Simultaneous determination of selenium and lead in whole blood samples by differential pulse polarography

The polarographic reduction of lead in the presence of selenite gives rise to an additional peak corresponding to the reduction of lead (Pb) on adsorbed selenium (Se) on mercury at −0.33 V. The selenium and lead content can be determined using this peak by the addition of a known amount of one of these ions first and then the second ion. The linear domain range of lead is 5.0×10⁻⁷–2.0×10⁻⁵ M and for selenium 5.0×10⁻⁷–1.0×10⁻⁵ M. Using this method 4.90×10⁻⁷ M Se(IV) and 1.47×10⁻⁶ M Pb(II) in a synthetic sample could be determined with a relative error of +2.0% and 1.8%, respectively (n=4). A recovery test after acid digestion for a synthetic sample was 97% for selenium and 96.5% for lead. The method was applied to 1 ml of digested blood, and 328±23 μg l⁻¹ Se(IV) and 850±62 μg l⁻¹ Pb(II) could be determined with a 90% (n=5) confidence interval.     

Determination of trimethylselenonium iodide, selenomethionine, selenious acid, and selenic acid using high-performance liquid chromatography with on-line detection by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry or flame atomic absorption spectrometry

An analytical method has been developed for the determination of selenious acid, selenic acid, trimethylselenonium ion, and selenomethionine. The four selenium compounds were separated by HPLC on a column (25 cm×4 mm I.D.) of the anion-exchanger ESA Anion III with a mobile phase (1.5 ml/min) of 0.0055 M ammonium citrate (pH 5.5). Detection was carried out using an on-line inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) or a flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS) as the selenium-specific detector. The chromatographic parameters and the chemical factors affecting the separation of the selenium species were optimized. The four selenium compounds could be separated within 8 minutes. The detection limits of the coupled HPLC–FAAS system were approximately 1 mg Se/l for each compound (100 μl injection), estimated as three times the base-line noise of the chromatograms. More powerful selenium detection was achieved with an ICP-MS. Selenium was measured at m/z 78. To increase the nebulization efficiency, the Meinhard concentric glass nebulizer was replaced by an ultrasonic nebulizer. The ICP-MS signal intensity was increased with the ultrasonic nebulization by a factor of 7 times for selenious acid and 24 to 31 times for trimethylselenonium ion, selenomethionine, and selenic acid compared to that with the Meinhard nebulization. The detection limits achieved by the HPLC–ICP-MS with the ultrasonic nebulization were 0.08 μg Se/l for trimethylselenonium ion, 0.34 μg Se/l for selenious acid, 0.18 μg Se/l for selenomethionine, and 0.07 μg Se/l for selenic acid, respectively.     

Flow injection for the determination of Se(IV) and Se(VI) by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry with microwave oven on-line prereduction of Se(VI) to Se(IV)

An on-line flow injection system has been developed for the selective determination of Se(IV) and Se(VI) in citric fruit juices and geothermal waters by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry with microwave-aided heating prereduction of Se(VI) to Se(IV). The samples and the prereductant solutions (4 mol l⁻¹ HCl for Se(IV) and 12 mol l⁻¹ HCl for Se(VI)) which circulated in a closed-flow circuit were injected by means of a time-based injector. This mixture was displaced by a carrier solution of 1% v/v of hydrochloric acid through a PTFE coil located inside the focused microwave oven and mixed downstream with a borohydride solution to generate the hydride. The linear ranges were 0–120 and 0–100 μg l⁻¹ of Se(IV) and Se(VI), respectively. The detection limits were 1.0 μg l⁻¹ for Se(IV) and 1.5 μg l⁻¹ for Se(VI). The precision (about 2.0–2.5% RSD) and recoveries (96–98% for Se(IV) and 94–98% for Se(VI)) were good. Total selenium values were also obtained by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry which agreed with the content of both selenium species. The sample throughput was about 50 measurements per hour. The main advantage of the method is that the selective determination of Se(IV) and Se(VI) in citric fruit juices and geothermal waters is performed in a closed system with a minimum sample manipulation, exposure to the environment, minimum sample waste and operator attention.     

