Determination of copper, nickel, cobalt, silver, lead, cadmium, and mercury ions in water by solid-phase extraction and the RP-HPLC with UV-Vis detection

Development and validation of an eco-compatible UV-Vis spectrophotometric method for the determination of Cu2+ in aqueous matrices

Cu2+ are ubiquitous ions in the ecosystem and are responsible of serious environmental pollution. Indeed, the development of sensitive methods for Cu2+ detection is an urgent demand. In this work, we proposed a new spectrophotometric method for Cu2+ determination in different water matrices (distilled water, drinking water, wastewater, and river water). The method employs a bio-based organic ligand namely tetrasodium iminodisuccinate (IDS) able to form a stable complex with the analyte with a maximum absorption at 710 nm. Within the linear range of 6.3-381 mg L-1, the limit of detection (LOD) was determined to be as 1.43 mg L-1. Moreover, the recovery data of the spiked analysis of drinking/river/wastewater water samples were also satisfactory and verified the feasibility of the method for the analysis of Cu2+ in natural conditions. Finally, the AGREE assessment tool was used for a quantitative evaluation of the proposed method and reference method, in agreement with the green analytical chemistry principles. The results showed the lower environmental impact of the proposed method and the suitability of this novel approach for Cu2+ in water matrices.

Primer-Engineered Transferase Enzyme for One-Pot and Amplified Detection of Cobalt Pollution and Peptide Remover Screening

Extensive consumption of cobalt in the chemical field such as for battery materials, alloy, pigments, and dyes has aggravated the pollution of cobalt both in food and the environment, and assays for its on-site monitoring are urgently demanded. Herein, we utilized enzyme dependence on metal cofactors to develop terminal transferase (TdT) as a recognition element, achieving a one-pot sensitive and specific assay for detecting cobalt pollution. We engineered a 3'-OH terminus primer to improve the discrimination capacity of TdT for Co²⁺ from other bivalent cations. The TdT extension reaction amplified the recognition of Co²⁺ and yielded a limit of detection of 0.99 μM for Co²⁺ detection. Then, the TdT-based assay was designed to precisely detect cobalt in food and agricultural soil samples. By end-measurement of fluorescence using a microplate reader, the multiplexing assay enabled the rapid screening of the peptide remover for cobalt pollution. The TdT-based assay can be a promising tool for cobalt pollution monitoring and control.

A Review on Organic Fluorimetric and Colorimetric Chemosensors for the Detection of Ag(I) Ions

Organic compounds display several electronic and structural features which enable their application in various fields, ranging from biological to non-biological. These compounds contain heteroatoms like sulfur, nitrogen and oxygen, which provide coordination sites to act as ligands in the field of coordination chemistry and are used as chemosensors to detect various metal ions. This review article covers different organic compounds including thiourea, Schiff base, pyridine, thiophene, coumarin, triazolyl pyrenes, imidazole, fluorescein, thiazole, tricarbocyanine, rhodanine, porphyrin, hydrazone, benzidine and other functional groups based chemosensors, that contain heteroatoms like sulfur, nitrogen and, oxygen for fluorimetric and colorimetric detection of Ag+ in different environmental, agricultural, and biological samples. Further, the sensing mechanism and performances of these chemosensors have been discussed, which could help the readers for the future design of highly efficient, selective, and sensitive chemosensors for the detection and determination of Ag+ ions.

Highly selective electrochemical sensing based on electropolymerized ion imprinted polyaniline (IIPANI) on a bismuth modified carbon paste electrode (CPE-Bi) for monitoring Nickel(ii) in river water

Electrochemical sensors based on ion-imprinting polymers have emerged as an effective analytical tool for heavy metal tracking. This study describes a simple and facile technique for manufacturing a highly selective and sensitive electrode using an ion imprinting polymer on a bismuth-modified carbon paste electrode. The developed sensor applied aniline as a functional monomer and was used for tracking Ni(ii) ions. The proposed sensor was thoroughly characterized by scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and differential pulse striping anodic voltammetry. The analytical evaluation showed that the proposed sensor has a linear dynamic range (R 2 = 0.999) for the Ni(ii) concentration range of 0.01 to 1 μM and a limit of detection value of 0.00482 μM. The proposed sensor showed excellent performance when tested for tracking Ni(ii) ions in the presence of interfering ions (Cd(ii), Co(ii), Cu(ii), and Zn(ii) ions) at a 1000-fold higher concentration. When the proposed sensor was tested for tracking Ni(ii) concentration in an actual river sample, our modified sensor showed similar results compared to the atomic absorption spectroscopy evaluation (p > 0.05, n = 3). In summary, our proposed sensor is promising for monitoring Ni(ii) ions in the aquatic environment.

