Selective solid phase extraction and preconcentration of iron(III) based on silica gel-chemically immobilized purpurogallin

The immobilization of purpurogallin on the surface of amino group containing silica gel phase for the formation of a newly synthesized silica gel-bound purpurogallin (SGBP) is described. The surface modification was studied and evaluated by determination of the surface coverage value by both the elemental analysis and metal probe testing method, which was found to be 0.485 and 0.460 mmol g⁻¹, respectively. The metal sorption properties of SGBP were examined by a series of di- and tri-valent metal ions. The metal capacity values (mmol g⁻¹) for this series of metal ions were also determined under different buffer solutions (pH 1.0–6.0) as well as shaking times by the batch equilibrium technique. The results of this study confirmed the strong affinity and selectivity as well as the fast equilibration and interaction processes of SGBP and Fe(III) compared to the other tested metal ions. The reduction–oxidation process of iron(II)/iron(III) by SGBP was also studied and the results indicated only 2.1% reduction of iron(III) into iron(II). The selectivity incorporated into silica gel phase via the immobilization of purpurogallin was intensively studied for a several binary mixtures containing iron(III)—another interfering metal ion. The determined percentage extraction values of iron(III) from these mixtures were found to be in the range of 94–100%. The potential applications of SGBP as a selective solid extractor for iron(III) from natural tap water samples and real matrices were also studied and the results revealed good percentage extraction values of iron(III) (93.5−94.9±4.6−5.3%) of the spiked iron(III) in the acidified tap water samples as well as a high preconcentration factor of 500 was also established when SGBP was used as a selective solid phase extractor and preconcentration of iron(III) from acidified soft drink samples with percentage recovery values of (98.0−97.4±4.7−5.3%) of the spiked iron(III).     

Chemically modified silica gel with aminothioamidoanthraquinone for solid phase extraction and preconcentration of Pb(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Cd(II)

Silica gel chemically bonded with aminothioamidoanthraquinone was synthesized and characterized. The metal sorption properties of modified silica were studied towards Pb(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Cd(II). The determination of metal ions was carried out on FAAS. For batch method, the optimum pH ranges for Pb(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) extraction were ≥3 but for Ni(II) and Co(II) extraction were ≥4. The contact times to reach the equilibrium were less than 10 min. The adsorption isotherm fitted the Langmuir's model showed the maximum sorption capacities of 0.56, 0.30, 0.15, 0.12 and 0.067 mmol/g for Pb(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Cd(II), respectively. In the flow system, a column packed modified silica at 20 mg for Pb(II) and Cu(II), 50 mg for Cd(II), 60 mg for Co(II), Ni(II) was studied at a flow rate of 4 and 2.5 mL/min for Ni(II). The sorbed metals were quantitatively eluted by 1% HNO₃. No interference from Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Cl⁻ and SO₄²⁻ at 10, 100 and 1000 mg/L was observed. The application of this modified silica gel to preconcentration of pond water, tap water and drinking water gave high accuracy and precision (%R.S.D. ≤ 9). The method detection limits were 22.5, 1.0, 2.9, 0.95, 1.1 μg/L for Pb(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Cd(II), respectively.     

New solid phase extractors for selective separation and preconcentration of mercury (II) based on silica gel immobilized aliphatic amines 2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde Schiff’s bases

