Highly Selective and Sensitive Preconcentration of Mercury Ion and Determination by Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Abstract

A simple and selective method based on a sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)–coated chromosorb P modified by 2‐mercaptobenzoxazole (MBO) has been developed to selectively separate and concentrate ultra trace amounts of mercury(II) ions for its highly sensitive measurement by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS).

The mercury ions were adsorbed quantitatively on SDS‐coated chromosorb due to its complexation with MBO, while the retained Hg²⁺ ions were then stripped from the column with minimal amounts of 2 M nitric acid in acetone. The eluting solution was sent to CV‐AAS for evaluating Hg²⁺ ion content and results indicate that the calibration curve was linear for Hg²⁺ ion in the range of 0.05–85.6 ng mL^?1 and 0.09–9.6 µg mL^?1 of Hg²⁺ ions. Maximum capacity of the SDS‐coated chromosorb modified with 40 mg of the ligand was found to be 498±30 µg of mercury(II), the limit of detection was 0.01 ng mL^?1, and enrichment factors were about 300, which make it suitable it for dilute solution analysis. The method was successfully applied to the determination of Hg²⁺ ion content in real samples.     

Sulfur modified with 2-mercaptobenzoxazole as a new sorbent for preconcentration of silver prior to determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A solid-phase extraction method for preconcentration of silver and consequent determination by atomic absorption spectrometry is described. The method is based on the retention of silver on sulfur modified with 2-mercaptobenzoxazole. The retained silver is eluted from the column with a thiourea solution and determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The preconcentration conditions such as pH, amount of reagent loaded on sorbent, type of eluent and its volume, flow rate and interfering ions were investigated. The calibration graph was linear in the range of 3–200 ng mL^?1 of Ag⁺ in the initial solution with r = 0.9985. The limit of detection based on 3S_b was 1.0 ng mL^?1. The relative standard deviation for ten replicate measurements of 50 and 150 ng mL^?1 of Ag⁺ was 4.1 and 1.4 %, respectively. The method was applied to the determination of silver in radiology film and water samples.     

Application of modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes for palladium preconcentration and determination in water and soil samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A new solid-phase extraction method for determination of palladium by atomic absorption spectrometry is described. Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) modified with 1-butyl 3-methyl imidazolium hexafluorophosphate (MWCNT-[BMIM]PF₆) and supported on sawdust was used as an adsorbent for preconcentration of palladium. Palladium ions are retained on (MWCNT-[BMIM]PF₆) adsorbent as [PdI₄]^2? and eluted from the column with a thiosulfate–ammonia mixture. The optimum conditions for the adsorption were evaluated by changing various parameters such as pH, sample volume, concentration and volume of eluent, iodide concentration and interfering ions to achieve highest sensitivity and selectivity. The calibration graph was linear in the range of 2–120 ng mL^?1 of palladium in the initial solution and the limit of detection based on 3S_b was 0.41 ng mL^?1. The method was applied to the determination of palladium in water, wastewater and soil samples.     

Speciation of ultra-trace amounts of inorganic arsenic in water and rice samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry after solid-phase extraction with modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles

A new magnetic adsorbent, 3-mercaptopropionic acid coated 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane modified Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle, was synthesised and used for the extraction and preconcentration of arsenic ions in aqueous solutions followed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric determination. The adsorbent was characterised by TEM, SEM, XRD and FT-IR techniques and the method used the unique properties of magnetic nanoparticles, namely, high surface area and superparamagnetism which gave it the advantages of high extraction capacity, fast separation and low adsorbent consumption. Different parameters affecting extraction efficiency of the analyte including pH value, sample volume, adsorbent amount, extraction time and desorption conditions were investigated and optimised. Under the optimum conditions, wide linear range of 30–25,000 ng L^?1 and low detection limit of 10 ng L^?1 were obtained. The interday and intraday precisions (as RSD%) for five replicates determination of 50 and 25,000 ng L^?1 of arsenic ions were in the range of 2.3–3.2%. Furthermore, no significant interference was observed in the presence of coexisting ions and high preconcentration factor of 198 was obtained. The adsorption isotherm followed Langmuir model and its kinetic was second-order. The accuracy of the method was validated by analysing certi?ed reference materials for water and rice with satisfactory recoveries. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of ultra-trace amounts of arsenic in rice and water samples.     

