Determination of Cd and Zn by isotope dilution-thermal ionisation mass spectrometry using a sequential analysis procedure

Isotope dilution-thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (ID-TIMS) was used to examine the certified Cd and Zn content of 4 Certified Reference Materials (CRMs); 2 soils: GBW07401 and GBW07405, 1 plant CRM060 and an animal tissue SRM1566a. The CRMs were chosen to be of contrasting origin and Cd:Zn content. Three digestion procedures were compared: (i) an open tube aqua regia procedure (ii) microwave digestion using Teflon bombs and (iii) hydrofluoric acid (HF) digestion using PTFE bombs. The Cd and Zn levels obtained using ID-TIMS all fell within the published certified range for the CRMs. This was the case regardless of the digestion procedure used, although HF digestion tended to yield marginally higher levels than the other procedures and in one instance, Cd in GBW07401, was significantly different (P<0.05) from the certified range. A filament loading procedure was developed, to allow sequential analysis of Cd and Zn on the same single filament during thermal ionisation mass spectrometry analysis. The sequential analysis technique was evaluated to ensure that Zn did not fractionate during Cd analysis and there was no inter-element interference. No marked difference in the precision and accuracy of the isotope ratio measurements were obtained from sequential element analyses on the same filament when compared to individual element analyses for a range of standard solutions or for sample digests. The most efficient procedure in terms of costs and productivity for future work of this kind would be a combination of microwave digestion and sequential analysis of Cd and Zn on the same filament.     

Ion mobility spectrometry as a high-throughput analytical tool in occupational pyrethroid exposure

The capabilities of ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) as a high throughput and green analytical tool in the occupational health and safety control, using pyrethroids as models has been evidenced. The method used for dermal and inhalation exposure assessment is based on the passive pyrethroid sampling using Teflon membranes, direct thermal extraction of the pyrethroids, and measurement of the vaporized analytes by IMS without reagent and solvent consumption. The IMS signatures of the studied synthetic pyrethroids under atmospheric pressure chemical ionization by investigating the formed negative ion products have been obtained. The main advantages of the proposed procedure are related to the obtained limits of detection, ranging from 0.08 to 5 ng, the simplicity of measurement, the lack of sample treatment, and therefore, solvent consumption and waste generation, and finally, the speed of analysis.     

The utilization of modified BCR three-step sequential extraction procedure for the fractionation of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in soil reference materials of different origins

A modified three-step sequential extraction procedure for the fractionation of heavy metals, proposed by the Commission of the European Communities Bureau of Reference (BCR) has been applied to the Slovak reference materials of soils (soil orthic luvisols, soil rendzina and soil eutric cambisol), which represent pedologically different types of soils in Slovakia. Analyses were carried out by flame or electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS or ETAAS). The fractions extracted were: exchangeable (extraction step 1), reducible-iron/manganese oxides (extraction step 2), oxidizable-organic matter and sulfides (extraction step 3). The sum of the element contents in the three fractions plus aqua-regia extractable content of the residue was compared to the aqua-regia extractable content of the elements in the origin soils. The accuracy obtained by comparing the determined contents of the elements with certified values, using BCR CRM 701, certified for the extractable contents (mass fractions) of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in sediment following a modified BCR-three step sequential extraction procedure, was found to be satisfactory.     

Determination of Se, As, Cu, Pb, Cd, Zn and Mn by anodic and cathodic stripping voltammetry in marine environmental matrices in the presence of reciprocal interference. Proposal of a new analytical procedure

Arsenic(III), selenium(IV), copper(II), lead(II), cadmium(II), zinc(II) and manganese(II) have been determined in environmental matrices by differential pulse cathodic (DPCSV) and anodic (DPASV) stripping voltammetry. The voltammetric measurements were carried out using a conventional three-electrode cell and the ammonia–ammonium chloride buffer (pH 9.4) as the supporting electrolyte. The analytical procedure was verified by the analysis of the standard reference materials: Sea Water BCR-CRM 403; Lagarosiphon Major BCR-CRM 060; and Cod Muscle BCR-CRM 422. The precision, expressed as relative standard deviation, and the accuracy, expressed as relative error, were, in all cases, lower than 5%; the detection limits, for each element in the experimental conditions employed, was approximately 10⁻⁹ M. The standard addition technique significantly improved the resolution of the voltammetric method, even in the case of very high metal concentration ratios.     

