Determination of Cu2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ in biological and food samples by FAAS after preconcentration with hydroxyapatite nanorods originated from eggshell

Architecture of Easy-to-Synthesize and Superior Probe Based on Aminoquinoline Appended Naphthoquinone: Instant and On-Site Cu2+ Ion Quantification in Real Samples and Unusual Crystal Structure and Logic Gate Operations

Easy-to-synthesize aminoquinoline (AQ) appended naphthoquinone (NQ)-based colorimetric and ratiometric probe (AQNQ) was successfully synthesized in one step with high yield and low cost, and was utilized to supply an effective solution to critical shortcomings encountered in Cu2+ analysis. The structure of AQNQ and its interaction with Cu2+ forming an unusual AQNQ-Cu complex were enlightened with single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and different spectroscopic methods. AQNQ-Cu complex is the first Cu2+ containing dinuclear crystal where the octahedral coordination sphere is fulfilled through the coordination of a NQ oxygen atom. AQNQ exhibited long-term stability (more than 1 month), superior probe ability toward Cu2+ with quite fast response (30 s), high selectivity among many ions, and limit of detection of 12.13 ppb that is significantly below the highest amount of Cu2+ allowed in drinking water established by both WHO and EPA. Ratiometric determination of Cu2+ using AQNQ was performed with high recovery and low RSD values for drinking water, tap water, lake water, cherry, and watermelon samples. Colorimetric on-site determination including smartphone and paper strip applications, IMPLICATION, and INHIBIT logic gate applications were successfully carried out. The reversibility and reusability of the response to Cu2+ ions with the paper strip application were examined for the first time.

Biosorption of lead ion by lactic acid bacteria and the application in wastewater

Through the study of biosorption of Pb2+ by lactic acid bacteria, two strains called CN-011 and CN-005 with high tolerance and great adsorption to lead were screened. The minimum bactericidal concentration of lead ions for both CN-011 and CN-005 was 1.45 mmol/L. The optimal culture conditions for the removal of 30 mg/L lead ions were achieved by culturing lactic acid bacteria at an initial pH of 7.0, 37 °C and 120 rpm for 48 h. The adsorption rate of CN-011 and CN-005 for Pb2+ were 85.95% and 86.78%, respectively. In simulated wastewater samples, the average adsorption rate of Pb2+ was 73.38% for CN-011 and 74.15% for CN-005. The mechanism of biosorption was characterized by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectrometer, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, which revealed that Pb2+ mainly reacted with hydroxyl ions in peptidoglycan or polysaccharide, and carboxylate radical in teichoic acid or protein on the surface of lactic acid bacteria cell wall. The deposits produced on the bacterial surface were identified as lead oxide and lead nitrate.

Direct magnetic sorbent sampling flame atomic absorption spectrometry (DMSS-FAAS) for highly sensitive determination of trace metals

A procedure of direct magnetic sorbent sampling in flame atomic absorption spectrometry (DMSS-FAAS) was developed in this work. Metal-loaded magnetic sorbents were directly inserted in the flame of the FAAS for direct metal desorption/atomization. Magnetic graphene oxide aerogel (M-GOA) particles were synthesized, characterized, and used as a proof-of-concept in the magnetic dispersive solid phase extraction of Pb²⁺ ions from water samples. M-GOA was selected because is a light and porous sorbent, with high adsorption capacity, that is quickly burned by the flame. Magnetic particles were directly inserted in the flame by using a metallic magnetic probe, thereby avoiding the need for a chemical elution step. As all the extracted Pb²⁺ ions arrive to the flame without passing through the nebulization system, a drastic increase in the analytical signal was achieved. The improvement in the sensitivity of the proposed method (DMSS-FAAS) for Pb²⁺ determination was at least 40 times higher than the conventional procedure in which the Pb²⁺ is extracted, eluted, and analyzed by conventional flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) via the nebulization system. The analytical curve was linear from 5.0 to 180.0 μg L^-1 and the limit of detection was found to be 1.30 μg L^-1. Background measurements were insignificant, and the atomic absorption peaks were narrow and reproducible. Precision assessed as a percentage of the relative standard deviation %RSD was found to be 17.4, 7.1, and 7.8% for 10, 70, and 180 μg L^-1 levels, respectively. The method showed satisfactory results even in the presence of other ions (Al³⁺, Cr³⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, Mn²⁺, Ba²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Li⁺). The performance of the new system was also evaluated for Cd²⁺ ions, as well as by using other magnetic particles available in our lab: magnetic carbon nanotubes (M-CNTs), magnetic restricted access carbon nanotubes (M-RACNT), magnetic poly (methacrylic acid-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (M-PMA), magnetic nanoparticles coated with orange powder peel (M-OPP), and magnetic nanoparticles covered with SiO₂ (M - SiO₂). Analytical signals increased for both analytes in all sorbents (increases of about 4-37 times), attesting the high potential and applicability of the proposed method. Simplicity, high analytical frequency, high detectability and reproducibility, low cost, and possibility of being totally mechanized are the most relevant advantages.

