Sequential injection analysis of chloride and nitrate in waters with improved accuracy using potentiometric detection

Accurate simultaneous analysis of different anionic species using ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) can be achieved even for non-specific sensors by resorting to an ordinary least squares multiple regression in the vicinity of the predicted concentrations. In this work the potentialities of this approach are evidenced by the determination of nitrate and chloride in synthetic and real water samples in which chloride concentration was significantly higher than nitrate. An AgCl/Ag₂S electrode based on a homogeneous crystalline membrane together with a PVC electrode based on tert-octylammonium bromide dissolved in dibutylphthalate were used as potentiometric detectors for chloride and nitrate, respectively. For the implementation of the procedure, an automatic system based on sequential injection analysis was used. The results obtained by the standard addition method were biased for low concentrations of nitrate and were dependant on the relative proportion of NO₃⁻/Cl⁻. The results obtained by the proposed methodology for chloride determination were slightly better when compared to those obtained by the standard addition method. In relation to nitrate determination, the proposed methodology yielded values with a relative root mean square error of prediction (RRMSEP) of 2.8%, while for standard addition calibration, mean error values were approximately 12.1%.     

Analysis of Diquat by Ion Selective Elecrodes

Abstract

The calibration response of a diquat bis(tetra-4-chlorophenylborate) (DQT. 2T4C1PB) based ISE for DQT was stable for 55 days. The ISE calibration slope and minimum detectable activity a(min) of DQT were in the ranges (S.D. in parentheses) 30(0.6) to 28(1.7) mV/log a (DQT) and 4(3) × 10^?9M to 3(0.2) × 10^?6M, respectively.

The times for 100% response were 3 s at 1 mM and 25 s at 1 μM and the ISE was useable at pH 2 to 12 and over a sample temperature range of 2 to 50[ddot]C.

Samples (2.54–244 μM DQT) could be determined using the standard addition method with about a ?5% error and a precision of 7 to 8%. For comparison, DQT was also determined by titration with sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB) using DQT. 2TPB and TBA. TPB ISEs as TPB sensors. The errors were in the range of 12 to 20% for DQT analysis in deionized water, sodium chloride solution or simulated serum.     

Comparison of quantification strategies for one-point standard addition calibration: The homoscedastic case

Two quantification strategies for one-point standard addition calibration have been compared mathematically. One strategy involved the extrapolation of measurement points to their intercept with the x-axis to determine the analyte content in the unknown sample, and the other strategy is based upon direct calculation of the analyte content in the unknown sample using the instrumental responses obtained during measurement. The cases of both conventional standard addition calibration (C-SAC) and sequential standard addition calibration (S-SAC) have been considered. The homoscedastic situation has been considered, where the absolute precision of the instrumental response is constant. It has been determined that the precision ratio of the two strategies is dependent on surprisingly simple parameters: such as the sample to standard mass ratio (for C-SAC) and the analyte content ratio (for S-SAC).     

A new continuous calibration method for inductively coupled plasma spectrometry

A new calibration method was developed and applied to inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. External calibration was performed as follows. A container was filled with a given volume of deionized (V _p) water. Then a concentrated standard was introduced at a controlled rate (Q _e) into the tank by means of a peristaltic pump. The resulting solution was stirred throughout the experiment. Simultaneously, the solution inside the tank was pumped from the vessel to the plasma at a given rate (Q _s). The signal was continuously recorded. The variation of the concentration of the solution leaving the tank with time was determined by applying a basic equation of stirred tanks. The representation of the emission intensity versus the time and the further conversion of the time scale into a concentration scale gave rise to the calibration line. The best results in terms of linearity were achieved for V _p=15 cm³, Q _e=0.6–0.75 ml min⁻¹ and Q _s=1–1.2 ml min⁻¹. Graphs with more than 40 standards were obtained within about 10 min. The results found were not statistically different from those afforded by the conventional calibration method. In addition, the new method was faster and supplied better linearity and precision than the conventional one. Another advantage of the stirred tank was that procedures such as dynamic calibration and standard additions could be easily and quickly applied, thus shortening the analysis time. A complete analysis following these procedures based on the measurement of 30 standards took about 5 min. Several synthetic as well as certified samples (i.e., bovine liver, mussel tissue and powdered milk) were analyzed with the stirred tank by applying four different calibration methodologies (i.e., external calibration, internal calibration, standard additions and a combination of internal standardization and standard additions), with the combination of internal standardization and standard additions being the method that provided the best results. The element concentrations obtained were not significantly different from the actual or certified values.     