2-Thiophenecarboxaldhyde is chemically bonded to silica gel surface immobilized monoamine, ethylenediamine and diethylenetriamine by a simple Schiff’s base reaction to produce three new SP-extractors, phases (I-III). The selectivity properties of these phases toward Hg(II) uptake as well as eight other metal ions: Ca(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) were extensively studied and evaluated as a function of pH of metal ion solution and equilibrium shaking time by the batch equilibrium technique. The data obtained clearly indicate that the new SP-extractors have the highest affinity for retention of Hg(II) ion. Their Hg(II) uptake in mmol g⁻¹ and distribution coefficient as log K_d values are always higher than the uptake of any other metal ion along the range of pH used (pH 1.0-10.0). The uptake of Hg(II) using phase I was 2.0 mmol g⁻¹ (log K_d 6.6) at pH 1.0 and 2.0. 1.8 mmol g⁻¹ (log K_d 4.25), 1.6 mmol g⁻¹ (log K_d 3.90) and 1.08 mmol g⁻¹ (log K_d 3.37) at pH 3.0, 5.0 and 8.0, respectively. Selective separation of Hg(II) from the other eight coexisting metal ions under investigation was achieved successfully using phase I at pH 2.0 either under static or dynamic conditions. Hg(II) was completely retained while Ca(II), Co(II) and Cd(II) ions were not retained. Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Pb(II) and Fe(III) showed very low percentage retention values to be 0.74, 0.97, 3.5 and 6.3%, respectively. Moreover, the high recovery values (95.5 ± 0.5, 95.8 ± 0.5 and 99.0% ± 1.0) of percolating two liters of doubly distilled water, drinking tap water and Nile river water spiked with 5 ng/l of Hg(II) over 100 mg of phase I packed in a minicolumn and used as a thin layer enrichment bed demonstrate the accuracy and validity of the new SP-extractors for preconcentration of the ultratrace amount of spiked Hg(II) prior to the determination by borohydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) with no matrix interference. The detection limit (3σ) for Hg(II) based on enrichment factor 1000 was 4.75 pg/ml. The precision (R.S.D.) obtained for different amounts of mercury was in the range 0.52-1.01% (N = 3) at the 25-100 ng/l level.     

Application of mercapto‐silica polymerized high internal phase emulsions for the solid‐phase extraction and preconcentration of trace lead(II)

A new class of solid‐phase extraction column prepared with grafted mercapto‐silica polymerized high internal phase emulsion particles was used for the preconcentration of trace lead. First, mercapto‐silica polymerized high internal phase emulsion particles were synthesized by using high internal phase emulsion polymerization and carefully assembled in a polyethylene syringe column. The influences of various parameters including adsorption pH value, adsorption and desorption solvents, flow rate of the adsorption and desorption procedure were optimized, respectively, and the suitable uploading sample volumes, adsorption capacity, and reusability of solid phase extraction column were also investigated. Under the optimum conditions, Pb²⁺ could be preconcentrated quantitatively over a wide pH range (2.0–5.0). In the presence of foreign ions, such as Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cl^? and NO₃^?, Pb²⁺ could be recovered successfully. The prepared solid‐phase extraction column performed with high stability and desirable durability, which allowed more than 100 replicate extractions without measurable changes of performance. The feasibility of the developed method was further validated by the extraction of Pb²⁺ in rice samples. At three spiked levels of 40.0, 200 and 800 μg/kg, the average recoveries for Pb²⁺ in rice samples ranged from 87.3 to 105.2%.     

Flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of cadmium(II) and lead(II) after their solid phase extraction as dibenzyldithiocarbamate chelates on Dowex Optipore V-493

An enrichment procedure for cadmium and lead after their solid phase extraction as dibenzyldithiocarbamate chelates on Dowex Optipore V-493 has been established prior to their flame atomic absorption spectrometric determinations. The analytical parameters including pH, amounts of dibenzyldithiocarbamate, sample volume, etc., were investigated. The effects of alkaline and earth alkaline ions and some metal ions on the retentions of analytes on Dowex Optipore V-493 resin were examined. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limits (3s, n = 21) for cadmium and lead were 0.43 μg L⁻¹ and 0.65 μg L⁻¹, respectively. The relative standard deviation (R.S.D.), and the recoveries of standard addition for this method were lower than 5% (n = 11) and 95-102%, respectively. Three standard reference samples (LGC 6010 Hard drinking water, NIST SRM 2711 Montana soil and GBW 07605 Tea) were introduced for accuracy and precision of analytical data. The proposed solid phase extraction system was successfully applied to the analysis of environmental samples.     