Direct analysis of reference biofluids by coupled in situ electrodeposition-electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

The application of coupled in situ electrodeposition-electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ED-ETAAS) to the determination of Pb in biological standard reference materials is described. In situ electrodeposition at a cell voltage of 3.0 V from 25-μl samples onto electrodeposited Pd is used to quantitatively separate the analyte from blood and urine matrices. With subsequent withdrawal of spent electrolyte, this overcomes the atomisation problems inherent with high salt and organic contents. ED-ETAAS is applied with minimal sample pre-treatment (acidification). The electrolysis process aids decomposition of the organic matrix, and the release of trace elements. Evolution of H₂ at the cathode counters fouling of the Pd modifier surface. The palladium deposit is renewed in situ for each determination. For AMI certified lyophilised blood, diluted 1+3 with 0.1 M HCl (18.1 μg/l Pb), the R.S.D. was 3.0% (peak height; n=5) and the detection limit (3 σ_blank; n=5) was 1.5 μg/l. Results for certified blood samples were AMI 72.3±4.3 μg/l (certified 76.2±7.6 μg/l) and Seronorm 34.2±2.0 μg/l (36±4 μg/l). The result for NIST SRM 2670 normal urine acidified to 1% HNO₃ was 8.1±0.6 μg/l (recommended value 10 μg/l).     

Separation of metal ions by capillary electrophoresis

A number of experimental parameters have been optimized for the separation of 26 metal ions, including alkali, alkaline earth, transition and lanthanide metal ions. Experimental parameters that were evaluated included nature of indirect-detection reagent, pH of electrolyte, concentration of complexing agent and nature of the surface of the capillary; unbonded and C₁ and C₁₈ bonded phases were studied. In addition the effect of internal diameter on linearity and signal-to-noise ratio was examined, and separation efficiency was determined for a variety of experimental conditions. Detection limits (signal-to-noise RATIO = 3) were ca. 1 μg/ml for the lanthanides, ca. 0.6 μg/ml for transition and alkaline earth ions and ca. 0.1–0.8 μg/ml for alkali metal ions. The average relative standard deviations of were 3.7, 5.1 and 2.5% on unbonded, C₁ and C₁₈ capillaries, respectively. Whereas conventional regression analysis suggested that the calibration curves were linear over the range of 1·10⁻⁵ to 4·10⁻⁴ mol/l, sensitivity plots showed that the results were actually linear to within 6% only over the range of 2.5·10⁻⁵ to 4·10⁻⁴ mol/l.     

Sequential determination of Se(IV) and Se(VI) by flow injection-hydride generation-atomic absorption spectrometry with HCl/HBr microwave aided pre-reduction of Se(VI) to Se(IV)

In this study a flow injection (FI) system used in conjunction with hydride generation (HG), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and microwave (MW) aided pre-reduction of selenite (Se(IV)) to selenate (Se(IV)) with HCl:HBr has been developed in order to differentiate both inorganic selenium species. As full control of the MW reduction step is possible, the experimental approach allows the use of milder acidic conditions (10% v/v of HCl and HBr) than those conventionally accomplished with hydrochloric acid alone (≥50% v/v). Experimental parameters were optimized by the univariate optimization method. In either case, the linear range was from 1.0 to 30 μg l⁻¹. The detection limits based on 3σ of the blank signal were 0.25 μg l⁻¹ for Se(IV) and 0.30 μg l⁻¹ for Se(VI). The reproducibility, about 3% RSD and recoveries of different amounts of Se(VI) and Se(IV) added to water and orange juice samples (97–103%) were good. The main advantage of the proposed method is that the sequential determination of Se(IV) and Se(VI) is performed at a high sampling frequency (ca. 50 samples per h) in a closed system without Se losses, and with a minimum sample waste, operator attention, and sample manipulation.     