Silica Microspheres for SPE and Determination of Fungicides in Water by LC

A new method has been developed for the determination of metalaxyl, myclobutanil, and tebuconazole in environmental water samples with preconcentration by cartridges packed with SiO₂ microspheres prior to LC. Several parameters such as the volume and composition of eluent, sample flow rate, sample pH, and sample volume were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, excellent detection limits (S/N = 3) and precision (RSD, n = 6) were 0.02 ng mL^?1, 1.3% for metalaxyl, 0.02 ng mL^?1, and 2.4% for myclobutanil and 0.08 ng mL^?1 and 4.3% for tebuconazole, respectively. The method was applied to the analysis of real-water samples, and satisfactory results were obtained. The average spiked recoveries were in the range of 86.3–97.5%. These results indicate that SiO₂ microspheres have great potential to be used as a novel solid phase extraction adsorbent that could have wide applications in the environmental field.     

Preconcentration of trace cadmium ion using magnetic graphene nanoparticles as an efficient adsorbent

Graphene-based magnetic nanoparticles (G-Fe₃O₄) were prepared and used as an effective adsorbent for the solid-phase extraction of trace quantities of cadmium from water and vegetable samples. The method avoids some of the time-consuming steps associated with traditional solid phase extraction. The excellent sorption property of the G-Fe₃O₄ system is attributed to π - π stacking interaction and hydrophobic interactions between graphene and the Cd-PAN complex. The effects of pH, the amount of G–Fe₃O₄, extraction time, type and volume of eluent, desorption time and interfering ions on the extraction efficiency were optimized. The preconcentration factor is 200. Cd(II) was then quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrometry with a detection limit of 0.32 ng mL^?1. The relative standard deviation (at 50 ng mL^?1; for n?=?10) is 2.45 %. The method has a linear analytical range from 1.1 to 150 ng mL^?1, and the recoveries in case of real samples are in the range between 93.1 % and 102.3 %.

Diphenyl diselenide grafted onto a Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>-chitosan composite as a new nanosorbent for separation of metal ions by effervescent salt-assisted dispersive magnetic micro solid-phase extraction

Diphenyl diselenide was immobilized on chitosan loaded with magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles to give an efficient and cost-effective nanosorbent for the preconcentration of Pb(II), Cd(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) ions by using effervescent salt-assisted dispersive magnetic micro solid-phase extraction (EA-DM-μSPE). The metal ions were desorbed from the sorbent with 3M nitric acid and then quantified via microflame AAS. The main parameters affecting the extraction were optimized using a one-at-a-time method. Under optimum condition, the limits of detection, linear dynamic ranges, and relative standard deviations (for n?=?3) are as following: Pb(II): 2.0 ng·mL^?1; 6.3–900 ng·mL^?1; 1.5%. Cd(II): 0.15 ng·mL^?1; 0.7–85 ng·mL^?1, 3.2%; Ni(II): 1.6 ng·mL^?1,.6.0–600. ng·mL^?1, 4.1%; Cu(II): 1.2 ng·mL^?1, 3.0–300 ng·mL^?1, 2.2%. The nanosorbent can be reused at least 4 times.

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Graphical abstract Fe₃O₄-chitosan composite was modified with diphenyl diselenide as a sorbent for separation of metal ions by effervescent salt-assisted dispersive magnetic micro solid-phase extraction.

     

Thiodiethanethiol Modified Silica Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles for Preconcentration and Determination of Ultratrace Amounts of Mercury,Lead, and Cadmium in Environmental and Food Samples

A new magnetic adsorbent, 2,2′-thiodiethanethiol grafted with tetraethyl orthosilicate modified Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles, was developed for the separation and preconcentration of Hg, Pb, and Cd in environmental and food samples. The concentrations of Pb and Cd were determined by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry; Hg was determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. A comprehensive study on the factors affecting the extraction and desorption efficiencies was performed. Under the optimized conditions, the method was linear in the 0.01–750 ng mL^?1 range (before preconcentration) with detection limits of 4, 8, and 2 ng L^?1 for Hg, Pb, and Cd, respectively. Relative standard deviations of 2.3, 2.9, and 2.4% (concentration 50 ng mL^?1, n = 7) and high preconcentration factors of 291, 285, and 288 were also obtained for Hg, Pb, and Cd. The accuracy of the proposed method was validated by analyzing a water certified reference material with satisfactory recoveries. The method was successfully applied to the determination of the analytes in tap and mineral waters and canned tuna fish samples.     

