Room temperature ionic liquids enhanced the speciation of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) by hollow fiber liquid phase microextraction combined with flame atomic absorption spectrometry

Cu,Ce-containing phosphotungstates as laccase-like nanozyme for colorimetric detection of Cr(VI) and Fe(Ⅲ)

Herein, a nanocomposite of Cu,Ce-containing phosphotungstates (Cu,Ce-PTs) with outstanding laccase-like activity was fabricated via a one-pot microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. Notably, it was discovered that both Fe3+ and Cr6+ could significantly enhance the electron transfer rates of Ce3+ and Ce4+, along with generous Cu2+ with high catalytic activity, thereby promoting the laccase-like activity of Cu,Ce-PTs. The proposed system can be used for the detection of Fe3+ and Cr6+ in a range of 0.667-333.33 μg/mL and 0.033-33.33 μg/mL with a low detection limit of 0.135 μg/mL and 0.0288 μg/mL, respectively. The proposed assay exhibits excellent reusability and selectivity and can be used in traditional Chinese medicine samples analysis.

Fluorescent/colorimetric probe for the detection of Cr(Ⅵ) based on MIL-101(Fe)-NH2 with peroxidase-like activity

In the present research, Fe-based metal-organic frameworks (MIL-101(Fe)-NH2) nanoparticles were synthesized by simple solvothermal methods and used to assay Cr(Ⅵ). The MIL-101(Fe)-NH2 performs dual functions: the 2-aminoterephthalic acid (NH2-BDC) ligand endows a strong fluorescence emission, and the Fe metal nodes are able to facilitate the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'- tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) directly, resulting in the generation of oxidized-TMB (ox-TMB). Our research results showed that reducing agents such as ascorbic acid (AA) can collapse the structures of MIL-101(Fe)-NH2 because of the reduction of Fe3+ by AA, resulting in release of NH2-BDC. In the presence of Cr(Ⅵ), the fluorescence intensity of the MIL-101(Fe)-NH2 + AA system will be decreased due to the competitive reduction of Fe3+ and Cr(Ⅵ). Nevertheless, Cr(Ⅵ) can significantly accelerate the oxidation of TMB by MIL-101(Fe)-NH2 as it boosts the electron transfer rate between Fe3+ and Fe2+. Therefore, a fluorescent/colorimetric dual-mode platform was developed for the detection of Cr(Ⅵ) with an extensive linear range (7.5-750 μg/L and 13.3-1000 μg/L) as well as a remarkably low detection limit (0.99 μg/L and 1.98 μg/L). This MOF with the ability to release ligands not only provides inspiration for the design of new luminescent materials, but also offers a novel and reliable solution for the detection of Cr(Ⅵ).

Determination of chromium in foodstuffs by using novel adsorbent in vortex assisted-dispersive solid phase micro-extraction method: An application of multivariate techniques

A new graft copolymer composed of polystyrene and polylinoleic acid (PLinas) with the sodium salt of iminodiacetate (Ida) was synthesized and used as an adsorbent. The vortex-assisted dispersive solid-phase micro-extraction (VA-dSPµE) method was used for the extraction and pre-concentration of chromium. Multivariate methodologies, such as factorial design and 3D surface plots, were applied for screening and optimizing effective extraction parameters. The influence of diverse analytical parameters, such as pH, sample volume, and interfering ions, on the extraction of chromium was studied. The calibration standard curve exhibited a linear range from 0.01 to 0.50 μg L-1. The relative standard deviation and limit of detection were found to be 1.65 % and 0.003 μg L-1, respectively. Extraction recoveries were found in the range of 96 to 99 % by using certified reference materials (CRMs). The adsorbent capacity of PLinas-Ida was found to be 112 mg g-1. The VA-dSPµE method demonstrated its effectiveness in the pre-concentration and determination of chromium within samples of foodstuffs by graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS).

