-derivative spectrum has been used to eliminate the interference of the other lanthanides, and to increase the sensitivity by a further factor of 4–6. Beer's Law is obeyed for 6–29 g/ml Nd and 7–33 g/ml Er. The relative standard deviations evaluated from 10 independent determinations of 5.0 g/ml Nd and Er were 1.1% (Nd) and 1.6% (Er). The detection limits obtained from the sensitivity of the calibration graphs and 3s _b, (standard deviation of the blank,n = 11) were 0.63 g/ml Nd and 0.61 g/ml Er. The quantification limits (10s _b) were 2.1 g/ml Nd and 2.0 g/ml Er. A method for the direct determination of neodymium and erbium in rare earth mixtures with good accuracy and selectivity is proposed.