Flow injection on-line acid digestion and pre-reduction of arsenic for hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry-a feasibility study

A flow injection (FI) manifold is described which makes possible on-line microwave-assisted acid digestion, followed by pre-reduction of As(V) to As(III) and its determination by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry. The merging zone technique is used in order to reduce acid consumption for digestion. The efficiency of acid digestion is increased by pressure which is built up in-line by a flow restrictor. Flows for sample pretreatment and hydride generation can be optimized independently. L-cysteine was found superior to potassium iodide as the pre-reductant because much lower reagent and acid concentrations are required, much harsher conditions can be tolerated for acid digestion, and the integrated absorbance signals for arsenic in blood and standards are essentially identical, making possible the use of the standard calibration procedure.

The sampling frequency is 7–10/hr, depending on the conditions chosen, and the limit of detection, i.e. the concentration giving a signal equal to three times the standard deviation of the signal of the blank solution, is 0.25 μg/l for a 500 μl sample volume. The recovery of 10 μg/l As(V) added to a blood sample was 94 ± 2 and 98 ± 2% (n = 3) in absorbance and integrated absorbance, respectively.     

Extraction with long chain amines-VII polarographic determination of uranium

A polarographic determination of uranium is described, based on the highly selective extraction of uranium(VI) with a chloroform solution of trioctylammonium chloride, followed by re-extraction of uranium into an aqueous 0·5M KCl-0·5M HCl solution, which also serves as the polarographic supporting electrolyte. In this medium, uranium(VI) is reduced at the dropping mercury electrode to give two polarographic waves, the first of which is of analytical significance. In this way it is possible to determine 50–2400 μg of uranium in 1 ml of supporting electrolyte and in the presence of large amounts of accompanying elements.     

Evaluation of ammonia as diluent for serum sample preparation and determination of selenium by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

A method for the determination of total selenium in serum samples by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry was evaluated. The method involved direct introduction of 1:5 diluted serum samples (1% v/v NH₄OH+0.05% w/v Triton X-100^®) into transversely heated graphite tubes, and the use of 10 μg Pd+3 μg Mg(NO₃)₂ as chemical modifier. Optimization of the modifier mass and the atomization temperature was conducted by simultaneously varying such parameters and evaluating both the integrated absorbance and the peak height/peak area ratio. The latter allowed the selection of compromise conditions rendering good sensitivity and adequate analyte peak profiles. A characteristic mass of 49 pg and a detection limit (3s) of 6 μg 1⁻¹ Se, corresponding to 30 μg l⁻¹ Se in the serum sample, were obtained. The analyte addition technique was used for calibration. The accuracy was assessed by the determination of total selenium in Seronorm™ Trace Elements Serum Batch 116 (Nycomed Pharma AS). The method was applied for the determination of total selenium in ten serum samples taken from individuals with no known physical affection. The selenium concentration ranged between 79 and 147 μg l⁻¹, with a mean value of 114±22 μg l⁻¹.     

Determination of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid in human urine by capillary electrophoresis with indirect UV detection and confirmation with electrospray ionization ion-trap mass spectrometry

γ-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), a minor metabolite or precursor of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), acts as a neurotransmitter/neuromodulator via binding to GABA receptors and to specific presynaptic GHB receptors. Based upon the stimulatory effects, GHB is widely abused. Thus, there is great interest in monitoring GHB in body fluids and tissues. We have developed an assay for urinary GHB that is based upon liquid–liquid extraction and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) with indirect UV absorption detection. The background electrolyte is composed of 4 mM nicotinic acid (compound for indirect detection), 3 mM spermine (reversal of electroosmosis) and histidine (added to reach a pH of 6.2). Having a 50 μm I.D. capillary of 40 cm effective length, 1-octanesulfonic acid as internal standard, solute detection at 214 nm and a diluted urine with a conductivity of 2.4 mS/cm, GHB concentrations ≥2 μg/ml can be detected. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) were determined to be dependent on urine concentration and varied between 2–24 and 5–60 μg/ml, respectively. Data obtained suggest that LOD and LOQ (both in μg/ml) can be estimated with the relationships 0.83 κ and 2.1 κ, respectively, where κ is the conductivity of the urine in mS/cm. The assay was successfully applied to urines collected after administration of 25 mg sodium GHB/kg body mass. Negative electrospray ionization ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry was used to confirm the presence of GHB in the urinary extract via selected reaction monitoring of the m/z 103.1→m/z 85.1 precursor–product ion transition. Independent of urine concentration, this approach meets the urinary cut-off level of 10 μg/ml that is required for recognition of the presence of exogenous GHB. Furthermore, data obtained with injection of plain or diluted urine indicate that CZE could be used to rapidly recognize GHB amounts (in μg/ml) that are ≥ 4 κ.     