A Multimode Optical Sensor for Selective and Sensitive Detection of Harmful Heavy Metal Cr(VI) in Fresh Water and Sea Water

Water pollution originating from heavy metals has shown great impacts on the ecological environment and human health due to their extremely low biodegradability. Hexavalent chromium Cr(VI), as one harmful heavy metal with strong oxidation, high biological permeability, and high carcinogenicity, is becoming an increasingly serious threat to human health. Therefore, conveniently but accurately, monitoring the Cr(VI) level in water to maintain its normal level and ensuring the stability of the ecosystem and human health become very valuable. However, most of these heavy metal sensors reported are turn-off type single-emission sensors. In this work, a ratiometric fluorescence/colorimetry/smartphone triple-mode turn-on optical sensor for Cr(VI) was developed based on a multifunctional metal-organic framework platform. The detection limits for these three mutual verification modes were only 1.28, 4.89, and 68.4 nM, respectively. Additionally, the color changes of the detection system under sunlight can also be observed directly by the naked eye. The accuracy and practicability of this multimode sensor were further proved by the detection of Cr(VI) in actual water and seawater samples, and the recovery rate ranged from 97.308 to 104.041%.

A novel separation and preconcentration methodology based on direct immersion dual-drop microextraction for speciation of inorganic chromium in environmental water samples

In this study, for the first time, a novel separation and preconcentration method of direct immersion dual-drop microextraction (DIDDME) was proposed for the species of inorganic chromium (Cr(III) and Cr(VI)) followed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry detection. The methodology is based on that two organic drops hold on the needle tips of microsyringes were concurrently immersed in a stirred sample solution. Each drop contains a chelating reagent, which can react with a specific species under the same pH value. Therefore, Cr(III) and Cr(VI) can be selectively extracted into different drops. This procedure did not require tedious and complicated pre-oxidation/pre-reduction and centrifugation/filtration operations, which may lead to the risk of sample contamination and analysis errors. Main parameters influencing separation, preconcentration and identification of the target species were investigated. An enrichment factor of 400-fold was obtained for Cr(III) and Cr(VI). Under the optimized conditions, detection limits for this method were 1.1 ng L^-1 and 1.4 ng L^-1 for Cr(III) and Cr(VI) with relative standard deviations of 5.1 and 6.3%, respectively. This procedure was applied for the separation, preconcentration and determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in environmental water samples and certified reference materials with satisfactory results. Recoveries of spiked experiments ranged from 86.0 to 112%.

A New Trend and Future Perspectives of the Miniaturization of Conventional Extraction Methods for Elemental Analysis in Different Real Samples: A Review

Sample preparation is one of the viable procedures to be used before analysis to enhance sensitivity and reduce the matrix effect. The current review is mainly emphasized the latest outcome and applications of microextraction techniques based on the miniaturization of the classical conventional methods based on liquid-phase and solid-phase extraction for the quantitative elemental analysis in different real samples. The limitation of the conventional sample preparation methods (liquid and solid phase extraction) has been overcome by developing a new way of reducing size as compared with the conventional system through the miniaturization approach. Miniaturization of the sample preparation techniques has received extensive attention due to its extraction at microlevels, speedy, economical, eco-friendly, and high extraction capability. The growing demand for speedy, economically feasible, and environmentally sound analytical approaches is the main intention to upgrade the conventional procedures apply for sample preparation in environmental investigation. A growing trend of research has been perceived to quantify the trace for elemental analysis in different natures of real samples. This review also recapitulates the current futuristic scenarios for the green and economically viable procedure with special overemphasis and concentrates on eco-friendly miniaturized sample-preparation techniques such as liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) and solid-phase microextraction (SPME). This review also emphasizes the latest progress and applications of the LPME and SPME approach and their future perspective.