Simultaneous preconcentration and determination of malachite green and fuchsine dyes in seafood and environmental water samples using nano-alumina-based molecular imprinted polymer solid-phase extraction

Molecular imprinted polymer for determination of malachite green (MG) and fuchsine basic (FU) dyes by spectrophotometry has been used, to develop a novel simultaneous extraction and preconcentration method. Molecularly imprinted layer-coated nano-alumina (MIP@Nano-Al₂O₃) as adsorbent was prepared by surface molecular imprinting technique, and characterised by FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The method is based on simultaneous extraction of MG and FU dyes from aqueous solution by using molecularly imprinted polymer and measuring the absorbance at 617 and 546 nm for MG and FU, respectively. Parameters which affect the extraction efficiency such as pH, volume of eluent and amount of adsorbent were investigated and optimised. Linear calibration curves were obtained in the range of 2–750 ng mL^?1 for MG and 1–240 ng mL^?1 for FU under optimum conditions. Detection limit based on three times the standard deviation of the blank (3S_b) was 0.655 and 0.245 ng mL^?1 (n = 10) for MG and FU, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) for 100 ng mL^?1 of MG and FU was 2.35 and 3.06% (n = 7), respectively. The method was applied to the simultaneous determination of the dyes in different seafood and environmental water samples.     

Extraction of trace amounts of silver on various amino-functionalized nanoporous silicas in real samples

Aminopropyl-functionalized mesoporous silicas, NH₂-MCM-41 and NH₂-SBA-15, as absorbents were utilized for rapid extraction, preconcentration and determination of trace amounts of silver. Flow rates of sample and eluent, pH, eluent solution, type, concentration and the least amount of eluent for desorption of silver ions were optimized; moreover, break through volume and the effect of various cationic interferences on the sorption of silver were evaluated. The extraction efficiency of silver ions was greater than 95% for MCM-41-NH₂ and 85% for SBA-15-NH₂ and the limit of detection (LOD) was less than 4 ng mL^?1 for both functionalized mesoporous silicas. The preconcentration factor was greater than 210 and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was <2%. The adsorption capacity of the mesoporous silicas is higher than 143 mg g^?1 for NH₂-MCM-41 and 137 mg g^?1 for NH₂-SBA-15. Under similar experimental conditions the results for these solid phases were compared with each other. NH₂-SBA-15, in spite of larger pore size diameter and adsorption of silver ions in higher flow rates has lower recovery and a higher RSD compared to MCM-41. This method has been applied to determine silver in photographic emulsions and real samples.     

Highly sensitive simultaneous quantification of buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine in human plasma by magnetic solid-phase extraction based on P<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>PDA/Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanocomposite and high-performance liquid chromatography

A rapid and sensitive method based on magnetic solid-phase extraction coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection was developed for the simultaneous determination of buprenorphine (BPN) and its major metabolite, norbuprenorphine (N-BPN), in human plasma samples. Poly (para-phenylenediamine)-modified Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (PpPDA/Fe₃O₄) were synthesized and used as a magnetic adsorbent for the extraction and preconcentration of BPN and N-BPN in biological samples. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometery. An isocratic separation was achieved on a Nova-Pak C18 reversed-phase column using a mobile phase consisting phosphate buffer (pH 3.4) and acetonitrile (50:50, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL min^?1. The detection was conducted at 280 nm. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration curves for BPN and N-BPN were linear in the ranges 3.0–150.0 and 1.0–120.0 ng mL^?1, respectively. The sensitivity was also high with limit of detection of 0.8 and 0.3 ng mL^?1 for BPN and N-BPN in plasma, respectively. The method was successfully applied to the extraction and determination of BPN and N-BPN in human plasma samples with an average recovery of 98.10 and 96.41%, respectively.     

Magnetic solid-phase extraction of imatinib and doxorubicin as cytostatic drugs by Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>/graphene oxide nanocomposite

Magnetic solid-phase extraction based on Fe₃O₄/graphene oxide nanocomposites was investigated for the separation, preconcentration and determination of imatinib and doxorubicin in aqueous solutions. Synthesis of Fe₃O₄/graphene oxide was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer and vibrating sample magnetometer. After optimizing the conditions, optimal experimental conditions including sample pH, the amount of the magnetic nanoparticles, the effect of salt concentration and other chemotherapy medications, eluent type and extraction time were studied and established. The method showed good linearity for the determination of doxorubicin and imatinib in the concentration range of 0.01–100 μg mL^?1 in aqueous solutions with limit of detection 1.8 ng mL^?1 for doxorubicin and 1.9 ng mL^?1 for imatinib. The relative recoveries of doxorubicin and imatinib levels were 96.7 and 88.4%, respectively. The results indicate that the present procedure is a suitable method for extraction of imatinib and doxorubicin from environmental water samples.     

