Chromium speciation by TXRF analysis

Chromium (Cr) is an element which usually occurs in two different forms, Cr(III) and Cr(VI). As Cr(VI) is much more toxic than Cr(III), no complicated analytical methods with low detection limit are needed for chromium speciation. In the present work, a new method is presented for chromium speciation at low concentrations by selective membrane collection and total Reflection x‐ray fluorescence (TXRF) analysis. Various membranes were produced on the surface of quartz reflectors containing different complexing ligands in Nafion and poly vinyl chloride (PVC) matrices. The membranes were produced on the surface of quartz glass, while the reflectors were immersed in water solutions with low concentrations of chromium salts for many hours. When the equilibration stage was achieved, the reflectors were analyzed by TXRF. Completely selective membranes for Cr(III) and Cr(VI) were prepared with minimum detection limits lower than 0.6 ng.ml^?1 (ppb) in drinking water. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in water by wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry after preconcentration with an ion‐exchange resin disk

A rapid and simple method using an ion‐exchange resin disk combined with wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectrometry was developed for the determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in water. A 100‐ml water sample was first adjusted to pH 3 with nitric acid and then passed through an anion‐exchange resin disk placed on top of a cation‐exchange resin disk at a flow rate of 1 ml min^?1 to separate Cr(III) and Cr(VI). Anionic Cr(VI) was preconcentrated on the upper anion‐exchange resin disk, whereas cationic Cr(III) was preconcentrated on the lower cation‐exchange resin disk. Each ion‐exchange resin disk was dried at 100 °C for 30 min in an electric oven and coated with a commercially available laminate film. The specimens were measured using a WDXRF spectrometer. The calibration curves of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) showed good linearity in the range 1–10 µg. The detection limits corresponding to three times the standard deviation (n = 5) of blank values were 0.17 µg for Cr(III) and 0.16 µg for Cr(VI). If a 1‐l water sample is used, these limits would be 0.17 and 0.16 µg l^?1, respectively. A spike test for 50 µg l^?1 Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in tap water and river water showed quantitative recoveries (94–114%), although this was not observed for mineral drinking water owing to the overlap of V Kβ with Cr Kα. The recovery after overlap correction was satisfactory (115%). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Chromium speciation in mildly heated Cr(VI)‐doped latosol soil

Cr(VI) chemical reduction in natural organic matter (NOM)‐bearing latosol soil was investigated under various heating conditions at ≤378 K. An enhanced Cr(VI) reduction rate has been observed for the reaction at 353–378 K. The effect of Fe(II) naturally occurring in the latosol soil on Cr(VI) chemical reduction is negligible compared with the effect of NOM. Cr(OH)₃ was quantitatively specified by X‐ray absorption spectroscopy to be the key chromium species (～80%) after ～90% of Cr(VI) was chemically reduced by NOM at 353–378 K. This study indicates a potential strategy for using the heat extracted from industrial flue gas with a heat exchanger to chemically reduce Cr(VI) in NOM‐bearing or organics‐amended soils that contain Cr(VI).     

In vivo time‐resolved X‐ray fluorescence mapping measurements of Egeria densa immersed in Cr(VI) aqueous solution

In vivo time‐resolved Cr and Ca X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) mapping measurements were performed in a laboratory over a period of 69 days on a living common aquatic plant Egeria densa that was immersed in 5 mM K₂CrO₄ aqueous solution. The time and spatial resolution for each time‐resolved XRF map were ~1.6 days and 1 × 1 mm², respectively. The obtained XRF maps exhibited characteristic localized Cr and Ca areas where the XRF signals were especially strong (‘hot spots’), and this indicated the necessity of preliminary millimeter‐resolution surveying in XRF microscopy. Ca hot spots were detected prior to Cr(VI) immersion and nearly disappeared after immersion in deionized water for 2 weeks and the Cr(VI) solution for 1 week. After these immersions, a Cr hot spot was formed at approximately the same location of the missing Ca hot spot, which suggests that the original Ca‐accumulated regions were substituted for the isolation of Cr species when they were introduced. The sizes and intensity distributions of the Cr hot spots were sensitive to the Cr(VI) exposure approximately 1 week prior to each XRF measurement. This sensitivity suggests potential applications of E. densa as a Cr(VI) biomonitor in aquatic environments. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sub‐ppm determination of Hg and Cr in water: Cr speciation