Effect of addition of ameliorative materials on the distribution of As,Cd, Pb,and Zn in extractable soil fractions

The effects of lime, limestone, and zeolite addition on the availability of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn in three contaminated soils were investigated in a pot experiment after four vegetation periods of spring wheat, spring barley, and oat. The results showed different responses of extractable element portions to soil amendment when 0.01 mol dm⁻³ aqueous CaCl₂ was applied as a soil extraction agent. Substantial differences were evident among the investigated elements as well as among the individual soil treatments. Except natural zeolite, the ability of ameliorative materials to redistribute cadmium and zinc from a soil solution into less mobile but labile soil fractions was observed. The lead availability was less affected and the extractability of arsenic even increased in some of the treated pots. Moreover, the availability of arsenic was more affected by different characteristics of experimental soils than by individual soil treatments. It was found that these treatments can be applied neither for multicontaminated nor for all the soil types. The soil treatments had a lower effect on the less mobile soil fractions. Presented at the XVIIIth Slovak Spectroscopic Conference, Spišská Nová Ves, 15–18 October 2006.     

Selectivity assessment of a sequential extraction procedure for metal mobility characterization using model phases

This study considers the selectivity of the extractants used in a sequential extraction scheme for metals mobility assessment by analyzing individual mineral phases previously coprecipitated or sorbed with trace metals. The scheme evaluated was a modification of the Tessier et al. [A. Tessier, P.G.C. Campbell, M. Bisson, Anal. Chem. 51 (1979) 844] sequential procedure proposed by the authors. The phases studied were calcite, amorphous iron oxide, hausmannite, humic acid, kaolinite and illite. Selective extractions were obtained for As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in metal-coprecipitated phases whereas NH(2)OH-HCl was not selective for the extraction of Hg and Cd coprecipitated in hausmannite and amorphous iron oxide, respectively. Otherwise, Cd, Hg, Ni and Zn sorbed on the different phases were released with MgCl(2) and NaOAc/HOAc, but stronger reagents were needed to release As, Cr, Cu and Pb.     

Determination,speciation and distribution of mercury in soil in the surroundings of a former chlor-alkali plant: assessment of sequential extraction procedure and analytical technique

Background

The paper presents the evaluation of soil contamination with total, water-available, mobile, semi-mobile and non-mobile Hg fractions in the surroundings of a former chlor-alkali plant in connection with several chemical soil characteristics. Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis were used to evaluate the chemical composition variability of soil and factors influencing the fate of Hg in such areas. The sequential extraction EPA 3200-Method and the determination technique based on capacitively coupled microplasma optical emission spectrometry were checked.

Results

A case study was conducted in the Turda town, Romania. The results revealed a high contamination with Hg in the area of the former chlor-alkali plant and waste landfills, where soils were categorized as hazardous waste. The weight of the Hg fractions decreased in the order semi-mobile?>?non-mobile?>?mobile?>?water leachable. Principal Component Analysis revealed 7 factors describing chemical composition variability of soil, of which 3 attributed to Hg species. Total Hg, semi-mobile, non-mobile and mobile fractions were observed to have a strong influence, while the water leachable fraction a weak influence. The two-dimensional plot of PCs highlighted 3 groups of sites according to the Hg contamination factor. The statistical approach has shown that the Hg fate in soil is dependent on pH, content of organic matter, Ca, Fe, Mn, Cu and SO₄^2- rather than natural components, such as aluminosilicates. Cluster analysis of soil characteristics revealed 3 clusters, one of which including Hg species. Soil contamination with Cu as sulfate and Zn as nitrate was also observed.

Conclusions

The approach based on speciation and statistical interpretation of data developed in this study could be useful in the investigation of other chlor-alkali contaminated areas. According to the Bland and Altman test the 3-step sequential extraction scheme is suitable for Hg speciation in soil, while the used determination method of Hg is appropriate.

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Nuclear and related analytical methods applied to the determination of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in a red ferralitic soil and Sorghum samples

Several studies on the influence of heavy metals to the growth of vegetables have been carried out in Cuba by the Ministry of Agriculture in order to evaluate the effects resulting of the continuous application of fertilizers and other materials to the soils. The analysis of metal contents in soil and vegetable samples is often troublesome due to the low concentration levels to be determined. In the the present work EDXRF, AAS and ASV methods were applied and compared for the evaluation of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb contents in red ferralitic soil and Sorghum samples. Several certified reference materials (CRM) (inorganic and organic matrixes) were analyzed in order to evaluate the performance of the analytical procedures and the bias and precision of the results. A study was performed with growing Sorghum in several series of pots where different quantities of metals were added to the soil substrate. The observed correlation between the metal contents in soil and plants as well as the influence of different additions of each metal on the plant growth is also presented.     

