Samarium determination by neutron activation analysis in uranium-rich samples

Air-assisted cloud point extraction coupled with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy for determination of samarium in environmental samples

For the first time, air-assisted cloud point extraction (AACPE) was presented to preconcentrate metal ions. The procedure was conjugated with inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy for determination of samarium. In this procedure, samarium ions were complexed with aluminon and extracted into Triton X-114 in the presence of potassium iodide. The mixture was repeatedly sucked and dispersed with a syringe (three times) to create cloud solution. Experimental factors that affect the extraction competence of the AACPE procedure, such as pH, amount of aluminon and Triton X-114, salt addition, number of suction/injection cycles, and centrifugation rate and time, have been investigated and optimized. A linear calibration curve from 0.2 to 200.0 μg L−1 with enrichment factor and detection limit of 102 and 0.06 μg L−1, respectively, was established under the optimum experimental conditions. The approach was used to determine samarium in wastewater and rock samples, with recoveries ranging from 98% to 99%.

Graphical abstract