Speciation analysis of arsenic and selenium compounds in environmental and biological samples by ion chromatography-inductively coupled plasma dynamic reaction cell mass spectrometer

An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) was used as an ion chromatographic (IC) detector for the speciation analysis of arsenic and selenium. The arsenic and selenium species studied included arsenite [As(III)], arsenate [As(V)], monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), arsenobetaine (AsB), selenite [Se(IV)] and selenate [Se(VI)]. Gradient elution using (NH₄)₂CO₃ and methanol at pH 9 allowed the chromatographic separation of all species in less than 12 min. Effluents from the IC column were delivered to the nebulization system of ICP-DRC-MS for the determination of arsenic and selenium. The potentially interfering ³⁸Ar⁴⁰Ar⁺ and ⁴⁰Ar⁴⁰Ar⁺ at the selenium masses m/z 78 and 80 were reduced in intensity by approximately 3 orders of magnitude by using 0.6 mL min⁻¹ CH₄ as reactive cell gas in the DRC while an Rpq value of 0.3 was used. Meanwhile, arsenic was determined as the adduct ion ⁷⁵As¹²CHH⁺ at m/z 89, which is more sensitive than ⁷⁵As. The limits of detection for arsenic and selenium were in the range of 0.002–0.01 ng mL⁻¹ and 0.01–0.02 ng mL⁻¹, respectively, based on peak height. The relative standard deviation of the peak areas for five injections of 5 ng mL⁻¹ As and Se mixture was in the range of 2–4%. The concentrations of arsenic and selenium species have been determined in urine samples collected locally. The major As and Se species in urines were AsB, DMA and probably selenosugar at concentration of 20–40, 15–19 and 17–31 ng mL⁻¹, respectively. The recoveries were in the range of 94–105% for all the determinations. This method has also been applied to determine various arsenic compounds in two fish samples. In this study, a simple and rapid microwave-assisted extraction method was used for the extraction of arsenic compounds from fish. The arsenic species were quantitatively leached with an 80% v/v methanol solution in a focused microwave field during a period of 5 min.     

Determination of fenpyroximate in apples by supercritical fluid extraction and packed capillary liquid chromatography with UV detection

A method using off-line supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and micro liquid chromatography (μLC) with UV detection at 260 nm, was developed for selective determination of fenpyroximate in apple samples. The packed capillary liquid chromatography method utilises 20 μl injection volumes with on-column focusing. A 350×0.32 mm capillary column packed with Kromasil 100-C₁₈ of 5 μm particle size was used with a mobile phase of acetonitrile–10 mM ammonium acetate (85:15, v/v) at a flow of 5 μl/min. A two-step SFE procedure was used to extract fenpyroximate selectively in 2 g apple samples, with Hydromatrix (HMX) added as a water absorbent at a 1:1 (w:w) ratio. Fenpyroximate was extracted at 200 bar and 90°C for 15 min using carbon dioxide at a flow of 2 ml/min, and solvent trapping collection in 10 ml acetonitrile. The volume of the acetonitrile extract was reduced by evaporation and water was added to a final composition of acetonitrile–water (40:60, v/v). The resulting 2.0 ml solution was filtered using a 0.45 μm poly(vinylidene difluoride) syringe filter before μLC analysis. Validation of the method was accomplished with apple samples spiked with fenpyroximate, covering the range of 0.1 to 1.0 μg/kg. The within-day and between-day repeatabilities were in the range 4–18% relative standard deviation. Accuracy, measured as recovery, was found to be approximately 60%. Apple samples from a field treated with fenpyroximate were analysed. None of the samples contained fenpyroximate above the quantification level.     