Evaluation of Cu–Ethylenediamine Metal Ion Buffers as Calibrants for Ion‐Selective Electrode Measurement of Copper in Fresh Water Systems

An investigation was made into the accuracy of cupric ion selective electrode (ISE) measurement of Cu in solutions approximating acidic freshwaters with Cu‐ethylenediamine buffers used as the calibrants. This method overestimates the free Cu compared with calibration using Cu(NO₃)₂ standards, the standard addition method, and speciation modelling calculations. Statistical tests showed a small, but significant, difference between the intercepts of the linear Nernstian regressions of the calibration plots of Cu‐en buffer standardisation and direct calibration with Cu(NO₃)₂ standards in matrix that matches the samples. The difference in the intercepts, which corresponds with E_o values of the electrode, is not well understood, but is possibly caused by potentially interfering cations such as Fe²⁺. The results of this study showed that down to 10^?8 M Cu²⁺, where a linear Nernstian response is possible, the Cu ISE is probably better calibrated using Cu standards prepared in the same matrix as the sample solutions to avoid potential matrix effects.     

Assessment of quality performance parameters for straight line calibration curves related to the spread of the abscissa values around their mean

In validation of quantitative analysis methods, knowledge of the response function is essential as it describes, within the range of application, the existing relationship between the response (the measurement signal) and the concentration or quantity of the analyte in the sample. The most common response function used is obtained by simple linear regression, estimating the regression parameters slope and intercept by the least squares method as general fitting method. The assumption in this fitting is that the response variance is a constant, whatever the concentrations within the range examined.The straight calibration line may perform unacceptably due to the presence of outliers or unexpected curvature of the line. Checking the suitability of calibration lines might be performed by calculation of a well-defined quality coefficient based on a constant standard deviation.The concentration value for a test sample calculated by interpolation from the least squares line is of little value unless it is accompanied by an estimate of its random variation expressed by a confidence interval. This confidence interval results from the uncertainty in the measurement signal, combined with the confidence interval for the regression line at that measurement signal and is characterized by a standard deviation s_x0 calculated by an approximate equation. This approximate equation is only valid when the mathematical function, calculating a characteristic value g from specific regression line parameters as the slope, the standard error of the estimate and the spread of the abscissa values around their mean, is below a critical value as described in literature.It is mathematically demonstrated that with respect to this critical limit value for g, the proposed value for the quality coefficient applied as a suitability check for the linear regression line as calibration function, depends only on the number of calibration points and the spread of the abscissa values around their mean.     

Rapid titrimetric determination of microgram amounts of fluoride ion with spadns -thorium lake

A rapid titrimetric method has been developed for the determination of microgram amounts of fluoride ion in the range from Img-Ioomg, in 50 ml final volume. It involves the adjustment of pH, addition of 1 ml of 0.02% SPADNS indicator, dilution to volume and titration with standard 0.004M Th(NO₃)₄ until the colour obtained matches a blank containing the buffered solution of the indicator with a. trace of thorium nitrate solution. Interference by various ions was also studied. The method described for the determination of fluoride ion is very rapid and the colour change at the end point being sharp, the detection of the end point is very easy. The method is applicable to pure solutions of fluondes.     