Solid phase extraction of heavy metal ions based on a novel functionalized magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotube composite with the aid of experimental design methodology

We report that magnetic multiwalled carbon nanotubes functionalized with 8-aminoquinoline can be applied to the preconcentration of Cd(II), Pb(II) and Ni(II) ions. The parameters affecting preconcentration were optimized by a Box-Behnken design through response surface methodology. Three variables (extraction time, magnetic sorbent amount, and pH value) were selected as the main factors affecting sorption, and four variables (type, volume and concentration of the eluent; elution time) were selected for optimizing elution. Following sorption and elution, the ions were quantified by FAAS. The LODs are 0.09, 0.72, and 1.0 ng mL^?1 for Cd(II), Ni(II), and Pb(II) ions, respectively. The relative standard deviations are <5.1 % for five separate batch determinations at 30 ng mL^?1 level of Cd(II), Ni(II), and Pb(II) ions. The sorption capacities (in mg g^?1) of this new sorbent are 201 for Cd(II), 150 for Pb(II), and 172 Ni(II). The composite was successfully applied to the rapid extraction of trace quantities of heavy metal ions in fish, sediment, soil, and water samples.

A novel magnetic metal organic framework nanocomposite for extraction and preconcentration of heavy metal ions, and its optimization via experimental design methodology

We describe a novel magnetic metal-organic framework (MOF) prepared from dithizone-modified Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and a copper-(benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate) MOF and its use in the preconcentration of Cd(II), Pb(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) ions. The parameters affecting preconcentration were optimized by a Box-Behnken design through response surface methodology. Three variables (extraction time, amount of the magnetic sorbent, and pH value) were selected as the main factors affecting adsorption, while four variables (type, volume and concentration of the eluent; desorption time) were selected for desorption in the optimization study. Following preconcentration and elution, the ions were quantified by FAAS. The limits of detection are 0.12, 0.39, 0.98, and 1.2 ng mL^?1 for Cd(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), and Pb(II) ions, respectively. The relative standard deviations were <4.5 % for five separate batch determinations of 50 ng mL^?1 of Cd(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), and Pb(II) ions. The adsorption capacities (in mg g^?1) of this new MOF are 188 for Cd(II), 104 for Pb(II), 98 Ni(II), and 206 for Zn(II). The magnetic MOF nanocomposite has a higher capacity than the Fe₃O₄/dithizone conjugate. This magnetic MOF nanocomposite was successfully applied to the rapid extraction of trace quantities of heavy metal ions in fish, sediment, soil, and water samples.

Naked magnetite nanoparticles for both clean-up and solid-phase extraction-trace determination of mercury

A new solid-phase extraction method was developed for trace determination of Hg(II) by using a small amount of naked magnetite nanoparticles as an adsorbent. The magnetite nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The adsorbed Hg(II)-dithizone complex was eluted with 1.0 mL aliquot of an acidic 1-propanol solution prior to electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. A huge positive effect was found on the mercury adsorption by ionic strength. Under optimized condition, a linear calibration curve was obtained for mercury in the range of 0.2–50 ng mL^?1 with relative standard deviation in the range of 0.5–2.0%. The limit of detection and enrichment factor were 0.01 ng mL^?1 and 98.3, respectively. The effects of coexisting ions were studied extensively, and a new clean-up procedure was used to remove the matrix effects by using a simple sample pretreatment step using a little amount of magnetite nanoparticles. The method was successfully applied to the determination of Hg(II) in different water and human urine samples and a commercial sodium nitrate.     

Synthesis and application of a novel magnetic nanosorbent for determination of trace Cd(II), Ni(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) in environmental samples

In this work for the first time, Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ core–shell nanoparticles functionalized with isatin groups as a magnetic nanosorbent was applied for the simultaneous extraction of trace amounts of cadmium(II), nickel(II), lead(II), and zinc(II). The characterization of this nanosorbent was studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometer and thermogravimetric analysis. The effect of several factors such as pH, amount of sorbent, extraction time, type and volume of the eluent, sample volume, sorption capacity, and potentially interfering ions was investigated. In the selected conditions, it was observed that the limits of detection were 0.11 ng mL^?1 for Cd(II), 0.28 ng mL^?1 for Ni(II), 0.47 ng mL^?1 for Pb(II), and 0.21 ng mL^?1 for Zn(II), and the maximum sorption capacity of this suggested magnetic nanosorbent was 120, 112, 100, and 100 mg g^?1 for Cd(II), Ni(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II), respectively. Also, the precision of the method (RSD%) for ten replicate measurements was found 2.5, 2.5, 2.8, and 3.1%, for Cd(II), Ni(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) ions, respectively. Finally, the suggested procedure was applied for determination of cadmium(II), nickel(II), lead(II), and zinc(II) at trace levels in different water and agricultural products with satisfactory results.     