On-line focused microwave digestion-hydride generation of inorganic and organic selenium: Total determination and inorganic selenium speciation by atomic absorption spectrometry

An on-line FIA pretreatment with HBr/KBrO₃, assisted by on-line focused microwave-induced digestion, has been coupled with hydride generation-atomic absorption spectrometry (HG-AAS) for final detection for total selenium determination. This total selenium determination is virtually independent of the different Se species investigated (selenite, selenate, selenomethionine, selenoethionine and selenocystine). Detection limits of 0.8 μg l⁻¹ of Se can be achieved by AAS with precisions better than 5%. This continuous flow system for selenium determination allows a high sample throughput (about 30 samples h⁻¹ can be analyzed) in which high automation can be achieved and constitutes a convenient real-time continuous detector for the different selenocompounds tested. Direct non-chromatographic speciation of inorganic selenium (selenite and selenate in their mixtures) is demonstrated by simple on-off operation of the focused microwaves connected in the flow system.

Validation of this simple on-line FIA system has been carried out by analyzing total Se recovered from spiked tap waters and by speciating mixtures of Se(IV) and Se(VI) spiked to the same samples. The fast conversion of Se compounds into volatile selenium could be considered as a sort of specific “general” detector for Se compounds which can be extremely useful for Se speciation by hybrid chromatographic techniques.     

Development and validation of a capillary zone electrophoresis method for the quantitative determination of anthocyanins in wine

A capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method is proposed for the quantitative determination of anthocyanins in wine as an alternative to high-performance liquid chromatography. The CZE separation was carried out using a 46 cm (effective length)×75 μm I.D. fused-silica capillary at 10 °C and a 50 mM sodium tetraborate buffer at pH 8.4 with 15% of methanol as modifier. A voltage of 25 kV and a hydrodynamic injection of 300 mbar s were used. The electropherograms were recorded at 599 nm. It was found that SO₂ (antibacterial and antioxidant agent added to wine during its production) increased the absorbance of anthocyanins at 599 nm in a basic medium. Therefore, a concentration of 250 mg/l of SO₂ was added to the samples and the calibration solution before the analysis in order to avoid errors by this matrix effect. The analytical response was linear (R=0.998) between 10 and 700 μg/ml of malvidin-3-O-glucoside. The limit of detection and the reproducibility (as a relative standard deviation, n=11) were 1 μg/ml and 1.5%, respectively. Finally, the CZE method was validated by the analysis of synthetic wine samples (errors less than 8%) and by the comparison of the results obtained in the analysis of different monovarietal wines by CZE with those obtained by the standard HPLC method. In this comparison, a good correlation (R=0.998) with a slope of 1.005±0.044 and an intercept of −0.752±6.690 was obtained for malvidin-3-O-glucoside.     

Automated at-line solid-phase extraction-gas chromatographic analysis of micropollutants in water using the PrepStation

A fully automated at-line solid-phase extraction-gas chromatography procedure has been developed for the analysis of aqueous samples using the PrepStation. The sample extract is transferred from the sample preparation module to the gas chromatograph via an autosampler vial. With flame-ionization detection, limits of determination (S/N=10) of 0.05–0.13 μg/l were obtained for the analysis of HPLC-grade water when modifying the PrepStation by: (i) increasing the sample volume to 50 ml, (ii) increasing the injection volume up to 50 μl, and (iii) decreasing the desorption volume to 300 μl. The HP autosampler had to be modified to enable the automated “at-once” on-column injection of up to 50 μl of sample extract. The amount of packing material in the original cartridge had to be reduced to effect the decrease of the desorption volume. The total set-up did not require any further optimization after having set up the method once. The analytical characteristics of the organonitrogen and organophosphorus test analytes, i.e. recoveries (typically 75–105%), repeatability (2–8%) and linearity (0.09–3.0 μg/l) were satisfactory. The potential of the system was demonstrated by determining triazines and organophosphorus pesticides in river Rhine water at the 0.6 μg/l level using flame-ionization and mass-selective detection. No practical problems were observed during the analysis of more than 100 river water samples.     