Application of multiwalled carbon nanotubes as solid phase extraction sorbent for preconcentration of trace copper in water samples

The adsorption behavior of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) toward copper has been investigated systemically, and a new method has been developed for the determination of trace copper in water samples based on preconcentration with a microcolumn packed with MWNTs prior to its determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The optimum experimental parameters for preconcentration of copper, such as pH of the sample, sample flow rate and volume, elution solution and interfering ions, have been investigated. Copper can be quantitatively retained by MWNTs in the pH range 5-8, and then eluted completely with 0.5 M HNO3. The detection limit of this method for Cu was 0.42 ng/mL, and the RSD was 3.5% at the 10 ng/mL Cu level. The method was validated using a certified reference material, and has been successfully applied for the determination of trace copper in water samples.     

Activated carbon cloth filled pipette tip for solid phase extraction of nickel(II), lead(II), cadmium(II), copper(II) and cobalt(II) as 1,3,4-thiadiazole-2,5-dithiol chelates for ultra-trace detection by FAAS

A solid phase extraction method is established for preconcentration of nickel, lead, cadmium, copper and cobalt using pipette tip solid phase extraction. The presented process was dependent on chelation of analytes with 1,3,4-thiadiazole-2,5-dithiol, then allowing the solution to flow through an activated carbon cloth packed pipette tip. The adsorbed metal chelates on the surface of activated carbon cloth were eluted by 5 mL of 3 M HNO₃. The concentrations of nickel, lead, cadmium, copper and cobalt were detected using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS). The pipette tip solid phase extraction exhibit a preconcentration factor of 120. The limit of detection values were 2.7, 1.7, 1.3, 2.0 and 2.9 µg L^?1 for Ni(II), Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II) and Co(II), respectively. Validation of the method was checked by the analysis of TMDA-53.3 and TMDA-64.2 certified reference materials. The method was successfully applied for water and fertiliser samples.     

Selective solid phase extraction of trace cadmium(II) and lead(II) from biological and natural water samples by ofloxacin-modified-silica gel

Ofloxacin was successfully used as a chemical modifier to improve the reactivity of silica gel in terms of selective binding and extraction of heavy metal ions. This new functionalised silica gel (SG-ofloxacin) was as an effective sorbent for the solid-phase extraction (SPE) of Cd(II) and Pb(II) in biological and natural water samples and their determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Experimental conditions for effective adsorption of trace levels of Cd(II) and Pb(II) were optimised with respect to different experimental parameters using the batch and column procedures. The time for 70% sorption for Cd(II) and Pb(II) was less than 2 min. Complete elution of the adsorbed metal ions from the SG-ofloxacin was carried out using 2.0 mL of 0.5 mol L^?1 of HCl. Common coexisting ions did not interfere with the separation and determination at pH 4.0. The maximum static adsorption capacity of the sorbent at optimum conditions was found to be 39.17 and 48.69 mg g^?1 for Cd(II) and Pb(II), respectively. The detection limits of the method were found to be 0.29 and 0.13 ng mL^?1 for Cd(II) and Pb(II), respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the method under optimum conditions was lower than 3.0% (n = 5). The method was applied to the recovery of Cd(II) and Pb(II) from the certified reference material (GBW 08301, river sediment) and to the simultaneous determination of these cations in different water and biological samples with satisfactory results and yielding 100-folds enrichment factor.     

Application of silica-based monolith as solid phase extraction cartridge for extracting polar compounds from urine

The silica monolith with ionizable silanol groups and large surface area was found able to function as an offline cation exchange solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridge for extracting polar analytes. The prepared cartridge was housed in a 2-mL syringe fixed over a SPE vacuum manifold. The unique property of this silica monolithic cartridge was demonstrated by extracting epinephrine, normetanephrine and metanephrine from urine samples. These analytes were chosen as model compounds for testing because of their high hydrophilicity, and being candidates monitored for clinical diagnosis. The extracted analytes, after concentration and reconstitution were then quantitated by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer (HPLC/ESI/MS). Multiple reactions monitoring was carried out with transitions: 184 → 107, 184 → 134 and 198 → 148 for analyzing epinephrine, normetanephrine and metanephrine, respectively. The limit of detection was 3 ng/mL for metanephrine and 5 ng/mL for normetanephrine and epinephrine. The relative standard deviations of measurements ranged from 2 to 10%. The sorbent offered good linearity with coefficient of determination (r²) > 0.99, over a concentration range of 20-200 ng/mL. The relative recoveries ranged from 60 to 67%, 55 to 59% and 99 to 105% for epinephrine, normetanephrine and metanephrine, respectively. The prepared cartridge had shown potential and was found robust in extracting the polar analytes repeatedly without any significant loss in efficiency.     