A sensitive and alternative analytical procedure for the determination of chromium and mercury content in natural waters by coprecipitation with APDC and determination using an absolute thin layer EDXRF method is described. The use of ¹⁰⁹Cd and ²³⁸Pu annular radioisotope sources, the influence of the chromium oxidation states and the elemental concentration were studied. At pH 4, 100% recovery was found for mercury. The coprecipitation of Cr(VI) was not quantitative (75%) but constant for the selected concentration range (5–100 µg/l). On the other hand, Cr(III) did not precipitate at the same pH. The relative standard deviations (RSD) were lower than 9.0% for mercury (10 µg/l) and 5.0% for chromium (50 µg/l). The detection limits (DLs) for mercury and chromium were 0.4 and 0.6 µg/l when the ²³⁸Pu source was employed. Nevertheless, higher DL values were achieved using ¹⁰⁹Cd (0.6 and 3.3 µg/l). The proposed method was applied to the analysis of surface water samples. An alternative and simple chromium speciation procedure without chemical separation of Cr species is recommended. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Chromium Speciation Using Ion Chromatography-Atomic Absorption System with On-Line Preconcentration

A method using ion chromatography-atomic absorption system (IC-AA) with on-line preconcentration unit is developed for the speciation of chromium in aqueous samples. Both Cr(III) and Cr(VI) species are pre-treated with sodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in consecutive steps. The treated samples can then be injected into an on-line preconcentration unit followed by ion chromatographic separation with UV or selective flame AA detection. Both chromium species can be separated within 10 minutes, and the method is applicable for aqueous samples with ppm levels of chromium.     

The pH dependence of Am(III) complexation with acetate: an EXAFS study

The complexation of acetate with Am(III) is studied as a function of the pH (1–6) by extended X‐ray absorption fine‐structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. The molecular structure of the Am(III)–acetate complexes (coordination numbers, oxygen and carbon distances) is determined from the raw k³‐weighted Am L_III‐edge EXAFS spectra. The results show a continuous shift of Am(III) speciation with increasing pH value towards the complexed species. Furthermore, it is verified that acetate coordinates in a bidentate coordination mode to Am(III) (Am—C distance: 2.82 ± 0.03 Å). The EXAFS data are analyzed by iterative transformation factor analysis to further verify the chemical speciation, which is calculated on the basis of thermodynamic constants, and the used structural model. The experimental results are in very good agreement with the thermodynamic modelling.     

An EXAFS spectroscopic study of Am(III) complexation with lactate

The pH dependence (1–7) of Am(III) complexation with lactate in aqueous solution is studied using extended X‐ray absorption fine‐structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. Structural data (coordination numbers, Am—O and Am—C distances) of the formed Am(III)–lactate species are determined from the raw k³‐weighted Am L_III‐edge EXAFS spectra. Between pH 1 and pH 6, Am(III) speciation shifts continuously towards complexed species with increasing pH. At higher pH, the amount of complexed species decreases due to formation of hydroxo species. The coordination numbers and distances (3.41–3.43 Å) of the coordinating carbon atoms clearly point out that lactate is bound `side‐on' to Am(III) through both the carboxylic and the α‐hydroxy function of lactate. The experimentally determined coordination numbers are compared with speciation calculations on the basis of tabulated thermodynamic stability constants. Both EXAFS data and thermodynamic modelling are in very good agreement. The EXAFS spectra are also analyzed by iterative transformation factor analysis to further verify the determined Am(III) speciation and the used structural model.     

A setup for synchrotron‐radiation‐induced total reflection X‐ray fluorescence and X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure recently commissioned at BESSY II BAMline

An automatic sample changer chamber for total reflection X‐ray fluorescence (TXRF) and X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) analysis in TXRF geometry was successfully set up at the BAMline at BESSY II. TXRF and TXRF‐XANES are valuable tools for elemental determination and speciation, especially where sample amounts are limited (<1 mg) and concentrations are low (ng ml^?1 to µg ml^?1). TXRF requires a well defined geometry regarding the reflecting surface of a sample carrier and the synchrotron beam. The newly installed chamber allows for reliable sample positioning, remote sample changing and evacuation of the fluorescence beam path. The chamber was successfully used showing accurate determination of elemental amounts in the certified reference material NIST water 1640. Low limits of detection of less than 100 fg absolute (10 pg ml^?1) for Ni were found. TXRF‐XANES on different Re species was applied. An unknown species of Re was found to be Re in the +7 oxidation state.     