Egg-derived porous plasma modified clay composite for wastewater remediation

Clays are often envisaged as an alternative to activated carbon for wastewater pollutant adsorption. However, conclusive results have only been obtained for clays heavily chemically modified. In this study, a greener approach is proposed to improve the retention capacity of clays. It consists in mixing clay (C) with eggshell (ES) and calcine, and then exposing to gliding arc plasma (ESC-800/PL). The resulting materials were characterized by nitrogen physisorption, FTIR, XRD, TGA/DTG, and point of zero charge analyses. The preparation gives porous platelet agglomerates resulting from the kaolinite-metakaolinite transition, thereby increasing their internal specific surface area and capacity to retain pollutants. This granular distribution is kept stable by partial pozzolanic reactions avoiding deagglomeration. The specific surface area and total pore volume increased respectively from 14 m² g^-1 and 0.049 cm³ g^-1 to 89 m² g^-1 and 0.061 cm³ g^-1 leading to an enhanced removal efficiency of Fast Green and Orange G dyes from polluted water. The maximum adsorption capacity occurred at 298 K attaining values of 32.34 and 14.78 mg g^-1 for OG and FG, respectively. The pH plays a crucial role in the maximum sorption of dyes, and the experimental data were successfully adjusted to pseudo-first-order kinetic and Liu isotherm model.

Applications of Nano Hydroxyapatite as Adsorbents: A Review

Nano hydroxyapatite (Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂, HAp) has aroused widespread attention as a green and environmentally friendly adsorbent due to its outstanding ability in removing heavy metal ions, radio nuclides, organic pollutants and fluoride ions for wastewater treatment. The hexagonal crystal structure of HAp supports the adsorption mechanisms including ionic exchange reaction, surface complexation, the co-precipitation of new partially soluble phases and physical adsorption such as electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding. However, nano HAp has some drawbacks such as agglomeration and a significant pressure drop during filtration when used in powder form. Therefore, instead of using nano HAp alone, researchers have worked on modificationsand composites of nano HAp to overcome these issues and enhance the adsorption capacity. The modification of cationic doping and organic molecule grafting for nano HAp can promote the immobilization of ions and then increase adsorption capacity. Developing nano HAp composite with biopolymers such as gelatin, chitosan and chitin has proven to obtain a synergetic effect for improving the adsorption capacity of composites, in which nano HAp fixed and dispersed in polymers can playmuch more of a role for adsorption. This review summarizes the adsorption properties and adsorbent applications of nano HAp as well as the methods to enhance the adsorption capacity of nano HAp.

Inorganic nanoparticles coupled to nucleic acid enzymes as analytical signal amplification tools

Nucleic acid enzymes (NAzymes) are a class of nucleic acid molecules with catalytic activity, which can be modulated by the presence of different species such as metal ions, genetic biomarkers, small molecules or proteins, among others. NAzymes offer several important advantages for development of novel bioanalytical strategies, resulting from their functionality as specific recognition elements and as amplified analytical signal generators, making them ideal candidates for developing highly specific bioanalytical strategies for the detection of a wide variety of targets. When coupled with the exceptional features of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs), the sensitivity of the assays can be significantly improved, allowing the detection of targets using many different detection techniques including visual readout, spectrophotometry, fluorimetry, electrochemiluminescence, voltammetry, and single-particle inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Here we provide an overview of the fundamentals of novel strategies developed to achieve analytical signal amplification based on the use of NAzymes coupled with inorganic NPs. Some representative examples of such strategies for the highly sensitive detection of different targets will be presented, including metal ions, proteins, DNA- or RNA-based biomarkers, and small molecules or microorganisms. Furthermore, future prospective challenges will be discussed.