A novel solid-phase extraction method for separation and preconcentration of zirconium

This work assesses the use of modified natural clinoptilolite as an adsorptive material for separation and preconcentration of trace amounts of zirconium ions. A simple, rapid and economical method was developed for the preconcentration of trace amounts of zirconium in aqueous medium using 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol as a complexing agent. Effect of sample pH, flow rate of sample and elution solutions, breakthrough volume and interference of several ions were studied. Determination of zirconium was made by ICP-AES technique. The sorption was quantitative in the pH range from 3.0 to 4.0, whereas quantitative desorption occurred instantaneously with 2 mol L^?1 hydrochloric acid. Linearity was maintained between 0.05 and 9.0 μg mL^?1. Relative standard deviations range from ±0.9% to ±2.3% (n?=?5). The detection limit was 0.1 ng mL^?1. Because of good recovery (>97%), this method is suitable for preconcentration and determination of zirconium in effluents containing trace amount of zirconium.     

Vortex-assisted magnetic solid phase extraction of Cd(II), Cu(II) and Pb(II) on the Nitroso–R salt impregnated magnetic Ambersorb 563 for their separation,preconcentration and determination by FAAS

A novel vortex-assisted magnetic solid phase extraction method followed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry was improved to separate, preconcentrate and determine the lead, copper and cadmium ions by using 1-Nitro-2-naphthol-3, 6-disulfonic acid disodium salt (Nitroso-R salt) impregnated magnetic Ambersorb-563 resin. The adsorbent was characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectra, BET surface analyser and scanning electron microscopy. The influences of various analytical parameters, such as pH value, type and volume of the eluent, sample volume, were optimised and the effects of potentially interfering ions were investigated. The analyte ions were quantitatively recovered at pH 7.0 on magnetic adsorbent and desorbed with a 2.0 M HNO₃ in 10% acetone as eluent. The detection limits were 1.4, 5.8 and 1.5 ng mL^?1 for Cd(II), Cu(II) and Pb(II), respectively. The method has been validated with analytically by the analysis certified reference materials and standard additions prior to application to determine metal ions in water samples.     

Optimization of temperature-controlled ionic liquid homogenous liquid phase microextraction followed by high performance liquid chromatography for analysis of diclofenac and mefenamic acid in urine sample

In this work, a temperature-controlled ionic liquid homogeneous liquid phase microextraction (TCIL-HLPME) technique followed by HPLC–UV was applied for preconcentration and determination of diclofenac (DIC) and mefenamic acid (MEF) in urine samples. 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C₄mim][PF₆]) was used as the optimum extraction solvent. Experimental design and response surface methodology was used for the optimization process. Firstly, a screening step, using Plackett-Burman design, was carried out to find the significant factors on the extraction efficiency and subsequently, a central composite design (CCD) was employed to find the optimum values of these parameters. The optimal conditions were obtained as extraction solvent volume of 105 µL; sample pH of 2.0, extraction time of 6 min, centrifugation time of 5 min; heating time of 2 min; heating temperature of 50 °C and 20 % of NaCl. Under optimized conditions, the preconcentration factors of 82 and 60 were obtained for DIC and MEF, respectively. The detections limits of 20 and 30 ng mL^?1 were achieved for DIC and MEF by the proposed method, respectively. The calibration curves were linear in the range of 40–1000 and 60–1000 ng mL^?1 for DIC and MEF, respectively. The intra- and inter-assay precisions (RSD %, n = 3) were in the range of 3.5–4.4 % and 7.3–8.0 % at the concentration level of 100 ng mL^?1, respectively. The validated method was successfully applied for the analysis of target analytes in some urine samples.     

FAAS determination of palladium after its selective recovery by silica modified with hydrazone derivative

Amino propyl silica (APS) gel reacts immediately with benzyl monopyridyl hydrazone (BMPH) to produce a new effective and selective derivative (BMPH-APS) for the separation and preconcentration of traces of Pd(II) in aqueous solution. Factors affecting the sorption and desorption of Pd ions have been investigated. Acidic aqueous solution of 0.5% thiourea in 0.5 mol L^?1 HCl has been used as eluent for the desorption of Pd(II). The stripped metal ion was determined by flame AAS. The modified silica quantitatively sorbed Pd(II) at pH 2–4 with a sorption capacity of 0.65 mmol g^?1 and preconcentration factor of 250 fold in less than one minute (t_1/2). Common other ions did not interfere except Co(II) which was eliminated by EDTA . The limit of detection (LOD) is 0.1 ng mL^?1 and the relative standard deviation (R. S. D.) for 10 replicate measurements at 20 ng mL^?1 Pd level was 1.51%. The method was successfully applied for Pd preconcentration in highly concentrated salt solutions and in spiked clay, road dust, scrap and water samples.