Solid phase extraction of trace Hg(II) on silica gel modified with 2-(2-oxoethyl)hydrazine carbothioamide and determination by ICP-AES

In this work, a new 2-(2-oxoethyl)hydrazine carbothioamide modified silica gel (SG-OHC) sorbent was prepared and applied for preconcentration of trace mercury(II) prior to the measurement by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The optimization of some analytical parameters affecting the adsorption of the analyte such as acidity, shaking time, sample flow rate and volume, eluent condition, and interfering substances were investigated. At pH 3, the maximum static adsorption capacity of Hg(II) onto the SG-OHC was 37.5 mg g⁻¹. The quantitative recovery (>95%) of Hg(II) could be obtained using 2 mL of 0.5 mol L⁻¹ HCl and 1% CS(NH₂)₂ solution as eluent. Common coexisting substances did not interfere with the separation of mercury(II) under optimal conditions. The detection limit of present method was 0.10 ng mL⁻¹, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was lower than 4.0% (n = 8). The prepared sorbent was successfully applied for the preconcentration of trace Hg(II) in certified and water samples with satisfactory results.     

Salen impregnated silica gel as a new sorbent for on-line preconcentration of cadmium(II)

A new sorbent – salen impregnated silica gel – was prepared and characterised for application as a minicolumn packing for flow-injection on-line preconcentration of cadmium(II). The system was coupled with flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FI-FAAS). The optimal pH for Cd(II) sorption was in the range of 7.4–8.8 and nitric acid (1%, v/v) was efficient as eluent. Sorption was most effective within the sample flow rate up to 7?mL?min^?1. Sorption capacity of the sorbent found in a batch procedure was 26.3?µmol?g^?1 (2.95?mg?g^?1). Enrichment factor (EF) and limit of detection (LOD) obtained for 120-second loading time were 113 and 0.26?µg?L^?1, respectively. The sorbent stability in the working conditions was proved for at least 100 preconcentration cycles. The evaluated method was applied to Cd(II) determination in various water samples.     

Sequestration of Cu(II), Ni(II), and Co(II) by ethyleneimine immobilized on silica

Thermodynamic data on interaction of Cu(II), Ni(II), and Co(II) with silica modified with ethyleneimine are obtained by calorimetric titration. The amount of ethyleneimine anchored on silica surface was estimated to be 0.70 mmol g⁻¹. The enthalpies of binding Ni(II), Cu(II) and Co(II), are −3.59 ± 0.001, −4.88 ± 0.001, and −7.75 ± 0.003 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively.     

Separation and preconcentration of Pb(II) using ionic liquid-modified silica and its determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A new method based on microcolumn packed with ionic liquid-modified silica combined with flame atomic absorption spectrometry has been developed for the determination of lead in environmental samples. Several factors influencing the preconcentration efficiency of lead and its subsequent determination, such as pH of the sample, flow rate, mass of ionic liquid, and interfering effect, have been investigated. Lead could be quantitatively retained by ionic liquid-modified silica in the pH range of 5-7, and then eluted completely with 3.0 mL 1.0 mol L⁻¹ HCl. The detection limit of this method for lead was 0.7 μg L⁻¹ with preconcentration factor of 185, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 4.2% at 0.1 μg mL⁻¹ Pb(II). This method has been applied for the determination of trace amount of lead in NIST standard reference material 2709 (San Joaquin Soil) and river water samples with satisfactory results.     

