Trace sulfide determination in oxic freshwaters

A simplified method for determination of reduced sulfur species in natural waters is presented. Reduced sulfur species were separated from a natural water matrix, using purge-and-trap (PT), after reacting with acid (acid volatile sulfide—AVS) or Cr(II) in acidic medium (chromium reducible sulfur—CRS). Sulfide in the trapping medium (0.05 M NaOH), was analyzed spectrophotometrically after derivatization to form methylene blue (MB). AVS precision for Na₂S and zinc sulfide clusters in synthetic solutions was ≤8.5% RSD at concentrations ranging from 48 to 503 nM. Spike recoveries of zinc sulfide clusters were 75-98% in a variety of freshwaters using the AVS procedure. Spike recoveries of Cu sulfide colloids were 94-109% in the same freshwater samples using the CRS procedure. During the analytical procedure an interfering compound was produced due to the reaction of mixed diamine reagent with itself. Lowering the pH of the reaction mixture minimized the formation of this compound. Minimizing contamination from particulates was necessary to achieve sub-nanomolar detection limits. The detection limit for AVS in a 500 ml sample with a 10 cm spectrophotometer cell was 0.1-0.3 nM (3×S.D. blank). The CRS procedure was calibrated with a synthetic CuS colloid. Interferences to the CRS method included finely divided pyrite, polysulfide, thiosulfate, sulfite and some elemental sulfur. The Cr(II) reagent did not reduce sulfate under our experimental conditions. The degree to which zinc sulfide clusters were adsorbed on membrane filters during filtration was mitigated if the clusters were synthesized in the presence of natural organic matter. Examples of AVS and CRS concentrations determined in oxygenated waters using the PT method were comparable to those reported recently by other methods. This method offers greater simplicity than other methods for trace dissolved sulfide determination in natural waters.     

STUDIES ON THE EXTRACTION OF SELENIUM AND TELLURIUM FROM COPPER ELECTROLYTIC SLIMES BY SUBLIMATION IN VACUUM

Abstract

Anode slimes obtained from the electrolytic refining of copper contain selenium and tellurium in the form of selenides and tellurides of metals, e.g., copper and silver. The slimes were treated with sulfur under vacuum; selenides and tellurides decomposed to give selenium and tellurium in metallic form which condensed on a cooler zone. Various parameters studied were temperature, time, sulfur addition, briquetting pressure, and fineness of sulfur added. The X-ray diffraction studies carried out on treated and then on untreated slime proved the reaction of sulfur with selenide and telluride of copper to give copper sulfide, selenium, and tellurium. Sulfurization at around 475°C for 60 min gives optimum recoveries.     

Rapid and accurate determination of trace volatile sulfur compounds in human halitosis by an adaptable active sampling system coupling with gas chromatography

Halitosis with the main components of trace volatile sulfur compounds widely affects the quality of life. In this study, an adaptable active sampling system with two sample‐collection modes of direct injection and solid‐phase microextraction was developed for the rapid and precise determination of trace volatile sulfur compounds in human halitosis coupled with gas chromatography–flame photometric detection. The active sampling system was well designed and produced for efficiently sampling and precisely determining trace volatile targets in halitosis under the optimized sampling and detection conditions. The analytical method established was successfully applied for the determination of trace targets in halitosis. The limits of detection of H₂S, CH₃SH, and CH₃SCH₃ by direct injection were 0.0140–23.0 μg/L with good recoveries ranging from 82.2 to 118% and satisfactory relative standard deviations of 0.4–9.5% (n = 3), respectively. The limit of detections of CH₃SH and CH₃SCH₃ by solid‐phase microextraction were 2.03 and 0.186 × 10^?3 μg/L with good recoveries ranging from 98.3 to 108% and relative standard deviations of 5.9–9.0% (n = 3). Trace volatile targets in positive real samples could be actually found and quantified by combination of direct injection and solid‐phase microextraction. This method was reliable and efficient for the determination of trace volatile sulfur compounds in halitosis.     