Carbon dots combined with masking agent for high selectivity detection of Cr(VI) to overcome interference associated challenges

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) determination is of great importance to the public health because of its extensive sources and high toxicity. However, interference from non-target ions and complex matrix remains challenges for Cr(VI) detection. In this work, we constructed a novel sensing system for high selectivity detection of Cr(VI), which is composed of strong emitting carbon dots (CE-CDs) and a specific masking agent. The detection conditions, anti-interference capability and the sensing and masking mechanisms of CE-CDs-based sensing method were systematically investigated. The results revealed that the optimal detection conditions included pH 4-10, reaction time 180 s and CE-CDs concentration 18 mg/L. Under optimal conditions, the linear range of the method was up to 500 µm, and the detection limit was as low as 23 nM. In addition, the interference of Hg(II) can be accurately eliminated by using DMPS, an effective masking agent. During the sensing process, inner filter effect and ion-molecular interaction between Cr(VI) and CE-CDs accounted for the fluorescence quenching mechanism, while the efficient masking was attributed to the strong coordination interaction between Hg(II) and DMPS. Most notably, this method had broad applicability, even for the trace detection of Cr(VI) in colored leather with complex matrix. These findings indicate that this approach is expected to open up new avenues for Cr(VI) detection.

A sensitive surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering sensor with bifunctional negatively charged gold nanoparticles for the determination of Cr(VI)

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) pollution in the water system has seriously endangered human health and the environment. Herein, we propose a rapid, simple and sensitive surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) sensor with the bifunctional negatively charged gold nanoparticles ((-)AuNPs) which employ as not only the oxidoreductase-like nanozyme but also the substrate to determine Cr(VI). (-)AuNPs effectively promoted the conversion of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) into the blue product of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine diamine (oxTMB) in the presence of Cr(VI) and generated a strong SERRS signal at 1611 cm^-1. According to this principle, the Raman intensity difference at 1611 cm^-1 exhibited a satisfactory linear relationship with the logarithm of the Cr(VI) concentration from 10^-5 to 10^-9 M with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.4 nM. In addition, the possible SERRS enhancement mechanism, selectivity and reproducibility were also investigated. What's more, the SERRS platform was successfully applied in the complicated water samples, which was anticipated to become a promising analytical method for monitoring of Cr(VI) in the environment.

Triphenylamine-containing imine-linked porous organic network for luminescent detection and adsorption of Cr(VI) in water

In this study, an imine-linked luminescent porous organic network (PON) has been successfully synthesized by the Schiff-base condensation reaction between 1,2-diphenylethylenediamine and tris(4-formylphenyl)amine. It exhibits strong fluorescence in an aqueous dispersion and can be applied as a luminescent probe for Cr(VI) (CrO₄^2- and Cr₂O₇^2-) with high selectivity and sensitivity (LOD for Cr₂O₇^2- and CrO₄^2- were below 0.35 μM and 0.4 μM, respectively) in a turn-off manner. The possible luminescence sensing mechanism and the adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) are also discussed in detail.

Deep eutectic solvent decomposition-based microextraction for chromium determination in aqueous environments by atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomization

A sensitive, rapid, and simple procedure for the determination of traces of chromium species in natural and waste waters after microextraction using a quasi-hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent based on tetrabutylammonium bromide and hexanoic acid was developed for the first time. In the developed procedure, the deep eutectic solvent played the role of a source of dispersive agent, chelating agent, and extraction solvent. During mixing the aqueous phase with the quasi-hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent, dissolution and dissociation of tetrabutylammonium bromide took place. Tetrabutylammonium bromide acted as a dispersive agent for the hexanoic acid emulsion formation and as an agent for the formation of an ion-association complex with Cr(vi) in an aqueous phase followed by its extraction in hexanoic acid. The organic phase containing Cr(vi) complexes was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomization. The enrichment factor value was 53, the extraction recovery was 89%, and the limit of detection calculated from a blank test, based on 3σ, was 5.0 ng L-1. The values of intra-day RSD and inter-day RSD were 3.9% and 5.0%, respectively.