1,8-Dihydroxyanthraquinone anchored on silica gel: synthesis and application as solid phase extractant for lead(II), zinc(II) and cadmium(II) prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A new chelating matrix has been prepared by immobilizing 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone (DHAQ) on silica gel modified with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane. After characterizing the matrix with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), cross polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) NMR and diffuse reflectance infrared fourier transformation (DRIFT) spectroscopy, it has been used to preconcentrate Pb(II), Cd(II) and Zn(II) prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The optimum pH ranges for quantitative sorption are 6.0-7.5, 7.0-8.0 and 6.0-8.0 for Pb, Zn, and Cd, respectively. All the metal ions can be desorbed with 2 mol l(-1) HCl/HNO(3). The sorption capacity of the matrix has been found to be 76.0, 180.0 and 70.2 mumol g(-1) for Pb, Zn and Cd, respectively, with the preconcentration factor of approximately 200. The limits upto which electrolytes NaNO(3), NaCl, NaBr, Na(2)SO(4), Na(3)PO(4) sodium citrate, EDTA, glycine and humic acid and cations Ca(II), Mg(II), Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Mn(II) Al(III), Cr(III) and Fe(III) can co-exist with the metal ions during their sorption without any adverse effect are reported. The lowest concentration of metal ions for quantitative recovery is 5.0 ng ml(-1) The simultaneous enrichment and determination of all the metals is possible if total load of metal ions is less than sorption capacity. The flame AAS was used to determine these metal ions in underground, tap and river water samples (relative standard deviation (R.S.D.)相似文献   

Chemically modified silica gel with p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde for selective solid-phase extraction and preconcentration of Cr(III), Cu(II), Ni(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) by ICP-OES

Silica gel-bound amines phase modified with p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (p-DMABD) was prepared based on chemical immobilization technique. The product (SG-p-DMABD) was used as an adsorbent for the solid-phase extraction (SPE) Cr(III), Cu(II), Ni(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) prior to their determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The uptake behaviors of SG-p-DMABD for extracting these metal ions were studied using batch and column procedures. For the batch method, the optimum pH range for Cr(III) and Ni(II) extraction was ≥ 3, for Cu(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) extraction it was ≥ 4. For simultaneous enrichment and determination of all the metals on the newly designed adsorbent, the pH value if 4.0 was selected. All the metal ions can be desorbed with 2.0 mL of 0.5 mol L^− 1 of HCl. The results indicate that SG-p-DMABD has rapid adsorption kinetics using the batch method. The adsorption capacity for these metal ions is in the range of 0.40-1.15 mmol g^− 1, with a high enrichment factor of 125. The presence of commonly coexisting ions does not affect the sorption capacities. The detection limits of the method were found to be 1.10, 0.69, 0.99, 1.10 and 6.50 μg L^− 1 for Cr(III), Cu(II), Ni(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II), respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the method under optimum conditions was 5.0% (n = 8) for all metal ions. The method was applied to the preconcentration of Cr(III), Cu(II), Ni(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) from the certified reference material (GBW 08301, river sediment) and water samples with satisfactory results.     

Dithizone immobilized silica gel on-line preconcentration of trace copper with detection by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A novel adsorbent-silica gel bound dithizone (H₂Dz-SG) was prepared and used as solid-phase extraction of copper from complex matrix. The H₂Dz-SG is investigated by means of FT-IR spectra and the SEM images, demonstrating the bonding of dithizone. The H₂Dz-SG quantitatively adsorb copper ions, and the retained copper is afterwards collected by elution of 10% (v/v) nitric acid. An on-line flow injection solid-phase extraction procedure was developed for trace copper separation and preconcentration with detection by flame atomic spectrometry. By loading 5.4 mL of sample solution, a liner range of 0.5-120 μg L⁻¹, an enrichment factor of 42.6, a detection limit of 0.2 μg L⁻¹ and a precision of 1.7% RSD at the 40 μg L⁻¹ level (n = 11) were obtained, along with a sampling frequency of 47 h⁻¹. The dynamic sorption capacity of H₂Dz-SG to Cu²⁺ was 0.76 mg g⁻¹. The accuracy of the proposed procedure was evaluated by determination of copper in reference water sample. The potential applications of the procedure for extraction of trace copper were successfully accomplished in water samples (tap, rain, snow, sea and river). The spiking recoveries within 91-107% are achieved.     