An improved nephelometric method for the determination of small amounts of thiosulfate in aqueous samples

The procedure is based on decomposition of thiosulfate, with formation of sulfur, in the presence of 0.5 mol l^?1 nitric acid. Thiosulfate is determined in the range 15–100 mg l^?1, with a relative standard deviation of 5.4% and a mean relative error of 3.2%. These data are of the same order of magnitude as those obtained for the earlier silver/1,10-phenanthroline method. The present method has the advantage of being almost completely free from interferences; the only interference observed (sulfide) is easily eliminated.     

Spectrophotometry Study of Interaction of Hyaluronic Acid with Methylene Blue and Its Analytic Application

Abstract

The spectrophotometry method for detection of hyaluronic acid was established based on the interaction between hyaluronic acid and methylene blue. The study showed that the electrostatic interaction was the main interaction between them. The linear regression equation of the detection method for hyaluronic acid was ΔA=0.0059+0.046 C_HA (µg/mL), the correlation coefficient, r, was 0.9994, and the linear range was from 0.167 to 4.17 µg/mL. The concentration of hyaluronic acid in the ruijie eyedrop was successfully determined to be 9.83×10² µg/mL. The recoveries were from 95.1% to 104.9%, and the relative standard derivations were from 2.8% to 4.9%.     

Spectrophotometric determination of methimazole,D-penicillamine,captopril, and disulfiram in pure form and drug formulations

A spectrophotometric method for the determination of methimazole (MT), D-penicillamine (PA), captopril (CA), and disulfiram (DM) was proposed. The method is based on the reaction of sulfur compound with N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DMPD) in acidic solution, in the presence of Fe³⁺ ions as oxidizing agent. The Beer’s law was obeyed in the range 16–110 mg of MT, 19–260 mg of PA, 29–160 mg of CA, and 36–110 mg of DM. The method was successfully applied to the quantification of these compounds in pharmaceuticals.     

Determination of Low Level Sulfides in Environmental Waters by Automated Gas Dialysis/Methylene Blue Colorimetry

Abstract

A sensitive and rapid automated method has been developed for the selective analysis of acid extractable sulfide in environmental samples by combining gas dialysis separation techniques with methylene blue detection procedures. Acid extractable sulfide is separated from the sample matrix by the gas dialysis membrane and subsequently trapped in a dilute sodium hydroxide receiving stream. This stream is reacted with N, N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine and ferric chloride to produce methylene blue which is then quantitated colorimetrically at 660 nm. For standards and nonturbid environmental samples, there is good agreement between the results obtained by this procedure and the standard methylene blue method. The effect of interferences on the accurate determination of sulfide by both methods was also examined and it was found that cupric ions significantly interfered with sulfide estimation. To obtain adequate sulfide recoveries in tap water and environmental samples ascorbic acid must be added as an antioxidant. A detection limit of 2 μg/L of sulfide has been obtained using this procedure.     

Indirect Spectrophotometric Method for Determination of Sulfur Dioxide

Abstract

An operationally inexpensive and satisfactory analytical procedure for sulfur dioxide is proposed. The reagent 3-methyl-1,2-cyclopentanodione dithiosemicarbazone has been used to determine trace amounts of sulfur dioxide indirectly using the reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) principle. In order to find the optimal conditions for SO₂ determination, properties of 3-Me-CPDT-Fe(II) complex such as its composition, stability and free energy change of formation have been determined. The best conditions for the complex formation such as standing time, pH, wavelength and the effect of interfering ions are described. The complex has been used with success in spectrophotometric determination of SO₂. The procedure can determine down to 0.63 μg and recoveries are better than 97.5%. The method is also suitable for determination of sulfur dioxide in the air provided that interfering gases such as H₂S and NO₂ are removed.     

Flow-Injection Analysis of Pyridoxine Hydrochloride by Coupling with the Diazonium Ion of p-Sulfanilic Acid

ABSTRACT

A flow-injection (FI) procedure is proposed for the determination of pyridoxine. In the FI manifold, a solution of p-sulfanilic acid in a micellar medium of N-cetylpyridinium chloride (NCPC) was diazotized with nitrite in acidic medium, and the pH was then adjusted to 7 with monohydrogenphosphate; the sample was injected into this stream and the absorbance measured at 450 nm. The surfactant catalyzed the derivatization reaction and enhanced the sensitivity of the FI procedure.