Optical Detection of Copper Ions via Structural Dissociation of Plasmonic Sugar Nanoprobes

Heavy metal ions are known to cause environmental pollution and several human diseases because of their inherent toxicity. Among them, Cu²⁺ is an essential element for the human body, but its continuous exposure and accumulation may cause adverse effects. Thus, copper ion levels in aquatic environments are strictly regulated by international standards. Herein, we demonstrate a simple optical method for detecting Cu²⁺ using plasmonic sugar nanoprobes (PSNs) composed of gold nanoparticles and polysaccharides. Gold precursors were reduced to nanoparticles and spontaneously embedded in the sugar-based polymeric network with the sulfated residues of carrageenan during the polymerization procedure. Owing to the abundant functional residues of PSNs and their affinity toward Cu²⁺, we observed the Cu²⁺-mediated preferential dissociation of the PSNs, resulting in absorbance spectral shifts and scattering shifts of the PSNs. Based on these plasmon band shifts, Cu²⁺ below the EPA regulation level of 20 μM can be easily detected by the optimized experimental condition. Additionally, the reaction mechanism between the PSNs and Cu²⁺ was elucidated by indepth spectroscopic analyses, which revealed that the increased binding of Cu²⁺ to the sulfate groups in the PSNs induces the eventual decomposition of the PSNs.

Visual Quantitation of Copper Ions Based on a Microfluidic Particle Dam Reflecting the Cu(II)-Catalyzed Oxidative Damage of DNA

Due to the use of copper water pipes and the discharge of industrial wastewater, contamination of copper ions in drinking water has become a severe hazard globally. To routinely check water safety on a daily basis, easy-to-use platforms for quantitative analysis of trace amounts of copper ions (Cu²⁺) in drinking water is needed. Here, we report microfluidic particle accumulation integrated with a Cu(II)-catalyzed Fenton reaction for visual and quantitative copper ion detection. Microparticles (MMPs) and polystyrene microparticles (PMPs) are connected via a single strand DNA, MB155. However, when Cu²⁺ is present, MB155 is cleaved by hydroxyl free radicals (•OH) produced from Cu²⁺/hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) Fenton reactions, causing an increased amount of free PMPs. To visually count them, the particle solution is loaded onto a microfluidic chip where free MMPs and MMPs-MB155-PMPs can be collected by the magnetic separator, while the free PMPs continue flowing until being accumulated at the particle dam. The results showed a good linear relationship between the trapping length of PMP accumulation and the Cu²⁺ concentration from 0 to 300 nM. A limit of detection (LOD) of 70.1 nM was achieved, which is approximately 449 times lower than the 2 × 10³ μg·L^-1 (~31.5 μM) required by the World Health Organization (WHO). Moreover, the results showed high selectivity and good tolerance to pH and hardness, indicating compatibility for detection in tap water, suggesting a potential platform for the routine monitoring of copper contamination in drinking water.

Environmental status of an Italian site highly polluted by illegal dumping of industrial wastes: The situation 15 years after the judicial intervention

In 2008 the Italian government classified the Bussi sul Tirino area (Central Italy) as Site of National Interest destined to remediation which, unfortunately, has not yet begun. The decision followed >20 years of illegal dumping of industrial wastes, lasting from 1984 to 2005, that generated the biggest illegal toxic waste disposal site in Europe. The contamination profile of the site was mainly characterized by PCDD/Fs, PCBs, PAHs, chlorinated solvents, Hg, and Pb. Due to the health concern of the population and local authorities, an extensive monitoring and biomonitoring campaign was carried out in 2017-2018, checking the site-specific pollutants in local food (free-range hens' eggs, milk from grazing sheep and goats, wild edible mushrooms, and drinking water), environmental (air and freshwaters) and biological (human urine) matrices. A total of 314 samples were processed, obtaining 3217 analytical data that were compared with regulatory limits, when available, and values reported by international literature. The sum PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs ranged from 0.24 to 3.6 pg TEQ g^-1 fat, and from 0.46 to 8.3 pg TEQ g^-1 fat, respectively in milk in eggs, in line with the maximum levels established by CE Regulations except for an egg sample. As regards PAHs, all our results were lower than the literature data, as well as for Hg and Pb. Outdoor air showed levels of chlorinated solvents ranging from <LOD to 36 μg m^-3, and freshwaters from 0.21 to 2.8 μg L^-1. All drinking water samples resulted compliant with the maximum levels established by the current EU directive. Despite the severe pollution of the illegal dumping site and the remediation not yet carried out, the local environment and the population living in Bussi and surroundings seem not to be affected by significant exposure to the toxics characterizing the landfill.