A New Compartmentalized Scale (PN) for Measuring Polarity Applied to Novel Ether-Functionalized Amino Acid Ionic Liquids

Functionalized and environmentally friendly ionic liquids are required in many fields, but convenient methods for measuring their polarity are lacking. Two novel ether-functionalized amino acid ionic liquids, 1-(2-methoxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium alanine ([C₁OC₂mim][Ala]) and 1-(2-ethoxyethyl)-3-methylimidazolium alanine ([C₂OC₂mim][Ala]), were synthesized by a neutralization method and their structures confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. Density, surface tension, and refractive index were determined using the standard addition method. The strength of intermolecular interactions within these ionic liquids was examined in terms of standard entropy, lattice energy, and association enthalpy. A new polarity scale, P_N, is now proposed, which divides polarity into two compartments: the surface and the body of the liquid. Surface tension is predicted via an improved Lorentz-Lorenz equation, and molar surface entropy is used to determine the polarity of the surface. This new P_N scale is based on easily measured physicochemical parameters, is validated against alternative polarity scales, and is applicable to both ionic and molecular liquids.     

Use of Butler–Volmer treatment to assess the capability of the voltammetric ion sensors: Application to a PPy/DBS film for cations detection

In this work, the Butler–Volmer formalism has been used to obtain a new equation to assess the calibration of voltammetric ion sensors. This new method postulates a direct relationship between the mid point reversible potential, E_R, and the logarithm of the electrolyte concentration. In the same way as the other relationships based on the Nernst equation, a positive slope is expected for a cationic exchanging system, and a negative one for an anionic sensor. However, the theoretical slope proposed in this work includes the electron-transfer coefficient, which allows us to explain the slopes frequently reported in the literature non coincident with the ideal value estimated from the Nernst equation: 2.303RT/nF. Also, comments are made on results from other literature with respect to the new equation, and an application of this method to PPy/DBS films as a cation sensor is carried out.     

The susceptibility of calibration methods to errors in the analytical signal

Calibration methods differ as to the number and concentration of calibration standards, and whether these are added to the samples or separate from them. The four main calibration mehods (single separate or added standard and multiple separate or added standards) and some modifications are desribed mathematically and subjected to error-propagation analysis, to examine the likely effects of errors in the analytical signal on the overall accuracy and precision of the concentration estimate. Comparison of the results throws light on the influence of the number, concentration and nature of the calibration standards, the effects of sample and standard replication, and the costs and the benefits of blank measurements. It is shown that all standard-addition methods are immune to proportional signal error, but more sensitive to nonlinearity. In separate-standard methods, all bias disappears when the true sample concentration (x_s) is equal to the standard concentration or to the mean standard concentration ($\text{x}$). Only the multiple separate standard method is unaffected by constant error common to sample and standards, without blanking. In multiple-standard methods, precision is best at x_s = $\text{x}$. Precision is always improved by increasing the number of sample and standard measurements; standard-addition methods respond best to sample replication. Whichever calibration method is used, recovery correction will eliminate proportional concentration error, at the cost of decreased precision.     

Strategy of analysis for the estimation of the bioavailability of zinc in foodstuffs

After the application of simulated digestive fluids (gastric and intestinale fluid) as extraction solutions, AAS and differential pulse anodic-stripping voltammetry (DPASV) were used as analytical methods in combination with ion-exchange procedures for the determination of zinc species and total zinc contents. The ion exchange procedure and the shifting of electrochemical potentials as well as changes of the calibration slope after standard addition in the polarographic analysis allowed discriminating statements with regard to a possible resorption of zinc. On the basis of these methods, a strategy is presented for in vitro investigations of the bioavailability of zinc in foodstuffs.     