Consequently, the addition of toxic mercury(II) acetate, used in the conventional procedure performed in non-micellar medium, was no longer required. The signals obtained with other surfactants, such as sodium dodecyl sulfate or Triton X-100, were smaller. Under optimized FI conditions, the calibration curve was linear from the limit of detection, 5×10^?5 M, up to 1×10^?3 M, and the sampling frequency was 60 h^?1. The procedure was applied to the determination of pyridoxine hydrochloride in commercial pharmaceutical preparations, with recoveries close to 100%.     

Syntheses of Novel Hexahomotrithiacalix[3]arenes

The first synthesis of the C ₃ -symmetrical p-tert-butylhexahomotrithiacalix[3]arene 7d via one-pot procedure by the reaction of 2,6-bis(chloromethyl)-p-tert-butylphenol 8d with sodium sulfide nanohydrate under high-dilution conditions is reported. Also, hexahomotrithiacalix[3]arenes 7d-f (where d-f designate the type of the substituents R at the p-positions of the phenolic rings: d, R=t-Bu; e, R=CH₃; f, R=Cl) were synthesized via a convergent approach in good yield by the [2+1] cyclization reaction of 2,6-bis(chloromethyl)phenol monomers 8d-f and bis(chloromethyl)phenol dimers 15d-f in presence of sodium sulfide nanohydrate under high-dilution conditions. The structures of 7d-f were determined by ¹H, ¹³C NMR, MS and elemental analysis. A preliminary study of the binding properties of 7d with alkali- and heavy metal cations using biphasic picrate extraction method showed only weak abilities to bind the cations examined.     

Catalytic Spectrophotometric Determination of an Ultra-Trace Amount of Lead by Reduction of Resazurin by Sodium Sulfide

Abstract

A Kinetic spectrophotometric method for the determination of ultra-trace amounts of lead(II) is described. This method is based on the catalytic action of this ion on the reduction of resazurin by sulfide. The course of the chemical reaction is followed spectrophotometrically by the measurement of reduction in absorbance of resazurin at 605 nm. The calibration range of Pb(II) is dependent on the sulfide concentration.

With this method 1 ng m1^?1 lead can be detected. The method is used for determination of Pb(II) in KNO₃ (Fluka) and in water.     

Evaluation of a cloud point extraction method for the preconcentration and quantification of silver nanoparticles in water samples by ETAAS

ABSTRACT

A simple and reliable analytical method using instrumentation available in most of the laboratories has been developed for the separation and determination of silver nanoparticles in water samples. Cloud point extraction (CPE) was used for the separation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the sample and these nanoparticles were then determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). Parameters related to the cloud point extraction procedure (Triton X-114 concentration, type of complexing agent (EDTA or Na₂S₂O₃), pH, incubation temperature, incubation and centrifugation time) were selected using a multivariate approach (designs of experiments); 8.6% (v/v) Triton X-114, 750 µL saturated EDTA and pH 7 were selected as the optimum conditions. Calibration standards in a concentration range from 0 to 10 µg L^?1 of AgNPs were subjected to the CPE procedure to obtain quantitative recoveries. The LOD and LOQ were 0.04 and 0.13 µg L^?1, respectively. The method is selective for the extraction of AgNPs, and ionic Ag remains in the aqueous phase. Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) was used to evaluate the effect of the CPE procedure in particle size, and no changes were observed. Finally, the procedure was applied to wastewater samples spiked with nanoparticles with quantitative recoveries.     