Developing a highly selective method for preconcentration and determination of cobalt in water and nut samples using 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol and UV-visible spectroscopy

BACKGROUND

Heavy metal contamination in water and agricultural products is a major concern that causes risks for human health. This article describes a highly selective approach to preconcentrate cobalt(II) (Co(II)) ions based on the standard UV-visible measurement of Co(II)-1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol complex at λ = 628 nm in water and nut samples. In this method, magnetic silica (mSiO₂ ) was utilized as a practical sorbent and 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol was employed as a complexing agent in the elution step. The adsorbent was characterized via X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The effects of the main variables (pH, adsorption time, sorbent amount, pH of eluent, ligand volume, and desorption time) were investigated and established.

RESULTS

The maximum recovery was achieved at pH 7 ± 0.3, adsorption time of 60 min, sorbent amount of 40 mg, eluent pH 8 ± 0.2, ligand volume of 2 mL (16.95 × 10^-4  mol L^-1 ) and desorption time of 30 min. The linearity of dynamic range (10-500 μg L^-1 ), limit of detection (0.32 μg L^-1 ), relative standard deviation (3.04%), and preconcentration factor (25) show the reliability of the method. The sorbent was reusable 12 times. Selectivity and the effect of interference ions were successfully examined. The adsorption process of Co(II) ions on mSiO₂ was investigated based on Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The Freundlich model was fitted with the system and the maximum capacity adsorption of mSiO₂ for Co(II) adsorption is 2.35 mg g^-1 . Then, the kinetics study revealed that the adsorption process of Co(II) ions on the mSiO₂ follows the pseudo-first-order model. The thermodynamics parameters ΔG, ΔS, and ΔH were calculated.

CONCLUSION

The method was fruitfully applied to preconcentrate Co(II) ions in water and nut samples. This method offers high selectivity and precision for determining Co(II) ions. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Facile ultrasonic synthesized NH2-carbon quantum dots for ultrasensitive Co2+ ion detection and cell imaging

The amine decorated carbon quantum dots (NH₂-CQDs) were synthesized through ultrasonic method from graphite rods derived CQDs and ammonia hydroxide and utilized as the sensing probes for cobalt (II) ions and nucleic acids. The sensing technique was investigated to be the fluorescence quenching effect, which demonstrated linear relationship between cobalt (II) ions concentration and the emission intensity deviation ratio in the concentration range of 50 nM to 40 μM with the detection limit of 12 nM. In brief, this sensitive and selective detection method was confirmed to demonstrate high potential in cobalt (II) ions detection in real samples and nucleic acid sensing in biological cells.

Micro-organic Ion-associate Phase Extraction/micro-volume Back-extraction for the Preconcentration and GF-AAS Determination of Cadmium, Nickel and Lead in Environmental Water

Micro-organic ion-associate phase (IAP) extraction was combined with a micro-volume back-extraction (MVBE) to reduce coexisting components and viscosity in the concentrates. Heavy metals were converted into a complex with 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-(N-propyl-N-sulfopropylamino)phenol in a 40-mL sample solution, and were extracted into ion associates. After centrifugation and discarding the aqueous phase, trace metals were stripped from IAP into a nitric acid solution, followed by GF-AAS determination. Only one vessel was required for 400-fold enrichment. The detection limits (3σ_b) for Cd, Ni, and Pb were 0.6, 3.7, and 0.8 ng/L, respectively. This method was applied in recovery tests in seawater.

