Simultaneous determination of noble metals, Sb and Hg by magnetic solid phase extraction on line ICP OES based on a new functionalized magnetic graphene oxide

Single-vial preconcentration and cold vapor generation for the determination of Hg(II) in water samples of different salinities

In this work, a single-vial methodology for the extraction and cold vapor generation of mercury(II) was developed, followed by the determination of the analyte by atomic absorption spectrometry, with application in water samples of different salinities. L-cystine-modified Fe3O4 nanoparticles (2LcysMNP) were used as sorbent material in the magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) in the same flask in which the mercury vapor generation step was performed using a handmade gas-liquid separator developed in our laboratory. The main conditions for extraction, pre-concentration, and cold vapor generation of mercury were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, detection and quantification limits of 0.04 and 0.12 μg L-1, respectively, were achieved with a relative standard deviation of 7.5%. The single-vial system allowed for a preconcentration factor of 30 and an enrichment factor of 24. The accuracy of the method was evaluated by applying it to certified reference materials, and the obtained values were not significantly different from the expected values according to the Student's t-test. Verification of non-specific interferences was assessed by recovery tests, resulting in recoveries ranging from 81 to 111% for water samples of different salinities.

Synthesis of a novel magnetic nanomaterial for the development of a multielemental speciation method of lead, mercury, and vanadium via HPLC-ICP MS

A new magnetic functionalized material based on graphene oxide magnetic nanoparticles named by us, M@GO-TS, was designed and characterized in order to develop a magnetic solid-phase extraction method (MSPE) to enrich inorganic and organic species of lead, mercury, and vanadium. A flow injection (FI) system was used to preconcentrate the metallic and organometallic species simultaneously, while the ultra-trace separation and determination of the selected species were achieved by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP MS). Therefore, preconcentration and separation/determination processes were automated and conducted separately. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first method combining an online MSPE and HPLC-ICP MS for multielemental speciation. Under the optimized conditions, the enrichment factor obtained for Pb^II, trimethyllead (TML), Hg^II, methylmercury (MetHg), and V^V was 27. The calculated LOD for all studied species were as follows: 5 ng L^-1, 20 ng L^-1, 2 ng L^-1, 10 ng L^-1, and 0.4 ng L^-1, respectively. The RSD values calculated with a solution containing 0.5 μg L^-1 of all species were between 2.5 and 4.5%. The developed method was validated by analyzing Certified Reference Materials TMDA 64.3 for total concentration and also by recovery analysis of the species in human urine from volunteers and a seawater sample collected in Málaga. The t statistical test showed no significant differences between the certified and found values for TMDA 64.3. All the recoveries obtained from spiked human urine and seawater samples were close to 100%. All samples were analyzed using external calibration. The developed method is sensitive and promising for routine monitoring of the selected species in environmental waters and biological samples.

A Ratiometric Fluorescence Amplification Using Copper Nanoclusters with o-Phenylenediamine Sensor for Determination of Mercury (II) in Natural Water

A simple and rapid method for determining mercury (II) has been developed using L-cysteine-capped copper nanocluster (CuNCs) with o-phenylenediamine (OPD) as the sensor. The characteristic fluorescence peak of the synthesized CuNCs was observed at 460 nm. The fluorescence properties of CuNCs were strongly influenced by the addition of mercury (II). Upon addition, CuNCs were oxidized to form Cu²⁺. Then, the OPD were rapidly oxidized by Cu²⁺ to form o-phenylenediamine oxide (oxOPD), as evidenced by the strong fluorescence peak at 547 nm, resulting in a decrease in the fluorescence intensity at 460 nm and an increase in the fluorescence intensity at 547 nm. Under optimal conditions, a calibration curve between the fluorescence ratio (I547/I460) and mercury (II) concentration was constructed with a linearity of 0-1000 µg L^-1. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were found at 18.0 µg L^-1 and 62.0 µg L^-1, respectively. The recovery percentage was in the range of 96.8-106.4%. The developed method was also compared with the standard ICP-OES method. The results were found to be not significantly different at a 95% confidence level (t_stat = 0.365 < t_crit = 2.262). This demonstrated that the developed method could be applied for detecting mercury (II) in natural water samples.