Determination of arsenic, lead, selenium and tin in sediments by slurry sampling electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry using Ru as permanent modifier and NaCl as a carrier

A procedure for the determination of As, Pb, Se and Sn in sediment slurries by electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is proposed. The slurry, 1 mg ml⁻¹, is prepared by mixing the sample ground to a particle size 50 μm with 5% v/v nitric and 1% v/v hydrofluoric acids in an ultrasonic bath. The slurry was homogenized with a constant flow of argon in the autosampler cup, just before transferring an aliquot to the graphite furnace. The tube was treated with Ru as a permanent modifier, and an optimized mass of 1 μg of NaCl was added as a physical carrier. The pyrolysis temperature was optimized through pyrolysis curves, and a compromised temperature of 800 °C was used; the vaporization temperature was 2300 °C. The effect of different acid concentrations in the slurry on the analyte signal intensities was also evaluated. The accuracy of the method was assured by the analysis of certified reference sediments MESS-2, PACS-2 and HISS-1 from the National Research Council Canada, SRM 2704 and SRM 1646a from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and RS-4 from a round robin test, using external calibration with aqueous standards prepared in the same medium as the slurries. The obtained concentrations were in agreement with the certified values according to the Student's t-test for a confidence level of 95%. The detection limits in the samples were: 0.17 μg g⁻¹ for As; 0.3 μg g⁻¹ for Pb; 0.05 μg g⁻¹ for Se and 0.28 μg g⁻¹ for Sn. The precision found for the different sediment samples, expressed as R.S.D. was 1–8% for As, 2–9% for Pb, 6–12% for Se and 3–8% for Sn (n=5).     

An on-line flow-injection microwave-assisted mineralization and a precipitation/dissolution system for the determination of molybdenum in blood serum and whole blood by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

An on-line flow injection (FI) precipitation–dissolution system with microwave-assisted sample digestion has been developed for the electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) determination of trace or ultratrace amounts of molybdenum in human blood serum and whole blood samples. After the exposure of the sample to microwave radiation, the on-line precipitation of molybdenum was achieved by the merging-zone of a 0.5-ml plug of sample with a plug of potassium ferrocyanide, which were carried downstream with a solution of 0.5 mol l⁻¹ of HNO₃. The interfering effects of iron and copper were minimized by the introduction of a flow of a 5% (w/v) sodium potassium tartrate (for iron) and 2% (w/v) of thiourea (for copper and zinc) in a 5% (v/v) ammonia and 2% (v/v) ammonium chloride solution previous to the precipitation reaction. The reddish-brown precipitate of molybdenyl ferrocyanide was collected on the walls of a knotted reactor. The precipitate was dissolved with the introduction of 1 ml of a 3.0 mol l⁻¹ NaOH solution and the best performance in terms of detection limit and precision was achieved when a sub-sample of 140 μl was collected in a capillary of a sampling arm assembly, to introduce 20 μl volumes into the atomizer by means of positive displacement with air through a time-based injector. A detection limit (3σ) of 0.1 μg Mo l⁻¹ using an aqueous standard solution was obtained. The method is quantitative and is applied over the range 0.2–20.0 μg Mo l⁻¹. The precision of the method evaluated by ten replicate analyses of aqueous standard solutions containing 0.5 and 1.0 μg Mo l⁻¹ was 2.8 and 3.1% (relative standard deviation, RSD) (for n=5), respectively. Whereas, the precision evaluated by five replicate analysis of a serum and a whole blood sample were 3.3 and 3.8% RSD. An enrichment factor of ca. 3.5 was achieved with the introduction of 0.5 ml aqueous standard solutions at a sample flow rate of 1.0 ml min⁻¹. Recoveries of spiked molybdenum in blood serum and whole blood were in the ranges 96–102 and 94–98%, respectively. The results obtained for two human whole blood certified reference materials were in good agreement with the indicative values.     

Detection and spectrophotometric determination of EDTA with cobalt(II) and phosphomolybdic acid in urine and detergents

A simple, rapid, sensitive and selective method for the microgram detection and spectrophotometric determination of EDTA in water, human urine and detergents, based on its reaction with Co(II) and phosphomolybdic acid at pH 0.5–2.0 is reported. Absorbance is measured against Co(II)–phosphomolybdic acid reference solution at 750 nm. The effect of time, temperature, pH and Co(II) or phosphomolybdic acid concentration is studied, and optimum operating conditions are established. Beer's law is applicable in the concentration range 0.3–1.9 μg ml⁻¹ of 10⁻⁵M EDTA. Its detection limit is 0.14 μg in the solution phase and 0.03 μg in the resin phase. The relative standard deviation is ±0.13 μg. Ag(I), Zn(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Pb(II), Cd(II), Ca(II), Mg(II), Fe(III), Cr(III), U(VI), chloride, nitrite, phosphate, oxalate, borate and amino acids do not interfere.     