A synthesized ternary polymer composite and its use for SPE of trace metals in Coffee, tea and legumes

A new synthesized ternary polymer composite, polystyrene/polyacrylonitrile/polyindole (PSt/PAN/PIN), was used as an adsorbent. The structure of synthesized composite was supported by FTIR, BET, X-RD, TGA, SEM and AFM technique. A SPE method with synthesized composite was developed for the preconcentration of chromium, copper, iron, manganese, lead and zinc ions. The adsorption capacity were found in the range of 37.4-56.7 mg g^-1. Under the best conditions, the preconcentration factor of method was found as 100. Relative standard deviation was found at ≤ 3.3% (n = 11). The detection limits of analytes were obtained as: 0.9 μg L^-1 for Cr(III), 1.2 μg L^-1 for Cu(II), 2.0 μg L^-1 for Fe(III), 1.4 μg L^-1 for Mn(II), 0.9 μg L^-1 for Pb(II) and 2.0 µg L^-1 for Zn(II). Firstly, this SPE method was applied to certified reference material, and than coffee, tea, legumes. The trace metals was analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry.

Novel fluorescent nano-sensor based on amino-functionalization of Eu3+:SrSnO3 for copper ion detection in food and real drink water samples

Lanthanide-doped nanoparticles exhibit unique optical properties and have been widely utilized for different sensing applications. Herein, the Eu3+:SrSnO3@APTS nanosensor was synthesized and its optical properties were analyzed using UV-Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The TEM images of the synthesized nanophosphor Eu3+:SrSnO3@APTS exhibited peanut-like morphology, composed of two or more spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter ∼33 nm. Effects of environmental pH values and doping concentrations as well as amino functionalization on the structure of Eu3+:SrSnO3 were investigated. The as-synthesized optical nanosensor was used for determination of copper ions based on a fluorescence quenching approach. Red emission with a long lifetime was obtained in the case of the 0.06 mol Eu3+:SrSnO3@APTS sample. Under the optimal experimental conditions, a Stern-Volmer plot exhibited a good linearity for copper ions over the concentration (0.00-10.8) × 10-11 mol L-1 with a correlation efficient of 0.996 and a limit of detection 3.4 × 10-12 mol L-1. The fluorescent sensor was dynamically quenched via a coulombic interaction mechanism between the Eu3+ (5L6) and Cu2+. The Eu3+:SrSnO3@APTS nanosensor with the optimal Eu3+ dopant concentration of 0.06 mol was applied for copper determination in food and real drink water samples with high recovery values. We believe that the developed nanosensor probe can also be used for the detection of other toxic compounds, with high selectivity and sensitivity.

Chemically modified rice husk as an effective adsorbent for removal of palladium ions

Bio-matrix of rice husk and Mobil Composition of Matter No. 41 (MCM-41) was modified with alizarin red S for preconcentration of Pd²⁺ prior flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination. The prepared bio-matrix (RH@MCM-41@ARS) was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM/EDX) and surface area studies. The impact of different parameters (solution pH, amount of sorbent, contact time, sample volume, initial Pd²⁺ concentration and diverse ions) on the uptake of Pd²⁺ were evaluated. The maximum adsorption capacity of Pd²⁺ onto RH@MCM-41@ARS was 198.2 mg g^-1 at optimum conditions. Applying the optimized procedure as a preconcentration step led to limit of detection of 0.13 μg L^-1 and dynamic analytical range up to 500 μg L^-1. The sorbent was regenerated by 0.5 mol L^-1 thiourea for at least 10 cycles without significant reduction of adsorption capacity. The method was applied for preconcentration of Pd²⁺ from real samples.

A rationally designed peptoid for the selective chelation of Zn2+ over Cu2

The selective removal of Zn²⁺ from proteins by using a synthetic chelator is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of various diseases including cancer. Although the chelation of Zn²⁺ is well known, its removal from a protein in the presence of potential competing biologically relevant ions such as Cu²⁺ is hardly explored. Herein we present a peptoid - N-substituted glycine trimer - incorporating a picolyl group at the N-terminus, a non-coordinating but structurally directing benzyl group at the C-terminus and a 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine group in the second position, that selectively binds Zn²⁺ ions in the presence of excess Cu²⁺ ions in water. We further demonstrate that this chelator can selectively bind Zn²⁺ from a pool of excess biologically relevant and competitive ions (Cu²⁺, Fe³⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺) in a simulated body fluid (SBF), and also its ability to remove Zn²⁺ from a natural zinc protein domain (PYKCPECGKSFSQKSDLVKHQRTHTG) in a SBF.