A Critical Study of the Effect of Polymeric Fibers on the Performance of Supported Liquid Membranes in Sample Microextraction for Metals Analysis

Popularity of hollow fiber-supported liquid membranes (HF-SLM) for liquid-phase microextraction (HF-LPME) has increased in the last decades. In particular, HF-SLM are applied for sample treatment in the determination and speciation of metals. Up to the date, optimization of preconcentration systems has been focused on chemical conditions. However, criteria about fiber selection are not reflected in published works. HFs differ in pore size, porosity, wall thickness, etc., which can affect efficiency and/or selectivity of chemical systems in extraction of metals. In this work, Ag+ transport using tri-isobutylphosphine sulfide (TIBPS) has been used as a model to evaluate differences in metal transport due to the properties of three different fibers. Accurel PP 50/280 fibers, with a higher effective surface and smaller wall thickness, showed the highest efficiency for metal transport. Accurel PP Q3/2 exhibited intermediate efficiency but easier handling and, finally, Accurel PP S6/2 fibers, with a higher wall thickness, offered poorer efficiency but the highest stability and capability for metal speciation. Summarizing, selection of the polymeric support of HF-SLM is a key factor in their applicability of LPME for metals in natural waters.

Selective determination of Cr(Ⅵ) and non-chromatographic speciation analysis of inorganic chromium by chemical vapor generation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

A novel and sensitive method for the selective determination of Cr(VI) and non-chromatographic speciation of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) was developed based on chemical vapor generation (CVG) in KBH₄-acid system for sample introduction into an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) for detection. The CVG of Cr(VI), rather than Cr(III), was found to be remarkably enhanced in the presence of sodium diethylaminodithioformate (DDTC). After the oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI) by KMnO₄, the quantitation of Cr(III) could be obtained based on the difference between the concentration of total chromium and that of Cr(VI). Parameters affecting the CVG reaction and determination of Cr(VI) were evaluated in detail, including the concentrations of DDTC, hydrochloric acid and KBH₄, the sample flow rate, as well as the length of reaction and transferring tubing. Under optimal conditions, the CVG efficiency and the limit of detection (LOD) of Cr(VI) were found to be 28% and 0.2 ng mL^-1, respectively. The relative standard deviations for seven replicate measurements of 20 ng mL^-1 of Cr(Ⅵ) was 1.8%. Furthermore, with excess DDTC (100 μg mL^-1) added to the test solutions, possible interferences from Cu²⁺ (up to 400 ng mL^-1) could be eliminated. The proposed method was thus successfully applied to the determination of Cr(VI) in three real water samples and one certified reference water sample, as well as two simulated water samples of Cr(VI) and Cr(III), all with satisfactory results. The possible reasons were discussed for the varied degrees of enhancement between Cr(III) and Cr(VI).

Chromium speciation using paper-based analytical devices by direct determination and with electromembrane microextraction

In this study, we developed and compared three different methods for chromium speciation in water samples using microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs). In all methods, detection was based on the complexation reaction of Cr(VI) with diphenylcarbazide on the μPADs. Cr(III) ions were oxidized to Cr(VI) by Ce(IV) prior to colorimetric detection on the μPADs. In the first method, oxidization of Cr(III) to Cr(VI) in the solution containing both trivalent and hexavalent chromium was performed using a batch procedure to obtain total chromium. A dual electromembrane extraction (DEME) technique for simultaneous preconcentration and extraction of chromium species and a single electromembrane extraction (SEME) for preconcentration and extraction of Cr(VI)/total chromium [quantified as Cr(VI) content after oxidation of Cr(III) ions to Cr(VI)] were used in the second and third methods, respectively. The electromembrane extraction was based on the electrokinetic migration of cationic Cr(III) and anionic Cr(VI) toward the cathode and anode, respectively, into the two different hollow fibres. Octanol-1 and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (DEHP) in octanol-1 (0.7% v/v) were the most suitable supported liquid membranes for extraction of Cr(VI) and Cr(III), respectively. Among these methods, SEME showed the lowest limits of detection for both analytes. Under optimized conditions, linear calibrations were obtained for Cr(III) from 3 to 30 μg L^-1 and for Cr(VI) from 3 to 70 μg L^-1. The detection limits were 1.0 μg L^-1 and 0.7 μg L^-1 for Cr(III) and Cr(VI), respectively. Our developed method was applied to analyse water samples spiked with different concentrations of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) at the parts-per-billion (ppb) level. The statistical evaluation showed that the proposed method agreed well with the validation method, i.e., inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES).