Comparative study of net analyte signal-based methods and partial least squares for the simultaneous determination of amoxycillin and clavulanic acid by stopped-flow kinetic analysis

A comparative study about advantages and limitations of net analyte signal (NAS)-based methods (NBMs) and partial least squares (PLS) calibration in kinetic analysis has been performed. The different multivariate calibration methods were applied to the determination of binary mixtures of amoxycillin and clavulanic acid, by stopped-flow kinetic analysis. The reactions of oxidation of these compounds with cerium(IV), in sulphuric acid medium, were monitored by following the changes on the fluorescence of the oxidation products, in stopped-flow mode. The differences on the kinetic profiles obtained at λ_ex=256 nm and λ_em=351 nm, were used to determine mixtures of both compounds by multivariate calibration of the kinetic data, using PLS-1, a modification of hybrid linear analysis (HLA) and net analyte pre-processing combined with classical least squares (NAP/CLS) methods. The NBMs allowed the selection of optimal time data regions by calculating the minimum error indicator function (EIF), improving the results and making NBMs very convenient for the analysis. In addition, the use of the net analyte signal concept allows the calculation of the analytical figures of merit, limit of detection (LOD), sensitivity and selectivity, for each component.     

Solid contact [AuCl<Subscript>4</Subscript>]<Superscript>−</Superscript>-selective electrode and its application for evaluation of gold(III) in solutions

An ion-selective electrode (ISE) for measurement of [AuCl₄]⁻ anions based on tetradecylammonium tetrachloroaurate(III) in a polyvinyl chloride matrix deposited on a solid graphite-polyvinylchloride composition was developed. Its characteristics such as stability of the electrode potential, linear region of the electrode function and its slope, and the limit of detection were determined. The effect of HCl and KCl concentrations on the characteristics of the ISE were studied to select the optimum measurement conditions. The developed electrode was used to estimate the conditional solubility product of some soluble compounds containing [AuCl₄]⁻.     

Second-order calibration of excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectra for determination of glutathione in human plasma

A rapid non-separative spectroflourimetric method based on the second-order calibration of the excitation-emission data matrix was proposed for the determination of glutathione (GSH) in human plasma. In the phosphate buffer solution of pH 8.0 GSH reacts with ortho-phthaldehyde (OPA) to yield a fluorescent adduct with maximum fluorescence intensity at about 420 nm. To handle the interfering effects of the OPA adducts with aminothiols other than GSH in plasma as well as intrinsic fluorescence of human plasma, parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis as an efficient three-way calibration method was employed. In addition, to model the indirect interfering effect of the plasma matrix, PARAFAC was coupled with standard addition method. The two-component PARAFAC modeling of the excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectra accurately resolved the excitation and emission spectra of GSH, plasma (or plasma constituents). The concentration-related PARAFAC score of GSH represented a linear correlation with the concentration of added GSH, similar to that is obtained in simple standard addition method. Using this standard addition curve, the GSH level in plasma was found to be 6.10 ± 1.37 μmol L⁻¹. The accuracy of the method was investigated by analysis of the plasma samples spiked with 1.0 μmol L⁻¹ of GSH and a recovery of 97.5% was obtained.     

Non-aqueous and two-phase titrimetric assay of isoxsuprine hydrochloride in pharmaceuticals

Based on the nitrogenous base or quaternary ammonium moiety in isoxsuprine hydrochloride (ISX), two highly accurate and selective titrimetric methods are proposed f or the determination of ISX in spiked human urine, injection and tablets. Non-aqueous titration (Method A) involves removal of protonated amine using mercuric acetate for enhanced basic nitrogen prior to titration with perchloric acid in an acetic acid medium using crystal violet as indicator. Two-phase titration (Method B) is based on ion association complex formation between sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and protonated amine of ISX at pH 2.5 in aqueous phase, end point being detected by change in dimethyl yellow color in chloroform layer. The methods are applicable over the concentration range 2.0–20.0 mg and 1.0–10.0 mg for method A and method B, respectively. Calculations are based on 1: 1 molar ratio, i.e., JSX: HClO₄ for method A and ISX: SLS for method B, owing to the presence of one nitrogen atom. Method A is applicable to the determination of ISX in tablets whereas method B is applicable to spiked human urine, injection and tablets. The methods are validated statistically by comparing the results with those of the reference method by applying the Student’s t-test and F-test. The accuracy was further ascertained by recovery studies via standard addition technique.     