Chromium isotopes tracking the resurgence of hexavalent chromium contamination in a past-contaminated area in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region,northern Italy

The origin of a resurgent hexavalent chromium contamination in groundwater from a phreatic aquifer in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region plain was investigated by chromium isotopic systematics. The area underwent a severe Cr(VI) contamination by industrial effluents in 1997, when Cr(VI) concentration in groundwater reached 4500?µg/L. In subsequent years the contamination naturally attenuated, totally disappearing in 2003. A renewal of water contamination was observed in 2008, Cr(VI) reaching 1560?µg/L. The δ⁵³Cr value in groundwater and extracts from sediments was measured in 2009–2011, and it ranges between ?3.21 and +0.21‰ and between ?4.71 and +1.26‰, respectively. Due to the lack of geogenic Cr-sources, these data are interpreted as evidence of the subsequent oxidation through Mn-oxides of the Cr(III) hosted in the aquifer and originated by the reduction of the original industrial chromates. Cr(III) is characterized by negative δ⁵³Cr, starting from the δ⁵³Cr value around zero of Cr(VI) in industrial effluents. Oxidation liberates soluble Cr(VI) which is transported by groundwater and permeated soils. The complex Cr-isotopic vs. concentration distribution reflects both the new Cr(VI) reduction and dilution processes in the aquifer system. From an environmental point of view, the data raise concerns regarding the potential impact of past Cr(VI)-contamination.     

Manganese speciation in Diplodon chilensis patagonicus shells: a XANES study

X‐ray absorption near‐edge spectroscopy (XANES) at the Mn K‐edge was used to investigate the environment of Mn in situ within the growth increments of the long‐lived freshwater bivalve species Diplodon chilensis patagonicus. Single XANES spectra and Mn Kα fluorescence distributions were acquired at submillimetre resolution (up to 100 µm × 50 µm), at Mn concentrations below the weight percent range (100–1000 µg g^?1) in a high Ca matrix. The position and intensity of the pre‐edge feature in the shell spectrum resembles best that of the Mn(II)‐bearing reference compounds, suggesting that this is the oxidation state of Mn in the bivalve shells. By comparison with the XANES spectra of selected standard compounds, hypotheses about Mn speciation in the shell are also reported. In particular, different factors, such as provenance, ontogenetic age, variable Mn‐concentrations or seasonal shell deposition seem not to influence the speciation of the metal in this bivalve species.     

The use of chromium minerals in the 4th–3rd century BC China? A preliminary study of a bronze Pan unearthed from Jiuliandun Graves,Hubei Province,central southern China

A bronze Pan (water vessel), dating back to the 4th–3rd century BC, was excavated at Jiuliandun in Hubei Province, central southern China, in 2002. The Pan attracts wide attention among the Chinese archaeologists and conservators for its uniqueness in style and color, which turns out to be due to a black‐brown film of about 1 mm thickness. In the present work, a combined use of X‐ray fluorescence (XRF), micro‐Raman, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) was employed to determine both chemical and physical compositions of the Pan's film. The results are summarized as follows: (1) The film, as XRF analysis indicates, has high concentrations of chromium (Cr) and iron (Fe); (2) Both Raman and XRD analyses suggest that the element Cr probably exists in the film mainly in the form of chromium oxide (Cr₂O₃). Raman analysis also implies the presence of PbCrO₄·PbO in the film; (3) XRD analysis suggests that the element Fe exists in the film in the form of magnetite (Fe₃O₄). Based on these analytical results and Chinese historical records, we propose that, as early as in the 3rd century BC, people in central southern China might have discovered and intentionally used chromium minerals for bronze surface treatment (such as coating). The source of chromium minerals used in this period was likely Cr‐spinel minerals from meteorites. More work remains to be done to test the possibility of using Cr‐spinel minerals for bronze production and decoration. Other issues, such as the possibility of forming a chromium‐rich film during the underground burial, also need to be solved. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

X‐ray fluorescence determination of the manganese valence state and speciation in manganese ores