Selectivity assessment of an arsenic sequential extraction procedure for evaluating mobility in mine wastes

An optimized sequential extraction (SE) scheme for mine waste materials has been developed and tested for As partitioning over a range of pure As-bearing mineral phases, their model mixtures, and natural mine waste materials. This optimized SE procedure employs five extraction steps: (1) nitrogen-purged deionized water, 10 h; (2) 0.01 M NH₄H₂PO₄, 16 h; (3) 0.2 M NH₄-oxalate in the dark, pH3, 2 h; (4) 0.2 M NH₄-oxalate, pH3/80 °C, 4 h; (5) KClO₃/HCl/HNO₃ digestion. Selectivity and specificity tests on natural mine wastes and major pure As-bearing mineral phases showed that these As fractions appear to be primarily associated with: (1) readily soluble; (2) adsorbed; (3) amorphous and poorly-crystalline arsenates, oxides and hydroxosulfates of Fe; (4) well-crystalline arsenates, oxides, and hydroxosulfates of Fe; as well as (5) sulfides and arsenides. The specificity and selectivity of extractants, and the reproducibility of the optimized SE procedure were further verified by artificial model mineral mixtures and different natural mine waste materials. Partitioning data for extraction steps 3, 4, and 5 showed good agreement with those calculated in the model mineral mixtures (<15% difference), as well as that expected in different natural mine waste materials. The sum of the As recovered in the different extractant pools was not significantly different (89–112%) than the results for acid digestion. This suggests that the optimized SE scheme can reliably be employed for As partitioning in mine waste materials.     

The simultaneous determination of As,Cd, Co,Hg, Mo,and Zn in fresh water by neutron activation analysis

A radiochemical neutron activation method for the simultaneous determination of arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, mercury, molybdenum, and zinc in fresh water is described. The method is based on anion-exchange separation in hydrochloric acid media followed by simple precipitations. The determination limits, based on analysis of a 5-ml sample without preconcentration, and with a well-type NaI(Tl) detector, are as follows: As, 10^-3 μg l^-1 ; Cd, 6 × 10^-2 μg l^-1 ; Co, 4 × 10^-3 μg l^-1 ; Hg, 7 × 10^-3 μg l^-1 ; Mo, 10^-1 μg l^-1 ; Zn, 2 × 10^-1 μg l^-1. The method is adequate for the analysis of natural fresh waters.     

A sequential radiochemical procedure for isotopic analysis of uranium and thorium in soil

A sequential radiochemical procedure for isotopic analysis of uranium and thorium in soil has been developed. Analysis involves total dissolution of the samples to allow equilibration of the natural isotopes with added tracers, followed by radiochemical separation using anion exchange chromatography (BioRad AG 1–X8). Further separation and purification is performed employing solvent extraction techniques. Finally, the U and Th fractions are co-precipitated with lanthanum and cerium fluoride, respectively, and quantified by alpha-particle spectrometry. Overall chemical yields range from 60 to 90%. Under normal operating conditions and present counting set up, the minimum detectable concentration (MDC) is approximately 2 Bq/kg for soil samples. This is based on one gram aliquot of sample, 80% chemical yield, and 1000 minute counting with a detector having about 15% counting efficiency. The procedure has been successfully tested with Standard Reference Materials. Various soil samples were analyzed with high chemical yields and fine quality of alpha-spectra. Decontamination factor studies were performed to determine the extent of the carry over of²¹⁰Po,²²⁵Ac,²²⁶Ra, and²²⁹Th into U fraction and²¹⁰Po,²²⁵Ac,²²⁶Ra, and²³²U into Th fraction.     