Preparation of nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots and its application as a fluorescent probe for Cr(vi) ion detection

A facile synthetic method was used to prepare N-CQDs via the hydrothermal treatment of gelatin.

3D printed device for the automated preconcentration and determination of chromium (VI)

A 3D printed device for the fully automated disk-based solid-phase extraction (SPE) of Cr (VI) from water samples has been fabricated. The compatibility of the use of organic solvents for analyte elution with 3D printed flow devices based on polymers fabricated using stereolithograph​y has been evaluated. The developed methodology comprises the complexation of Cr (VI) with 1, 5-diphenylcarbazide (DPC) in acidic medium and the subsequent retention of the complex in a SBD-RPS disk contained within the 3D printed device. A multisyringe flow injection analysis system with online spectrophotometric detection has been used for the automation of the method. The fabricated 3D printed device integrates the different components of the flow analysis manifold, including connectors and mixers, being a powerful approach towards the reproducible construction of highly integrated flow-based manifolds. The extracted Cr (VI)-DPC complex is eluted with a mixture of methanol- sulfuric acid and quantified at 540 nm. The effect on the analytical signal and the optimization of variables were evaluated using multivariate and univariate techniques. A detection limit of 1 ng Cr (VI) and a linear working range of 3.2-600 ng Cr (VI) were obtained using a sample volume of 2 ml. The intra-day and inter-day RSDs were 4.8% (10 µg L^-1, n = 12) and 3.4% (n = 5, different day with a different disk), respectively. The applicability of the fabricated 3D printed device has been proved by the determination of Cr (VI) in groundwater, surface water and leachates.

Ionic liquid solvent bar micro-extraction of CdCln(n-2)- species for ultra-trace Cd determination in seawater

Water analysis of trace metals has been benefited by recent studies on sample preparation by liquid micro-extraction. However, there are still limitations for its application to seawater, such as the need of additives to preserve the sample or the availability of chemical extractants for the selective extraction from highly saline samples. In this work, a three phase solvent bar micro-extraction (3SBME) system containing the ionic liquid trioctylmethylammonium chloride (Aliquat^® 336) has been used for isolation and pre-concentration of Cd from seawater samples, due to its ability for ionic exchange of CdCl_n^(n-2)-. The system was optimized to work at the natural pH of seawater, and conditions for application to real samples were 0.18 M Aliquat^® 336 dissolved in kerosene with 0.25 M dodecan-1-ol as organic solution, 1.5 M HNO₃ as acceptor solution, 60 min extraction time, and 800 rpm stirring speed in the sample. Loss of organic solution into the sample during extraction was evaluated and revealed its dependence on stirring rate and extraction time. Under optimum conditions samples containing Cd 0.09-0.90 nM were pre-concentrated 65 times. GF-AAS was used for metal quantification with a limit of detection of 0.04 nM. Accuracy was successfully evaluated measuring Cd in a seawater certified reference material BCR-403.

Graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets as a fluorescent probe for chromium speciation

A fluorometric method was developed for simultaneous determination of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) ions using graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (g-C₃N₄ NS) as a nanosized fluorescent indicator probe. The g-C₃N₄ NS were prepared using high-temperature carbonization of melamine followed by ultrasonication-assisted liquid exfoliation. The g-C₃N₄ NS display fluorescence with excitation/emission peaks located at 320 and 450 nm. The chromium speciation is based on the quenching of g-C₃N₄ NS fluorescence. The total concentration of chromium is determined after oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI). The Cr(III) content was then calculated by subtracting the concentration of Cr(VI) from that of total chromium. The effects of pH value, probe amount, and contact time are optimized. Under optimum conditions, calibration plots are linear in the range in the 0.01 to 100 μM chromium concentration range. The limit of detection is 3 nM for for Cr(VI). The intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations (RSD) of the assay are 3.6-7.5% and 4.1-8.5%, respectively. The indicator probe was applied to the determination of chromium species in spiked water and food samples, and recoveries were satisfactory (93.9-107.0%). Graphical abstract Graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets are synthesized by melamine carbonization and employed for Cr speciation in water and food real samples. Total Cr(VI) and Cr(VI) are assessed based on the quenching of the fluorescence of nanosheets by Cr(VI).

Solvent bar micro-extraction with graphite atomic absorption spectrometry for the determination of silver in ocean water

Main drawbacks for silver determination in seawater are the effects of samples matrix and that Ag appears in the sub ng L(-1). Available methods for sample preparation in Ag analysis are based on solid and liquid extraction using tedious process that increase the cost of analysis and the risk of sample contamination, producing important waste amounts. Solvent bar micro-extraction (SBME) allows the pre-concentration of Ag in a micro-volume of the ionic liquid Aliquat 336® in kerosene solution. For this reason, it is considered as a green alternative to standard methods. The method has been optimized using synthetic seawater samples, offering the highest response for samples at pH=2, using 5% Aliquat 336® dissolved in kerosene containing 5% dodecan-1-ol as acceptor solution and after 1h stirring at 800rpm. The method exhibited linearity up to 50ngL(-1), with a limit of detection of 0.09ngL(-1), covering the concentration range of interest for environmental studies. Finally, it was applied for determination of Ag in real seawater samples, and the results were compared with the reference method of liquid-liquid extraction with 1-pyrrolidine-dithiocarbamate and diethylammonium-diethyldithiocarbamate, showing the applicability of ionic liquid based SBME using Aliquat 336(®) for the simple monitoring of silver ultra-traces in seawater analysis.

Application of hollow fiber liquid phase microextraction and dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction techniques in analytical toxicology

The recent developments in hollow fiber liquid phase microextraction and dispersive liquid –liquid microextraction are reviewed. Applications of these newly emerging developments in extraction and preconcentration of a vast category of compounds including heavy metals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals and abused drugs in complex matrices (environmental and biological matrices) are reviewed and discussed. The new developments in these techniques including the use of solvents lighter than water, ionic liquids and supramolecular solvents are also considered. Applications of these new solvents reduce the use of toxic solvents and eliminate the centrifugation step, which reduces the extraction time.

Ionic-liquid-based hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction method combined with hybrid artificial neural network-genetic algorithm for speciation and optimized determination of ferro and ferric in environmental water samples

A novel and environmentally friendly ionic-liquid-based hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction method combined with a hybrid artificial neural network (ANN)-genetic algorithm (GA) strategy was developed for ferro and ferric ions speciation as model analytes. Different parameters such as type and volume of extraction solvent, amounts of chelating agent, volume and pH of sample, ionic strength, stirring rate, and extraction time were investigated. Much more effective parameters were firstly examined based on one-variable-at-a-time design, and obtained results were used to construct an independent model for each parameter. The models were then applied to achieve the best and minimum numbers of candidate points as inputs for the ANN process. The maximum extraction efficiencies were achieved after 9 min using 22.0 μL of 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C6MIM][PF6]) as the acceptor phase and 10 mL of sample at pH = 7.0 containing 64.0 μg L(-1) of benzohydroxamic acid (BHA) as the complexing agent, after the GA process. Once optimized, analytical performance of the method was studied in terms of linearity (1.3-316 μg L(-1), R (2) = 0.999), accuracy (recovery = 90.1-92.3%), and precision (relative standard deviation (RSD) <3.1). Finally, the method was successfully applied to speciate the iron species in the environmental and wastewater samples.