This work concerns determination of the manganese valence state and speciation by wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence analysis. The authors investigated the effect of the manganese valence state and speciation on the intensity of some К‐series lines of the X‐ray emission spectrum for the samples of manganese compounds. The intensities of MnKβ₅ line and MnKβ′ satellite are least influenced by speciation, and they may be used for evaluating the manganese valence state for the samples containing low iron. The intensities of MnKβ″ and MnKβ^x satellites may be employed for assessing the manganese speciation. The results of X‐ray fluorescence determination of the manganese valence state and speciation in the manganese ores of the South Ural deposits agree with the X‐ray diffraction data. The X‐ray fluorescence method is definitely advantageous, because it does not require a complicated process of sample preparation and allows to receive fast information on the manganese valence state and speciation with the purpose to assess the quality of manganese ores. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Application of XANES spectroscopy to investigate Sb species in corroded bullets crust material oriented to evaluate the potential toxic effects in the environment

Lead, antimony, and other toxic metals from pellets alloy are dispersed in the soil of the shooting fields. As long as the corroding bullets are present in soil, secondary Pb and Sb phases appear in the weathering crusts being an important source of bioavailable Pb and Sb. Knowledge about the corrosion mechanism of Sb from the bullet is limited, and reports on Sb speciation in crust and soils are still scarce. Considering that Sb species have different toxicological properties in the environment, this work has focused attention in X‐ray Absorption Near Edge Structure measurements at the Sb L‐edges in order to identify its chemical speciation in crust (Sb(0), Sb(III), and Sb(V)). X‐ray Absorption Near Edge Structure measurements were carried out at the D04A Soft X‐ray Spectroscopy beamline at the LNLS. Samples consisted of dust crust taken from physically deformed and strongly corroded metallic bullets retained in soil samples sieving from shooting fields of the North and East region of Córdoba, Argentina. The results showed that the main species found in all samples were Sb(V)(Sb₂O₅) followed by Sb(0) (metallic). Sb(III) was not observed, and it is known that Sb(III) is more toxic than Sb(V). The results suggested that in these environmental conditions, pentavalent Sb was the predominant species after weathering of metallic Sb from corroding bullets.     

Determination of gold and silver in dross using EDXRF technique

Gold and silver in dross were determined by energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence technique. Sample was prepared by pressed pellet method using microcrystalline cellulose powder as binder, and a method of standard additions was used for quantification. L_β X‐ray of gold (11.4 keV) and K_β X‐ray of silver (24.9 keV) were used for analysis. The measured concentrations of gold and silver were 132 ± 8 and 1181 ± 84 mg kg^?1, respectively. The results were validated by instrumental neutron activation analysis technique. The t‐test indicated that there was no significant difference between results obtained by the two techniques. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence is a simple, precise and accurate technique for the determination of gold and silver in dross. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Assessment of sulfur and iron speciation in a soil aggregate by combined S and Fe micro‐XANES: microspatial patterns and relationships

To test whether synchrotron‐based spectromicroscopy can be used to identify spatial patterns of sulfur (S) and iron (Fe) speciation as well as relationships between the speciation of S and Fe in soil colloids or aggregates at the micrometre and sub‐micrometre level, an anoxically prepared dissected soil aggregate (size ～1 mm³) was analyzed by µ‐XANES at the K‐edges of S (2472 eV) and Fe (7112 eV). The experiment included (i) elemental mapping at the S K‐edge (S, Si, Al) and the Fe K‐edge (Fe, Si), (ii) acquisition of 300 µm × 300 µm images of the region of interest with X‐ray energies of 2474 eV (addressing reduced organic and inorganic S), 2483 eV (total S), 7121 eV (divalent Fe) and 7200 eV (total Fe), as well as (iii) acquisition of S and Fe µ‐XANES spectra at two different positions, where image analysis suggested the dominance of reduced and oxidized S and Fe, respectively. Image analysis revealed a heterogeneous distribution of total Si, S and Fe as well as of different S and Fe species in the aggregate. Microregions which were either enriched in reduced or in oxidized S and Fe could be identified. A microregion with a large contribution of oxidized S (sulfate, sulfonate) to total S contained exclusively Fe(III) oxyhydroxides (probably ferrihydrite) as S‐bearing phase, whereas another microregion with a large contribution of reduced organic S (thiol, organic disulfide) to total S contained a small amount of Fe(II)‐bearing silicate in addition to the dominating Fe(III) oxyhydroxides. Our results show that combined S and Fe µ‐XANES is a powerful tool for studying microscale spatial patterns of S and Fe speciation as well as microscale relationships between the speciation of S and Fe in soil aggregates.     