Determination of As,Cd, Hg,Cu and Zn in biological samples by radiochemical neutron activation analysis

In this work, a simple group separation scheme based on extraction for NAA determination of trace of As, Cd, Hg, Cu and Zn in biological materials is described. For this purpose, zinc-diethyldithiocarbamate, Zn(DDC)₂, and methyl isobutyl ketone-iodide have been chosen as reagents. The elements can be extracted successively and quantitatively from strong mineral acids without adjusting pH of the solution, and separated into two groups suitable for gamma-ray spectrometry. Samples of 100–200 mg dry weight were double-sealed into polyethylene bags and irradiated in a swimming pool reactor with a thermal neutron flux of 10¹³n·cm^–2·s^–1 for 44 hours. After a cooling period of 1–3 days, the samples were digested with microgram quantities of carrier in concentrated nitric acid and sulfuric acid at 150°C for 3.5 hours in a teflon bomb, then extracted as described above. The reliability of the analytical method was checked using reference materials Horse Kidney IAEA H-8, Human Hair NIES-5 and Tomato Leaves NBS-1573. Most of the results obtained for reference materials agreed with the certified values¹². Chinese autopsy samples of hair and liver were presented.     

An evaluation of the modified BCR sequential extraction procedure to assess the potential mobility of copper and zinc in MSW

Copper and zinc were determined in municipal solid waste (MSW) samples with different deposit ages from Tianziling landfill site. The pseudototal metal contents of the MSW samples were determined following an aqua regia digestion. Operational speciation was performed using the modified BCR sequential extraction procedure. Analyses were carried out by AAS. Agreement between most of triplicate samples was acceptable. The amount of copper and zinc extracted in the sequential procedure (i.e. Step 1, Step 2, Step 3, residual) did not generally agree well with pseudototal digestion. Various MSW samples contained significant different levels of copper and zinc, but these were with different potential migrations. For example, 49.88%-76.34% of copper existed in five MSW samples was present as oxidable fraction while ~ 40% of zinc was present as acid soluble fraction. The study illustrates the feasibility and importance of modified BCR sequential extraction procedure used as evaluation method when assessing the potential mobility of heavy metal in MSW landfill.     

电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱法测定多金属矿石中铁、铜、铅、锌、砷、锑、钼和镉的含量

采用电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱法同时测定多金属矿石中铁、铜、铅、锌、砷、锑、钼和镉的含量。以盐酸-硝酸-氢氟酸-高氯酸体系处理多金属矿石样品。选择铁、铜、铅、锌、砷、锑、钼、镉的分析线分别为259.9,324.7,220.3,213.8,189.0,206.8,202.0,228.8nm。各元素的质量浓度在一定范围内与其发射强度呈线性关系,方法的检出限(3S/N)在0.21~8.4μg·g-1之间。方法应用于矿石标准物质(GBW 07162和GBW 07163)的分析,测定值与认定值相符,测定值的相对标准偏差(n=12)在0.4%~2.8%之间。     

Ternary K2Zn5As4‐type pnictides Rb2Cd5As4 and Rb2Zn5Sb4, and the solid solution Rb2Cd5(As,Sb)4

Dirubidium pentacadmium tetraarsenide, Rb₂Cd₅As₄, dirubidium pentazinc tetraantimonide, Rb₂Zn₅Sb₄, and the solid‐solution phase dirubidium pentacadmium tetra(arsenide/antimonide), Rb₂Cd₅(As,Sb)₄ [or Rb₂Cd₅As_3.00(1)Sb_1.00(1)], have been prepared by direct reaction of the component elements at high temperature. These compounds are charge‐balanced Zintl phases and adopt the orthorhombic K₂Zn₅As₄‐type structure (Pearson symbol oC44), featuring a three‐dimensional [M₅Pn₄]²⁻ framework [M = Zn or Cd; Pn is a pnicogen or Group 15 (Group V) element] built of linked MPn₄ tetrahedra, and large channels extending along the b axis which host Rb⁺ cations. The As and Sb atoms in Rb₂Cd₅(As,Sb)₄ are randomly disordered over the two available pnicogen sites. Band‐structure calculations predict that Rb₂Cd₅As₄ is a small‐band‐gap semiconductor and Rb₂Zn₅Sb₄ is a semimetal.     

An evaluation of analytical quality for selected PAH measurements in a fuel-contaminated soil

The measurements of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil require optimized analytical methods that assess reliable mass fraction results. This is particularly important for analysing very complex matrix such as contaminated soils with crude fuels. The main objectives of this work were focused to minimize analytical effort and assess result reliability in analysis of PAH by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC/FD). First, analysis of soil samples with/without fuel contamination was well established by sonication (US) and pressurized fluid extraction (ASE) using minimal amount of sample and minimal treatment of sample. On the other hand, an extensive study with spiked and field soil samples was performed by checking proportional and constant bias for analytical validation. The major components for estimating uncertainty contributions were evaluated on the basis of intermediate precision with two fuel matrix, PAH mass fraction and dates of analyses.     