Solid phase extraction of lead (II), copper (II), cadmium (II) and nickel (II) using gallic acid-modified silica gel prior to determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

The immobilization of gallic acid on the surface of amino group-containing silica gel phases for the formation of a newly chelating matrix (GASG) is described. The newly synthesized extractant, characterized by the diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transformation spectroscopy and elemental analysis, was used to preconcentrate Pb(II), Cu(II), Cd(II) and Ni(II). The pH ranges for quantitative sorption and the concentrations of HCl for eluting Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II) were opimized, respectively. The sorption capacity of the matrix has been found to be 12.63, 6.09, 15.38, 4.62mg/g for Pb(II), Cd(II), Cu(II) and Ni(II), respectively, with the preconcentration factor of approximately 200 ( approximately 100 for Cd(II)). The effects of flow rates, the eluants, the electrolytes and cations on the metal ions extraction, as well as the chelating matrix stability and reusability, were also studied. The extraction behavior of the matrix was conformed with Langmuir's equation. The present preconcentration and determination method was successfully applied to the analysis of synthetic metal mixture solution and river water samples. The 3sigma detection limit and 10sigma quantification limit for Pb(II), Cu(II), Cd(II) and Ni(II) were found to be 0.58, 0.86, 0.65, 0.92microg/L and 1.08, 1.23, 0.87, 1.26microg/L, respectively.     

Investigation of elutions from a surfactant immobilized solid phase extraction sorbent based upon the hydrophobicity of the trapped species

A unique solid phase extraction (SPE) sorbent having a removable “stationary phase” is presented. This removable phase consists of alkyltrimethylammonium surfactant, which is initially immobilized onto hydrophilic strong cation exchange resin. The surfactant chain through hydrophobic interactions extracts hydrophobic analytes in the same manner as conventional bonded alkyl moieties on silica-based non-polar sorbents. For the extraction of very hydrophobic species with conventional sorbents, solvents such methylene chloride and benzene are needed to break strong hydrophobic interactions for efficient elutions. These solvents however are toxic to the analyst and present a significant environmental concern. Using a removable “stationary phase”, hydrophobic interactions need not be broken between the analyte and the sorbent. In the presented approach, the surfactant (“stationary phase”) is removed via ion exchange with exchange ions in very mild aqueous-based and instrument compatible solutions. The analyte, being associated with the surfactant, is also removed in the process. Very efficient elutions of analytes, regardless of hydrophobicity, under mild and more favorable environmental conditions are a direct benefit of having a removable “stationary phase”. Rinse solution parameters explored include exchange cation type and concentration, and alcohol type and concentration. The extraction of three test molecules of varying hydrophobicity, naphthalene, pyrene and benzo(ghi)perylene, is investigated using this sorbent material.     

Molecularly imprinted polymers for on-line preconcentration by solid phase extraction of pirimicarb in water samples

The synthesis and performance of a molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as a selective solid phase extraction sorbent for the preconcentration of the carbamate pirimicarb from water samples is described. The MIP was prepared using pirimicarb as the template, methacrylic acid as the functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the cross-linking monomer, and using chloroform as the solvent. The detection of pirimicarb was carried out by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) at a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) in 0.1 mol l⁻¹ HCl. Solvents of different polarities were checked for the polymer synthesis, and different experimental variables (sample pH, selection of the eluent used, eluent volume, analyte and eluent flow rates and sample volume) associated with the rebinding/extraction process were optimised. For a 25 ml sample, the process took about 13 min and resulted in a nominal enrichment factor of 50 (eluent MeOH:H₂O:HAc, 7:2:1; 0.5 ml) for pirimicarb. A limit of detection of 4.1 μg l⁻¹ was obtained, and a good reproducibility of the measurements using different MIP microcolumns was found. Furthermore, the MIP selectivity was evaluated by checking several substances with similar and different molecular structures to that of pirimicarb. As an application, pirimicarb was determined in water samples of diverse origin which were spiked at a concentration level of 71.5 μg l⁻¹.