Sampling of ammonium ion in water samples by using the diffusive-gradients-in-thin-films technique (DGT) and a zeolite based binding phase

We have investigated the possibility of sampling ammonium ion using the diffusive-gradients-in-thin-films technique (DGT) by introducing a novel binding agent that is based on micro-sized zeolite. The performance of zeolite-DGT was characterized by measurement of the following parameters: (1) the diffusion coefficient of ammonium ion in hydrogel; (2) the adsorption rate of ammonium ion by the zeolite binding gel; (3) the elution efficiency, and (4) the effects of pH, ionic strength and interfering ions on DGT. The method was validated by studying the uptake of ammonium ion from in freshwaters by zeolite gels which was found to be fast enough to meet the requirements of DGT. The concentrations determined via DGT agreed well with the concentrations determined in bulk solutions. Sampling of ammonium ion using zeolite-DGT was consistent over the pH 3 to 8 range and the 0.001 to 10 mM ionic strength range. The method also performs predictably in natural waters containing various metal ions. The technique is considered to be a viable passive tool for sampling ammonium from aqueous solutions.

Schematic representation of the principle of DGT and the determination of mass accumulated on the binding gel.