In Vivo Bioluminescence Imaging of Cobalt Accumulation in a Mouse Model

As a trace element nutrient, cobalt is critical for both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. In the current study, a turn-on Cobalt Bioluminescent Probe 1 (CBP-1) for the detection of cobalt has been successfully developed based on oxidative C-O bond cleavage. This probe exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity toward cobalt over other analytes. By using CBP-1, the successful in vivo imaging of cobalt accumulation was carried out in a mouse model. Such an ability to determine cobalt in living animals provides a powerful technology for studying the system distribution, toxic potency, and biological effect of Co²⁺.

Highly selective and sensitive method for Cu2+ detection based on chiroptical activity of L-Cysteine mediated Au nanorod assemblies

Herein, we demonstrated a simple and efficient method to detect Cu²⁺ based on amplified optical activity in the chiral nanoassemblies of gold nanorods (Au NRs). L-Cysteine can induce side-by-side or end-to-end assembly of Au NRs with an evident plasmonic circular dichroism (PCD) response due to coupling between surface plasmon resonances (SPR) of Au NRs and the chiral signal of L-Cys. Because of the obvious stronger plasmonic circular dichrosim (CD) response of the side-by-side assembly compared with the end-to-end assemblies, SS assembled Au NRs was selected as a sensitive platform and used for Cu²⁺ detection. In the presence of Cu²⁺, Cu²⁺ can catalyze O₂ oxidation of cysteine to cystine. With an increase in Cu²⁺ concentration, the L-Cysteine-mediated assembly of Au NRs decreased because of decrease in the free cysteine thiol groups, and the PCD signal decreased. Taking advantage of this method, Cu²⁺ could be detected in the concentration range of 20pM-5nM. Under optimal conditions, the calculated detection limit was found to be 7pM.

Synthesis and Characterization of Porous MnCo2O4 for Electrochemical Determination of Cadmium ions in Water Samples

To utilize the maximum activity of nanomaterials, it was specifically synthesized by appropriate physicochemical properties. In that aspect, we have described the synthesis of porous MnCo2O4 by simple chemical route and applied for the selective detection of cadmium (Cd (II)). The as-prepared porous MnCo2O4 was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) adsorption isotherm, X-ray diffraction pattern analysis (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and electrochemical techniques. The porous MnCo2O4 exhibited an excellent electrochemical behaviour and good analytical response towards the determination of Cd (II). Those analytical factors such as pH, deposition potential and deposition time are optimized by using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). A wide linear concentration range from 2.3 to 120 µg L-1, limit of detection (LOD) of 0.72 µg L-1 and the limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.91 µg L-1 were achieved for determination of Cd (II). The selectivity of the developed sensor was explored in the presence of co-interfering ions. Also our sensor exhibits a good stability, reproducibility and repeatability. In addition, the practicability of proposed sensor was evaluated for the detection of Cd (II) in real water samples.

Single-channel flow injection spectrophotometric determination of nickel using furildioxime in micellar solution

A very simple, selective, and fast flow injection spectrophotometeric method is developed for determination of nickel using furildioxime as complexing agent. Micellar solution of brij-35 is employed to solubilize the sparingly soluble complex of Ni-furildioxime in buffered aqueous system (pH-9.00). Under optimized conditions, absorbance is linear from 0.02 to 10 μg mL(-1) using 500 μL sample volume and from 10 to 30 μg mL(-1) using 50 μL sample volume of nickel at 480 nm, with R(2) = 0.9971 and 0.9916, respectively. The molar absorption coefficient and Sandell's sensitivity were 6.0 × 10(3) L mol(-1) cm(-1) and 0.01 ng cm(-2), respectively. The sample throughput of the method is 120 samples per hour with RSD of 0.01-0.2% for 0.02 to 10 μg mL(-1) nickel (n = 5), indicating that the method is highly precise and reproducible. Interference from cobalt is removed by Nitroso R-salt-modified XAD-16. The developed method is validated by analysing certified reference materials and is applied to assess nickel content of commercially available cigarettes.