The fate of As, Pb, Cd, Cr and Mn in a coal during pyrolysis

Transformation of As, Pb, Cd, Cr, and Mn in Chinese Datong coal during pyrolysis was studied. Experiments were carried out in a fixed-bed quartz reactor with a heating rate of 20 °C min⁻¹. Effects of the final temperature (300–1000 °C) and atmosphere (N₂ and H₂ at 0.1 MPa) were examined. Chemical form distribution of the elements in the coal and coal-derived chars (obtained at 1000 °C under N₂ and H₂) was investigated. As, Pb, Cr, Cd, and Mn in the coal and the chars were classified into five chemical forms (ion exchangeable, bound to carbonates, bound to Fe–Mn oxides, bound to organic matter, and in the residue) by a sequential dissolution method. Results show that As, Pb, and Cd are more volatile and tend to enrich in the volatile phase in the pyrolysis. Cr and Mn are relative non-volatile and tend to enrich in the solid phase. H₂ atmosphere promotes the release of the elements. The elements in all the five chemical forms undergo transformation in pyrolysis, and As, Pb, Cr and Cd show similar behavior.     

ICP–AES法同时测定食品包装铝箔中锌、铅、镉、砷的溶出量

建立了ICP–AES法同时测定食品包装铝箔中锌、铅、镉、砷溶出量的方法。以4%乙酸溶液浸泡样品,室温放置24 h,分析线为Zn 213.856,Pb 220.353,Cd 226.502,As 193.759 nm。Zn,Pb,Cd,As的线性范围分别为0.3~5.0,0.1~2.0,0.01~0.2,0.03~0.5 mg/L,线性方程分别为Y=23 487.27X+769.79,Y=6 713.35X+38.46,Y=30 562.52X+362.02,Y=6 448.97X+13.57;相关系数分别为0.999 9,0.999 8,0.999 9,0.999 5;检出限分别为0.009 6,0.003 7,0.000 4,0.013 9mg/L;加标回收率为96.5%~100.5%;相对标准偏差为1.38%~3.06%(n=6)。该方法简便快速,测定结果准确。     

便携式X射线荧光光谱法同时测定氧化锌富集物中锌铁氯镉砷

氧化锌富集物的进口能弥补我国锌矿资源的不足,但要求ZnO>50%、Fe<10%、Cl<8%、Cd<0.25%、As<0.6%。目前常采用YS/T 1171.1～10-2017《再生锌原料化学分析方法》检测氧化锌富集物中锌铁氯镉砷含量,该系列检测方法均需要繁琐的湿法样品前处理,测量过程较为冗长,不能满足氧化锌富集物大量进口时快速通关的需求。故实验建立了采用便携式X射线荧光光谱法(PXRF)同时测定氧化锌富集物中锌铁氯镉砷的方法。采用YS/T 1171.3-2017和YS/T 1171.5-2017方法对氧化锌富集物样品进行定值,然后选取21个含量具有梯度的氧化锌富集物样品作为校准样品,建立起各元素X射线荧光强度值与含量的校准曲线。各曲线相关系数在0.8164～0.9999,方法检出限为0.013%～1.95%,各元素的相对标准偏差(RSD,n=11)均小于0.05%。采用本方法和化学方法分别检测氧化锌富集物样品,各元素的本方法检测值与化学分析方法检测值的相对误差均小于20%。本方法能应用到口岸现场进口氧化锌富集物快速筛查,检测一个样品仅需1分钟测量时间,极大地加快了进口氧化锌富集物通关速度。     

A sequential multielement separation scheme for determination of As,Mn, Mo,Cu and Zn in human milk by neutron activation analysis

A simple separation scheme for the analysis of As, Mn, Mo, Cu and Zn using neutron activation is described. It has been checked using three standard reference materials, A-11 milk powder (IAEA) and bovine liver and orchard leaves (USNBS) and found to give acceptable results. This scheme was applied for determination of these trace elements in mature human milk samples. The concentrations of As, Mn, Mo, Cu in samples obtained from two socio-economic groups—low and middle incomes—were not significantly different. However, Zn levels in samples obtained from the poor income group were significantly lower than in those obtained from the other group. Work carried out under Research Contract No. 2598/RB of International Atomic Energy, Vienna. Health Physics Division. Analytical Chemistry Division.