On-line micro column preconcentration system based on amino bimodal mesoporous silica nanoparticles as a novel adsorbent for removal and speciation of chromium (III, VI) in environmental samples

BACKGROUND

Chromium (VI) has toxic and carcinogenic effects. So, determination and speciation of chromium in environmental samples is very important in view of health hazards. In this study, solid phase extraction (SPE) based on bulky amine-functionalized bimodal mesoporous silica nanoparticles (NH2-UVM-7) as a novel nanoadsorbent was applied for preconcentration and speciation of chromium (III, VI) in water samples.

METHODS

UVM-7 was synthesized via atrane route and subsequently functionalized with amino silane via grafting method. In SPE procedure, polymer tubing as a micro-column was filled with NH2-UVM-7 adsorbent. Preconcentration and speciation of Cr (III) and Cr (VI) ions with NH2-UVM-7 were obtained in water samples due to the fact that only Cr (VI) ions can be complexed with-NH2 groups at optimized pH. Finally, chromium concentration was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (F-AAS).

RESULTS

TEM, XRD, and SEM results confirmed the beneficial properties of NH2-UVM-7 as the adsorbent for chromium extraction. Under the optimal conditions, linear calibration curve, detection limit and preconcentration factor were obtained 6-320 μg/ L, 1.2 μg/L and 66.7, respectively (RSD < 5 %). The efficiency of nanoadsorbent for preconcentration and extraction of Cr (VI) was 96 %, whereas it was less than 5 % for Cr (III).

CONCLUSIONS

The developed NH2-UVM7-based SPE/F-AAS method has enough sensitively and simplicity for speciation and determination of Cr (VI) and Cr (III) ions in real water samples. Good recoveries, with low detection limits and good preconcentration factors are the main advantages of this procedure.

Speciation of chromium using chronoamperometric biosensors based on screen-printed electrodes

Chronoamperometric assays based on tyrosinase and glucose oxidase (GOx) inactivation have been developed for the monitoring of Cr(III) and Cr(VI). Tyrosinase was immobilized by crosslinking on screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) containing tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) as electron transfer mediator. The tyrosinase/SPC(TTF)E response to pyrocatechol is inhibited by Cr(III). This process, that is not affected by Cr(VI), allows the determination of Cr(III) with a capability of detection of 2.0±0.2 μM and a reproducibility of 5.5%. GOx modified screen-printed carbon platinised electrodes (SPCPtEs) were developed for the selective determination of Cr(VI) using ferricyanide as redox mediator. The biosensor was able to discriminate two different oxidation states of chromium being able to reject Cr(III) and to detect the toxic species Cr(VI). Chronoamperometric response of the biosensor towards glucose decreases with the presence of Cr(VI), with a capability of detection of 90.5±7.6 nM and a reproducibility of 6.2%. A bipotentiostatic chronoamperometric biosensor was finally developed using a tyrosinase/SPC(TTF)E and a GOx/SPC(Pt)E connected in array mode for the simultaneous determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in spiked tap water and in waste water from a tannery factory samples.

Recent advances in application of liquid-based micro-extraction: A review

Liquid-based micro-extraction is a novel “green” sample preparation technique using micro-litre levels of organic solvent to extract target analytes from various sample matrices for subsequent instrumental analysis. This technique developed rapidly from its introduction in the mid-1990s. Micro-extraction methods can be conveniently combined with a wide selection of instruments commonly used in a chemical laboratory; they significantly reduce analysis time and costs of solvents’ use and waste disposal. This review focuses on recent advances in several liquid-based micro-extraction methods, including single-drop micro-extraction, hollow fibre-liquid phase micro-extraction, and dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction. Examples of application of these methods to environmental, food, and biomedical analysis are listed.