Solid phase extraction of ultra traces silver(I) using octadecyl silica membrane disks modified by 1,3-bis(2-cyanobenzene) triazene (CBT) ligand prior to determination by flame atomic absorption

A simple, reliable and rapid method for preconcentration and determination of the ultra trace amount of silver using octadecyl silica membrane disk modified by a recently synthesized triazene ligand, 1,3-bis(2-cyanobenzene)triazene (CBT), and flame atomic absorption spectrometry is presented. Various parameters including pH of aqueous solution, flow rates, the amount of ligand and the type of stripping solvents were optimized. The breakthrough volume was greater than 1800 ml with an enrichment factor of more than 360 and 6.0 ng l(-1) detection limit. The capacity of the membrane disks modified by 5mg of the ligand was found to be 1070 microg of silver. The effects of various cationic interferences on the percent recovery of silver ion were studied. The method was successfully applied to the determination of silver ion in different samples, especially determination of ultra trace amount of silver in the presence of large amount of lead.

Study on solid phase extraction and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry for the determination of nickel, silver, cobalt, copper, cadmium and lead with MCI GEL CHP 20Y as sorbent

A solid phase extraction and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) for the determination of nickel, silver, cobalt, copper, cadmium and lead with MCI GEL CHP 20Y as sorbent was studied. Trace amounts of chromium, nickel, silver, cobalt, copper, cadmium and lead were reacted with 2-(2-quinolinil-azo)-4-methyl-1,3-dihydroxidobenzene (QAMDHB) followed by adsorption onto MCI GEL CHP 20Y solid phase extraction column, and 1.0molL(-1) HNO(3) was used as eluent. The metal ions in 300mL solution can be concentrated to 1.0mL, representing an enrichment factor of 300 was achieved. The recoveries of analytes at pH 8.0 with 1.0g of resin were greater than 95% without interference from alkaline, earth alkaline and some metal ions. When detected with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, the detection limits in the original samples were 1.4ngL(-1) for Cr(III), 1.0ngL(-1) for Ni(II), 0.85ngL(-1) for Ag(I), 1.2ngL(-1) for Co(II), 1.0ngL(-1) for Cu(II), 1.2ngL(-1) for Cd(II) and 1.3ngL(-1) for Pb(II). The validation of the procedure was performed by the analysis of the certified standard reference materials, and the presented procedure was applied to the determination of analytes in biological, water and soil samples with good results (recoveries range from 89 to 104%, and R.S.D.% lower than 3.2%. The results agreed with the standard value or reference method).

Solid-phase extraction and preconcentration of copper in mineral waters with 4-(2-pyridyl-azo) resorcinol-loaded amberlite XAD-7 and flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A simple, sensitive, accurate, and selective method for determination of ultratrace levels of copper is modified. The method is based on preconcentration of copper on the 4-(2-pyridyl-azo) resorcinol-loaded amberlite XAD-7 (non-ionic copoly[styrene-acrylic compound]) at pH 5.0 to 6.5 for contact time as low as 45 minutes. The adsorbed copper was eluted with concentrated nitric acid and measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Recoveries of up to 90% were achieved. The optimized preconcentration method was applied to copper determination in various water samples. The detection limit was found to be 0.09 ng mL(-1). The relative standard deviation was found to be 9% using 300 mL of 5.0 ng mL(-1) for 10 replicate preconcentration procedures. Copper concentrations in the studied water samples were found to be in the ranges of 0.4 to 18.0 ng mL(-1).

Influence of ionic surfactants on the flocculation and sorption of palladium and mercury in the aquatic environment

The influence of sub-micellar concentrations of an anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulphate; SDS) and a cationic surfactant (hexadecyl trimethylammonium bromide; HDTMA) on the aquatic behaviour of the strongly complexing metals, Pd(II) and Hg(II), has been investigated. In river water, flocculation of organic complexes of metal was suppressed by SDS but accentuated by HDTMA, effects that are consistent with electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions between ionic surfactants and natural polyelectrolytes. In sea water, flocculation of metal complexes was enhanced by both surfactants because of the shielding and salting effects of inorganic ions on these interactions. Particle surface modification engendered by sorbed surfactant strongly influenced the sorption of Pd and Hg to estuarine particles. Thus, hydrophobically bound SDS enhances the negative charge at the particle surface and favours specific sorption of metal, while specifically sorbed HDTMA enhances the solvency of the particle surface, favouring non-specific sorption of metal complexes. Given the relatively short environmental half-life of SDS, its impacts on strongly complexing metals are predicted to be localised. However, greater stability of HDTMA suggests that its effects on such metals, including enhanced flocculation and sorption, are likely to be more pervasive.