Unraveling the Complex Composition of Produced Water by Specialized Extraction Methodologies

Produced water (PW), a waste byproduct of oil and gas extraction, is a complex mixture containing numerous organic solubles and elemental species; these constituents range from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to naturally occurring radioactive materials. Identification of these compounds is critical in developing reuse and disposal protocols to minimize environmental contamination and health risks. In this study, versatile extraction methodologies were investigated for the untargeted analysis of PW. Thin-film solid-phase microextraction with hydrophilic-lipophilic balance particles was utilized for the extraction of organic solubles from eight PW samples from the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford formation in Texas. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis found a total of 266 different organic constituents including 1,4-dioxane, atrazine, pyridine, and PAHs. The elemental composition of PW was evaluated using dispersive solid-phase extraction followed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, utilizing a new coordinating sorbent, poly(pyrrole-1-carboxylic acid). This confirmed the presence of 29 elements including rare earth elements, as well as hazardous metals such as Cr, Cd, Pb, and U. Utilizing chemometric analysis, both approaches facilitated the discrimination of each PW sample based on their geochemical origin with a prediction accuracy above 90% using partial least-squares-discriminant analysis, paving the way for PW origin tracing in the environment.

Preconcentration and determination of trace Hg(ii) using ultrasound-assisted dispersive solid phase microextraction

Defect rich molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) nanosheets were hydrothermally synthesized and their potential for ultrasound assisted dispersive solid phase microextraction of trace Hg(ii) ions was assessed. Ultrasonic dispersion allows the MoS₂ nanosheets to chelate rapidly and evenly with Hg(ii) ions and results in improving the precision and minimizing the extraction time. The multiple defect rich surface was characterized by X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The surface charge of intrinsically sulfur rich MoS₂ nanosheets and their elemental composition was characterized by zeta potential measurements, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The cracks and holes on the basal planes of MoS₂ led to diffusion of the Hg(ii) ions into the interior channels. Inner-sphere chelation along with outer-sphere electrostatic interaction were the proposed mechanism for the Hg(ii) adsorption onto the MoS₂ surface. The experimental data showed good selectivity of MoS₂ nanosheets towards Hg(ii) adsorption. The systematic and constant errors of the proposed method were ruled out by the analysis of the Standard Reference Material (>95% recovery with <5% RSD). The Student's t-test values for the analyzed Standard Reference Material were found to be less than the critical Student's t value at 95% confidence level. The limit of detection (3S) was found to be 0.01 ng mL⁻¹. The MoS₂ nanosheets were successfully employed for the analysis of Hg(ii) in environmental water samples.

Hg(ii) ion adsorption onto an MoS₂ surface.

Semiautomatic method for the ultra-trace arsenic speciation in environmental and biological samples via magnetic solid phase extraction prior to HPLC-ICP-MS determination

A novel magnetic functionalized material based on graphene oxide and magnetic nanoparticles (MGO) was used to develop a magnetic solid phase extraction method (MSPE) to enrich both, inorganic and organic arsenic species in environmental waters and biological samples. An automatic flow injection (FI) system was used to preconcentrate the arsenic species simultaneously, while the ultra-trace separation and determination of arsenobetaine (AsBet), cacodylate, As^III and As^V species were achieved by high performance liquid chromatography combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS). The sample was introduced in the FI system where the MSPE was performed, then 1 mL of eluent was collected in a chromatographic vial, which was introduced in the autosampler of HPLC-ICP-MS. Therefore, preconcentration and separation/determination processes were automatic and conducted separately. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first method combining an automatic MSPE with HPLC-ICP-MS for arsenic speciation, using a magnetic nanomaterial based on MGO for automatic MSPE. Under the optimized conditions, the LODs for the arsenic species were 3.8 ng L^-1 AsBet, 0.5 ng L^-1 cacodylate, 1.1 ng L^-1 As^III and 0.2 ng L^-1 As^V with RSDs <5%. The developed method was validated by analyzing Certified Reference Materials for total As concentration (fortified lake water TMDA 64.3 and seawater CASS-6 NRC) and also by recovery analysis of the arsenic species in urine, well-water and seawater samples collected in Málaga. The developed method has shown promise for routine monitoring of arsenic species in environmental waters and biological fluids.