Rapid Estimation of Octanol–Water Partition Coefficient for Triazole Fungicides by MEKC with Sodium Deoxycholate as Surfactant

A rapid estimation of octanol–water partition coefficient (log P _ow) was developed for triazole fungicides by micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC). Five standard compounds with known log P _ow values from 2.9 to 4.3 (cyproconazole, bromuconazole, epoxiconazole, bitertanol and difenoconazole) were used for constructing the calibration curve of the log P _ow against the MEKC retention factor, log k. A linear relationship was achieved between log P _ow and log k, in the MEKC system containing 40 mM sodium deoxycholate (SDC) and 4 mM borate buffer at pH 9.3, with a correlation of determination, r ² = 0.9905. The log P _ow values of four test compounds of triazole fungicides (triadimenol, myclobutanil, propiconazole and penconazole) were calculated based on the log k values measured by MEKC and the slope and intercept of the calibration curve. This MEKC method can give good estimation of the log P _ow of the four test compounds of triazole fungicides with the differences between the literature log P _ow values and estimated log P _ow from the MEKC method were from 0.15 to 0.23 log units.     

In Situ Measurement of Electrode Slope and Gravimetric Multiple Standard Addition Analysis by Ion Selective Potentiometry Without Prior Calibration of Electrode

Abstract

Two methods of calculation for the determination of an unknown concentration by gravimetric multiple standard addition analysis using ion selective potentiometry without prior calibration of the electrode have been described. These are based on simple calculation procedures involving linear least square fitting to Gran's equation to evaluate first the actual electrode slope ‘in situ’, then the unknown concentration and the cell constant. One method is iterative and the other is noniterative. The applicability of the methods has been demonstrated by processing the experimental data obtained by using fluoride and uranyl ion selective electrodes.     

An Experimental Evaluation of a New Commercial Viscometric Detector for Size-Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) Using Linear and Branched Polymers

Abstract

Herein are reported some findings on the application of a new type of continuous automatic viscometer, in parallel with a differential refractometer, as a detector system for SEC. A universal calibration is required for the instrument and two methods of construction are applicable. The first is the customary peak-position calibration using polymer standards of narrow molecular-weight distribution and the second uses a single broad standard of known [Mbar]_w and [Mbar]_n. The two types of calibration are shown to give nearly-identical values of molecular weight when used to process chromatograms obtained from various linear homopolymer standards of varying chemical composition. These values compare favourably with those quoted by the suppliers of the polymer standards. One of the more powerful features of this instrumentation, namely its potential for estimating accurate molecular weights of branched polymers, is demonstrated by analysis of a series of branched polyvinylacetates prepared by a conventional bulk, free-radical polymerisation procedure. The calculation of the degree of chain branching is discussed. Another particular feature of the viscometer detector, its ability to indicate the presence of low concentrations of high-molecular-weight impurity in polymer samples, is also shown.     

Standard dilution analysis of beverages by microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometry

In this work, standard dilution analysis (SDA) is combined with microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometry (MIP OES) to determine seven elements in coffee, green tea, energy drink, beer, whiskey and cachaça (Brazilian hard liquor). No sample preparation other than simple dilution in HNO₃ 1% v v⁻¹ is required. Due to relatively low plasma temperatures, matrix effects may compromise accuracies in MIP OES analyzes of complex samples. The method of standard additions (SA) offers enhanced accuracies, but is time-consuming and labor intensive. SDA offers a simpler, faster approach, with improved accuracies for complex matrices. In this work, SDA's efficiency is evaluated by spike experiments, and the results are compared to the traditional methods of external calibration (EC), internal standard (IS), and standard additions (SA). SDA is comparable to the traditional calibration methods, and it provides superior accuracies for applications involving ethanol-containing beverage samples. The SDA-MIP OES procedure is effective. Using only two calibration solutions, it may be easily automated for accurate and high sample throughput routine applications.