Simultaneous determination of trace amounts of sulfite and thiosulfate in petroleum and its distillates by extraction and differential pulse polarography

Simultaneous determination of sulfite and thiosulfate at sub-ppm levels in petroleum and its distillates was investigated using a convenient, accurate and sensitive procedure. This method involved preliminary extraction of the sample followed by detection via differential pulse polarography (DPP) at a dropping mercury electrode. In this procedure, an appropriate amount of sample was shaken with a recommended volume of 0.25% (w/w) sodium acetate solution. The mixture was filtered in two steps and was then ready for DPP. The method was free from interferences from hydrogen sulfide, elemental sulfur, organic sulfides, and thiophene. Various instrumental factors such as scan rate, pulse height, initial and final potential, and purge time were optimized. The 3σ detection limits were 410 and 125 ng g⁻¹ for sulfite and thiosulfate, respectively. At 5 μg g⁻¹ level in samples, the relative standard deviations (n=4) were 2.51 and 1.15% for sulfite and thiosulfate, respectively. The proposed method was applied to real samples containing input feeds, distillates and fuel oils from Abadan Petroleum Refinery in the south of Iran.     

Complementary molecular and elemental detection of speciated thioarsenicals using ESI-MS in combination with a xenon-based collision-cell ICP-MS with application to fortified NIST freeze-dried urine

The simultaneous detection of arsenic and sulfur in thioarsenicals was achieved using xenon-based collision-cell inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass spectrometry (MS) in combination with high-performance liquid chromatography. In an attempt to minimize the ¹⁶O¹⁶O⁺ interference at m/z 32, both sample introduction and collision-cell experimental parameters were optimized. Low flow rates (0.25 mL/min) and a high methanol concentration (8%) in the mobile phase produced a fourfold decrease in the m/z 32 background. A plasma sampling depth change from 3 to 7 mm produced a twofold decrease in background at m/z 32, with a corresponding fourfold increase in the signal associated with a high ionization surrogate for sulfur. The quadrupole bias and the octopole bias were used as a kinetic energy discriminator between background and analyte ions, but a variety of tuning conditions produced similar (less than twofold change) detection limits for sulfur (³²S). A 34-fold improvement in the ³²S detection limit was achieved using xenon instead of helium as a collision gas. The optimized xenon-based collision cell ICP mass spectrometer was then used with electrospray ionization MS to provide elemental and molecular-based information for the analysis of a fortified sample of NIST freeze-dried urine. The 3σ detection limits, based on peak height for dimethylthioarsinic acid (DMTA) and trimethylarsine sulfide (TMAS), were 15 and 12 ng/g, respectively. Finally, the peak area reproducibilities (percentage relative standard deviation) of a 5-ppm fortified sample of NIST freeze dried urine for DMTA and TMAS were 7.4 and 5.4%, respectively. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Fluxional rearrangement in congested ruthenium(II) complexes containing pyrimidine- and/or pyridine-based dithioether ligands

The solvento species obtained by the treatment of cis-RuCl₂(N,N-L)₂ [L = di-2-pyridyl sulfide (dps), di-2-pyrimidyl sulfide (dprs)] with AgPF₆, reacted with dithioethers L′ [L′ = 2,6-bis(2-pyridylthiomethyl)pyridine (pytmp), 2,6-bis(2-pyrimidylthiomethyl)pyridine (prtmp) and 2,6-bis{2-(4-methyl)pyrimidylthiomethyl} pyridine (mprtmp)] to afford the compounds [Ru(N,N-L)₂(N,S-L′)][PF₆]₂. The ¹H NMR spectra indicate that L′ is chelated through S and N atoms with the formation of a four-membered ring. As a consequence, the ruthenium and sulfur atoms are stereogenic centers with ∆ and Λ and (R) and (S) configurations, respectively. NMR spectra, at low temperatures, show that two invertomers, of similar abundance, as enantiomeric couples ∆S, ΛR and ∆R, ΛS are present. In the methylene region, four AB systems are observed that in both the species contain two non-equivalent methylene groups. Variable-temperature NMR spectra and EXSY experiments show that the sulfur inversion produces an exchange between the invertomers. The one-dimensional band-shape analysis of the exchanging methylene signals showed that the energy barriers for the process are in the 43–52 kJ mol⁻¹ range. The possible mechanisms of the sulfur inversion are discussed.     