Sensitive and selective determination of trace amounts of mercury ions using a dimercaprol functionalized graphene quantum dot modified glassy carbon electrode

A novel nanomaterial is synthesized based on the functionalization of graphene quantum dot with dimercaprol (GQD-DMC). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are used to approve the successful synthesis of GQD-DMC. The synthesized nanomaterial is used as an electrode modifier for the sensitive and selective determination of mercury(ii) ions in real water samples. The method of evaluation is based on the pre-concentration of mercury ions on the GQD-DMC modified glassy carbon electrode, reduction of Hg(ii), and anodic stripping voltammetric measurement of these reduced ions in a buffer solution. The pre-concentration of mercury ions is driven by the affinity interaction between the surface containing functional groups of DMC and Hg(ii) ions. The GQD-DMC modified glassy carbon electrode (GQD-DMC/GCE) shows extra sensitivity and selectivity for mercury(ii) detection, which is assumed to be due to the increased surface area as well as the presence of sulfur-containing functional groups on the modified structure.

Amine functionalized polyacrylonitrile fibers for the selective preconcentration of trace metals prior to their on-line determination by ICP-MS

Amine functionalized polyacrylonitrile fibers (PANFs) were prepared and applied for the simultaneous separation and preconcentration of V(v), As(iii), Sn(iv), Sb(iii) and Bi(ii) from environmental water samples in this paper. The functional PANFs were first prepared by nucleophilic substitution reaction between hydroxylamine hydrochloride and polyacrylonitrile fibers, and then the reactant obtained in the first step was subjected to a ring opening reaction with epichlorohydrin, followed by modification with triethylenetetramine (TETA). The structure of the final polymer fibers was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and the morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A home-made solid phase extraction (SPE) pretreatment column was filled with PANFs, and then online connected with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for quantitative determination of metal ions. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the target metal ions were eluted rapidly and quantitatively using 0.3 mol L-1 HNO3 solution. Only with 30 mL sample solution, high enrichment factors of 120 were obtained for V(v), As(iii), Sn(iv) and Sb(iii), and 115 for Bi(ii), respectively. The detection limits achieved were low: 1.2, 0.9, 1.7, 1.5 and 2.3 ng L-1 for V(v), As(iii), Sn(iv), Sb(iii) and Bi(ii), respectively, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were below 3.0%. The advanced fiber materials prepared in this work have the advantages of low cost, environmental friendliness and high adsorption efficiency, and the on-line preconcentration method has greatly improved the analysis efficiency. Finally, the feasibility and accuracy of the method were validated by successfully analyzing Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) as well as lake, river and sea water samples.

Thiol functionalized covalent organic framework for highly selective enrichment and detection of mercury by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

A spherical thiol-functionalized covalent organic framework (COF-SH) was designed via a facile thiol-yne click reaction of a alkynyl-terminated COF and pentaerythritol tetra(3-mercaptopropionate). The COF-SH was explored as a new adsorbent for the selective enrichment of Hg2+. The as-prepared COF-SH exhibited a uniform mesoporous structure, a high abundance of binding sites, and good chemical stability, which endow it with great performance for the adsorption of Hg2+ and its corresponding maximum adsorption capacity was up to 617.3 mg g-1. Furthermore, the adsorption behavior of Hg2+ on the COF-SH wasin good agreement with the Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models. The influences of adsorbent dosage, pH, selectivity, and reusability of the COF-SH on Hg2+ adsorption were also investigated. Besides this, the COF-SH showed high selectivity towards Hg2+ even in the presence of a high concentration of K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Zn2+ metal ions. Using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), the corresponding limit of detection (LOD) of Hg2+ was determined at very low concentrations of 80 pg mL-1 (equal to 396 amoL μL-1). In addition, the COF-SH was successfully applied to rapidly enrich and sensitively detect Hg2+ in industrial sewage, with recoveries in the range of 101.8-103.4%, demonstrating the promising potential of COF-SH as an effective adsorbent for use in environmental sample pretreatment.

