Chromium(III) determination without sample treatment by batch and flow injection potentiometry

A new and easy device for direct detection of chromium(III) in batch and flow analysis without previous oxidation/reduction or preconcentration steps of samples is designed and evaluated. For this purpose a potentiometric sensor with solid state membrane based on carbon paste matrix is developed. The sensor is modified with di(2-hydroxyphenylimino)ethane and the principal analytical parameters of the potentiometric response in batch and flow analysis are optimized and calculated. Optimal detection limits (1.4 × 10⁻⁷ M in static mode and 5.4 × 10⁻⁷ M in on-line analysis) and selectivity to trivalent chromium are obtained in both analysis modes. The use of this device to direct detection of chromium(III) in real samples is tested using a sediment Certified Reference Material. Chromium(III) determination is also carried out with successful results in environmental samples such as extracts from soils used as barriers in landfills and industrial samples such as waste waters from electroplating industries.