Simultaneous separation and preconcentration of trace elements in water samples by coprecipitation on manganese dioxide using D-glucose as reductant for KMnO(4)

A field oriented and economical method of coprecipitation of trace elements like Al, Au, Bi, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mo, Ni, Pb, Pd, Ti, V, W, Zn and REE has been developed. A novel reductant D-glucose, reduces KMnO₄ in solution to form a precipitate of MnO_2. Two liters of clear natural water sample is adjusted to pH 3.5–4.0, and is treated with 10 ml of 1% KMnO₄ and 20 ml of 0.1% D-glucose. The sample is heated at a temperature of 75–80 °C, MnO₂ is formed which coprecipitates the above trace elements. The precipitate is separated by filtration, dissolved in 2 ml of 50% HCl and 2 ml of 30% H₂O₂ and diluted to 25 ml for analysis using AAS and ICP-AES. The recoveries were found to be 96–105%. The preconcentration factor is 80. Limits of determination by the proposed method in natural waters are 1 μg l⁻¹ for Al, Cd, Mo, V, W, Ti and Zn, 5 μg l⁻¹ for Au, Bi, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Pd and 8 μg l⁻¹ for REE. The RSD of the present procedure (n=5) is 8% at 5 μg l⁻¹ level. Twenty water samples can be analyzed by an analyst in an 8-h day.     

Polarographic chemometric determination of zinc and nickel in aqueous samples

Polarographic chemometric methods were applied to the determination of zinc and nickel in aqueous solutions previously acidified with 0.1 M acetate buffer (pH 4.2). The studied methods are multivariate methods including classical least squares (CLS), principal component regression (PCR) and partial least squares (PLS); derivative ratio methods (first, ¹D and second, ²D derivative ratio). A comparative study was considered. The studied chemometric methods do not need the presence of any reduction potential shift reagent in spite of the great overlap between the two metals polarograms. A training set consisting of 10 binary mixture solutions in the possible combinations containing 0.13–9.30 μg/ml Zn(II) and 0.20–12.25 μg/ml Ni(II) was used to develop the chemometric calibrations (CLS, PCR and PLS). A validation set containing the synthetic mixtures in the range of 0.29–9.00 μg/ml for Zn(II) and 0.30–11.60 μg/ml for Ni(II) was used to validate the multivariate calibrations. Same mixtures were used to develop the derivative ratio methods. The polarograms were recorded and their current values were measured within the potential range −920 to −1052 mV at 2 mV intervals. The mean percentage recoveries obtained using CLS, PCR and PLS were found to be 99.5 ± 1.5%, 100.0 ± 1.1% and 100.0 ± 1.0% for Zn(II) and 99.4 ± 1.3%, 99.7 ± 1.2% and 99.9 ± 1.0% for Ni(II), respectively. The mean percentage recoveries obtained using ¹D at −950 mV, ¹D at −1010 mV, ¹D at −950 mV–¹D at −1010 mV and ²D at −986 mV for Zn(II) were found to be 99.7 ± 1.2%, 99.2 ± 1.6%, 99.4 ± 1.4% and 99.4 ± 1.4%; and using ¹D at −1030 mV and ²D at −1010 mV for Ni(II) were found to be 100.5 ± 1.3% and 100.4 ± 1.3%, respectively. Interferences due to the presence of Cd, Co, Pb, Fe, Mn, Ca, Mg, Cu and Al were studied. The applicability of the proposed methods was assessed through the determination of both metals in tap drinking-water. Samples were subjected if required up to a 20-fold preconcentration step by microwaving in pyrex vessels. The results were compared with those obtained using the zincon and the heptoxime colorimetric reference methods for the determination of zinc and nickel, respectively.