弱碱性阴离子交换树脂富集ICP-AES测定环境水体中Cr(Ⅵ)和有机态Cr(Ⅲ)的研究

选用331弱碱性阴离子交换树脂,对微污染水体中的Cr(Ⅵ)和有机态Cr(Ⅲ)进行了分离富集作用研究,考察了酸度、富集时间、洗脱液类型、洗脱液浓度及溶液中共存离子对分离富集过程的影响。研究表明,分别用1.0 mol·L-1 HCl和2.0 mol·L-1 NH₄NO₃＋0.5 mol·L-1 NH₃·H₂O可以很好分步洗脱有机态Cr(Ⅲ)和Cr(Ⅵ),利用ICP-AES测定, 该方法对Cr(Ⅲ)和Cr(Ⅵ)的检出限分别为1.1和 1.4 μg·L-1,相应的相对标准偏差RSD(n＝6)平均值分别为3.8％和5.6％。该方法适用于自来水、地下水、地表水及生活污水中痕量Cr(Ⅵ)和有机态Cr(Ⅲ)的分离富集及测定。     

Determination of Pb,Zr, Ti,Sr, Cr,Nb and La in lead zirconate titanate ceramics by particle‐induced X‐ray emission

A particle‐induced X‐ray emission (PIXE) technique has been used in the determination of the principal components Pb, Zr and Ti and the substituting elements Sr, Cr, Nb and La in lead zirconate titanate ceramics. In general, precision of analysis was concentration dependent from each element under study. For Pb, precision varied between 0.13% and 0.16%, at higher concentration of 59.32–64.5%. It was around 6–9% for Sr, Cr and Nb at concentrations of 1% or lower. Particular attention was devoted to the estimation of the analysis trueness. With this purpose, three methods were applied: (1) comparison of PIXE and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry concentrations, (2) recovery study and (3) comparison with a laboratory standard. Trueness of analysis was around 100 ± 10% for the evaluated elements Pb, Zr, Ti, Sr and Cr. The expected stoichiometry and elemental composition homogeneity of a wide group of produced ceramics were confirmed by the PIXE technique. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Application of synchrotron‐radiation‐induced TXRF‐XANES for arsenic speciation in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) xylem sap

Synchrotron‐radiation‐induced total reflection x‐ray fluorescence (SR‐TXRF) analysis was used for x‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) measurements for the speciation of arsenic in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) xylem sap. The objective of the presented work was to exploit the advantages of the TXRF geometry for XANES analysis. Measurements were accomplished at the bending magnet beamline L of HASYLAB, Hamburg, Germany, using a Si(111) double crystal monochromator and a silicon drift detector (SDD). Experiments were performed by growing cucumber plants in hydroponics containing arsenite [As(III)] or arsenate [As(V)] in order to identify the arsenic species of the collected xylem saps by K‐edge SR‐TXRF XANES. Cucumber xylem saps, as well as nutrient solutions containing arsenic in the two above‐mentioned species, were analyzed and compared with arsenate and arsenite standard solutions. Arsenic speciation in xylem sap down to 30 ng/ml (30 ppb) was achieved, and no alteration of the oxidation state was observed during the measurements. Analysis of xylem saps showed that As(V) taken up from the nutrient solution was reduced to As(III). As(III) contained in the nutrient solutions was found to be partially oxidized to As(V). These results confirmed the preliminary measurements obtained with flow injection analysis (FIA) and high‐performance liquid chromatography‐high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC‐HR‐ICP‐MS) and showed the competitive capability of SR‐TXRF XANES analysis for this application. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sample thickness and quantitative concentration measurements in Br K‐edge XANES spectroscopy of organic materials

While XANES spectroscopy is an established tool for quantitative information on chemical structure and speciation, elemental concentrations are generally quantified by other methods. The edge step in XANES spectra represents the absolute amount of the measured element in the sample, but matrix effects and sample thickness complicate the extraction of accurate concentrations from XANES measurements, particularly at hard X‐ray energies where the X‐ray beam penetrates deeply into the sample. The present study demonstrates a method of quantifying concentration with a detection limit approaching 1 mg kg^?1 using information routinely collected in the course of a hard X‐ray XANES experiment. The XANES normalization procedure unambiguously separates the signal of the absorber from any source of background. The effects of sample thickness on edge steps at the bromine K‐edge were assessed and an empirical correction factor for use with samples of variable mass developed.