MSIS-МP-АЕS determination of As and Sb in complex matrices by magnetic nanoparticles-assisted hydride generation

The advantages of the microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES) for hydride generation (HG) by means of modified Multi Mode Sample Introduction System (MSIS®) have been revealed for analysis of As and Sb in complex real samples. Two main outcomes have been achieved: (i) reliable analysis and higher tolerability to less diluted matrices and (ii) a multifold reduction in the methodological limits of detection (MLOD). For the first time in real samples analysis the HG is assisted by silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) (∼2 mg mL^-1 MnFe₂O₄@SiO₂) added to the hydrogenation reagent stream (1.5% NaBH₄). This innovative approach provides smooth hydrides generation from problematic matrices, better gas-liquid separation and steady gas transport from the MSIS chamber. The effect is due to the elimination of NaBH₄ delivery interruptions, the foam suppression in the reactor and levelling the carbon amount carried to the MP. The used inert MNPs could be collected from the drain with a permanent magnet and appear to be recyclable and reusable without memory effect or efficiency loss. The achieved benefits are demonstrated in the determination of As and Sb in three types of complex matrices: industrial electrolyte with high dissolved solids content, human urine prone to intensive foam creation, and sparkling mineral water releasing CO₂.

Magnetic Solid Phase Extraction as a Promising Technique for Fast Separation of Metallic Nanoparticles and Their Ionic Species: A Review of Recent Advances

The widespread use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in a wide variety of industrial as well as medical sectors is indisputable. This leads to a new concern about their presence in various environmental compartments. Since their negative effect and potential toxicity impact have been confirmed, analytical chemists focus on the development of different procedures for their reliable detection, identification, characterization, and quantification, not only in homogenous and simple matrices but also in complex environmental matrices. However, nanoparticles and their ionic species can coexist and their toxicity may differ; therefore, novel analytical approaches are necessary to monitor not only the nanoparticles but also their ionic species. The aim of this article is to bring a review of recent works where magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) procedures in connection with spectrometric methods were used for separation/preconcentration and quantification of (1) silver and gold ions in various environmental samples, (2) AgNPs and AuNPs in real water samples in the presence of various coexisting ions, and (3) both species (it means Ag ions and AgNPs; Au ions and AuNPs) in real water samples. The results presented herein show the great analytical potential of MSPE procedures in connection with spectrometric methods used in these fields and can be helpful in guiding analytical chemists who aim to work on this subject.

Sample Preparation Using Graphene-Oxide-Derived Nanomaterials for the Extraction of Metals

Graphene oxide is a compound with a form similar to graphene, composed of carbon atoms in a sp2 single-atom layer of a hybrid connection. Due to its significant surface area and its good mechanical and thermal stability, graphene oxide has a plethora of applications in various scientific fields including heterogenous catalysis, gas storage, environmental remediation, etc. In analytical chemistry, graphene oxide has been successfully employed for the extraction and preconcentration of organic compounds, metal ions, and proteins. Since graphene oxide sheets are negatively charged in aqueous solutions, the material and its derivatives are ideal sorbents to bind with metal ions. To date, various graphene oxide nanocomposites have been successfully synthesized and evaluated for the extraction and preconcentration of metal ions from biological, environmental, agricultural, and food samples. In this review article, we aim to discuss the application of graphene oxide and functionalized graphene oxide nanocomposites for the extraction of metal ions prior to their determination via an instrumental analytical technique. Applications of ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents for the modification of graphene oxide and its functionalized derivatives are also discussed.