Reducing Overpotential of Solid-State Sulfide Conversion in Potassium-Sulfur Batteries

Improving kinetics of solid-state sulfide conversion in sulfur cathodes can enhance sulfur utilization of metal-sulfur batteries. However, fundamental understanding of the solid-state conversion remains to be achieved. Here, taking potassium-sulfur batteries as a model system, we for the first time report the reducing overpotential of solid-state sulfide conversion via the meta-stable S₃²⁻ intermediates on transition metal single-atom sulfur hosts. The catalytic sulfur host containing Cu single atoms demonstrates high capacities of 1595 and 1226 mAh g⁻¹ at current densities of 335 and 1675 mA g⁻¹, respectively, with stable Coulombic efficiency of ≈100 %. Combined spectroscopic characterizations and theoretical computations reveal that the relatively weak Cu-S bonding results in low overpotential of solid-state sulfide conversion and high sulfur utilization. The elucidation of solid-state sulfide conversion mechanism can direct the exploration of highly efficient metal-sulfur batteries.     

Changes in Reduced Gaseous Sulfur Compounds Collected in Glass Gas Sampling Bulbs

Abstract

Changes which volatile reduced sulfur species (hydrogen sulfide, carbonyl sulfide, methanethiol, dimethyl sulfide and carbon disulfide) undergo in glass gas sampling bulbs were determined as influenced by the balance gas matrix and moisture. Results have shown that differences in reduced sulfur gas concentrations compared with the initial values were less than 5% in each sulfur compounds within 24 hours if the balance gas was dry nitrogen. There was no change in composition if dry air sample was measured within 3 hours. Significant decrease in hydrogen sulfide and methanethiol concentrations was observed with a short period of time following sampling if moisture was present within the bulb atmosphere.     

Graphene quantum dots combined with copper(II) ions as a fluorescent probe for turn-on detection of sulfide ions

A fluorescent probe for the sensitive and selective determination of sulfide ions is presented. It is based on the use of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) which emit strong and stable blue fluorescence even at high ionic strength. Copper(II) ions cause aggregation of the GQDs and thereby quench fluorescence. The GQDs-Cu(II) aggregates can be dissociated by adding sulfide ions, and this results in fluorescence turn on. The change of fluorescence intensity is proportional to the concentration of sulfide ions. Under optimal conditions, the increase in fluorescence intensity on addition of sulfide ions is linearly related (r ² = 0.9943) to the concentration of sulfide ions in the range from 0.20 to 20 μM, and the limit of detection is 0.10 μM (at 3 σ/s). The fluorescent probe is highly selective for sulfide ions over some potentially interfering ions. The method was successfully applied to the determination of sulfide ions in real water samples and gave recoveries between 103.0 and 113.0 %.

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) emit strong blue fluorescence which, however, is quenched by copper(II) ions due to the formation of GQDs-Cu(II) aggregates. Fluorescence is recovered by sulfide ions due to the dissociation of GQDs-Cu(II) aggregates.

     

Determination of Sulfur Compounds in Air by Chemiluminescence

Abstract

The present review is devoted to applications of chemiluminescence to the analysis of trace sulfur species in air. Determinations of oxidized (sulfur dioxide and sulfite), reduced (hydrogen sulfide, dimethyl sulfide, carbonyl sulfide, carbon disulfide and mercaptans) and/or sulfur compounds in general are described and some practical considerations are discussed. The development of detectors based on chemiluminescence in the aproximately last fifteen years is also reviewed.     

determination of Carbon,Nitrogen and Sulfur in Soils,Sediments and Wastes: A Comparative Study

Abstract

The determination of low levels (< 1 %) of total carbon and nitrogen in soils, sediments and solid wastes is made fast using an automated elemental NCS analyzer (Carlo Erba NA-1500). The recoveries of total N obtained were similar with either the elemental analyzer or the Kjeldahl digestion method used. The recoveries and precision of the TC, TOC data were better and more predictable using the elemental analyzer than the wet digestion procedure used in this study. Acid pre-treatment prior TOC determinations using the NCS analyzer resulted in lower total N recoveries. The determination of S in the same materials using this analyzer is not recommended due to low recoveries and poor precision.