A label-free lead(II) ion sensor based on surface plasmon resonance and DNAzyme-gold nanoparticle conjugates

Detection of lead(II) (Pb²⁺) ions in water is important for the protection of human health and environment. The growing demand for onsite detection still faces challenges for sensitive and easy-to-use methods. In this work, a novel surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor based on GR-5 DNAzyme and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was developed. Thiolated DNAzyme was immobilized on the gold surface of the sensor chip followed by anchoring the substrate-functionalized AuNPs through the DNAzyme-substrate hybridization. The coupling between the localized surface plasmon (LSP) of AuNPs and the surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) on the gold sensor surface was used to improve the sensitivity. The substrate cleavage in the presence of Pb²⁺ ions was catalyzed by DNAzyme, leading to the removal of AuNPs and the diminished LSP-SPP coupling. The optimal detection limit was 80 pM for the sensor fabricated with 1 μM DNAzyme, corresponding to two or three orders of magnitude lower than the toxicity levels of Pb²⁺ in drinking water defined by WHO and USEPA. By tuning the surface coverage of DNAzyme, the sensitivity and dynamic range could be controlled. This sensor also featured high selectivity to Pb²⁺ ions and simple detection procedure. Successful detection of Pb²⁺ ions in groundwater indicates that this method has the prospect in the onsite detection of Pb²⁺ ions in water. Given the variety of AuNPs and metal-specific DNAzymes, this detection strategy would lead to the development of more sensitive and versatile heavy metal sensors. Graphical abstract.

Dopamine-modified magnetic graphene oxide as a recoverable sorbent for the preconcentration of metal ions by an effervescence-assisted dispersive micro solid-phase extraction procedure

Nanomagnetic graphene oxide modified with dopamine (GO-Fe3O4-DA) was synthesized via a very simple procedure. Using GO-Fe3O4-DA as the new adsorbent, the effervescence-assisted dispersive micro solid-phase extraction procedure was exploited for the preconcentrative extraction of Cu(ii), Pb(ii) and Ni(ii) ions. Structural characteristics of the adsorbent were studied via FT-IR, FE-SEM, EDX and XRD analyses. The rapid dispersion and high adsorption capability of GO-Fe3O4-DA, along with the rapid separation of the adsorbent from the aqueous phase by a magnet, led to a decrease in the extraction time of the target metal ions. In effect, high extraction percentages were attained in a very short time period. In this work, the relative standard deviations (RSD; n = 3) calculated for the proposed method were 1.09, 1.25 and 1.03% for the Pb(ii), Cu(ii) and Ni(ii) ions, respectively, the calibration curve was dynamically linear in the range of 0.25 to 50 μg L-1, and the limits of detection were obtained as 0.5, 0.1, and 0.7 μg L-1. The procedure was also implemented on real sausage (herbal and meaty) samples and a water sample, vouchsafing the success of the proposed method in tackling real samples with a complicated matrix.

A new thiourea derivative [2-(3-ethylthioureido)benzoic acid] for cloud point extraction of some trace metals in water, biological and food samples

2-(3-Ethylthioureido)benzoic acid was prepared and characterized by electronic spectrum, elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum and mass spectrum. The produced ligand was applied for the preconcentrative of Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ in aqueous samples by cloud point extraction methodology. Triton X-114 was used as extractant. Experimental parameters that may affect the extraction process were examined and optimized; such as pH, ligand and triton concentrations, type of diluting solvent, extraction temperature and ionic strength. The calibration curves were linear upto 500μgL^-1 for Fe³⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ and upto 200μgL^-1 for Co²⁺. The achieved detection limits were 1.5, 0.23, 0.71 and 0.35μgL^-1 for Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ respectively. The accuracy was established by analysis of certified reference materials (Seronorm whole blood L2 and ZCS ZC85006 Tomato). The proposed procedure was used for preconcentration of these metal ions in water, biological and food samples prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry.

Solid Phase Extraction and Preconcentration of Trace Gallium, Indium, and Thallium Using New Modified Amino Silica

Amino silica gel functionalized with 2-hydroxy-5 -(2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)benzoic acid was synthesized, characterized and used as adsorbent for the removal of Ga³⁺, In³⁺ and Tl³⁺ from aqueous solution prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Experimental parameters that affect the separation process were investigated in both batch and column modes. The maximum adsorption capacities of the sorbent are 61.7 mg g^-1, 81.3 mg g^-1 and 133.0 mg g^-1 for Ga³⁺, In³⁺ and Tl³⁺, respectively. The preconcentration factor is 200 and the limits of detection of Ga³⁺, In³⁺ and Tl³⁺ are 4.10 μg L^-1, 1.55 μg L^-1 and 1.21 μg L^-1, respectively. Interference by Al³⁺ can be masked by the addition of F^-; and that of Fe³⁺ by its reduction to Fe²⁺ using 10% ascorbic acid. The method was successfully applied for the determination of these ions in water, sediments and liquid crystal display samples.

Removal of lead by apatite and its stability in the presence of organic acids

In this study, lead sorption and desorption tests were conducted with apatite and organic acids (i.e. citric, malic, and formic acids) to understand lead removal by apatite in the presence of an organic acid and lead dissolution from the lead- and organic-acid-sorbed apatite by such organic acid exposure. The lead sorption test showed that the amount of lead removed by apatite in the presence of organic acid varied depending on the type of acid used. The molar amounts of calcium dissolved from apatite in the presence and absence of organic acid were exactly the same as those of lead removed even under different pH conditions as well as different organic acid concentrations, indicating that the varying amount of lead removal in the presence of different organic acids resulted from the magnitude of the dissolution of apatite and the precipitation of lead phosphate minerals. The percentages of lead dissolved from the organic-acid-sorbed and non-organic-acid-sorbed apatite by all the organic acid extractions were equal and higher than those by water extraction. In particular, the highest extractions were observed in the non-organic-acid-sorbed apatite by citric and malic acids. These results suggest that to immobilize lead by the use of apatite in the presence of organic acids, much more apatite must be added than in the absence of organic acid, and that measures must be taken to ensure that the immobilized lead is not dissolved.

New modified cellulose nanoparticles for solid-phase extraction of some metal ions in biological and water samples

A preconcentration procedure for heavy metal ions in biological and water samples has been presented. The procedure is based on the sorption of Cu2+, Cd2+, Hg2+, and Pb2+ on cellulose nanoparticles modified with folic acid. The prepared adsorbent was characterized by FT-IR, SEM, TEM, and BET measurements. Potentiometric titration is used to prove the complexation between metal ions and the modified cellulose as well as to calculate the cation-exchange capacity of the sorbent. The influences of the analytical parameters including pH, amount of adsorbent, shaking time, temperature, conditions of desorption, and the effects of matrix ions were studied. Under the optimized conditions, the calibration curves for Cu2+, Cd2+, Hg2+, and Pb2+ were linear in the range of 2.7–200, 0.5–50, 0.37–150, and 10–300 μg L−1, respectively. The detection limits (3s, n = 10) for Cu2+, Cd2+, Hg2+, and Pb2+ were 0.81, 0.15, 0.11, and 3.9 μg L−1, respectively. The proposed method offers a preconcentration factor of 200 for all of the ions studied and an enhancement factor for Cu2+, Cd2+, Hg2+, and Pb2+ of 40.0, 30.8, 40.4, and 34.2, respectively. The accuracy of the suggested method was tested by analyzing spiked samples. The method was successfully applied to the determination of these metal ions in water and blood samples.

Bovine serum albumin-Cu(II) hybrid nanoflowers: An effective adsorbent for solid phase extraction and slurry sampling flame atomic absorption spectrometric analysis of cadmium and lead in water, hair, food and cigarette samples

Herein, the synthesis of bovine serum albumin-Cu(II) hybrid nanoflowers (BSA-NFs) through the building blocks of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and copper(II) ions in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and their use as adsorbent for cadmium and lead ions are reported. The BSA-NFs, for the first time, were efficiently utilized as novel adsorbent for solid phase extraction (SPE) of cadmium and lead ions in water, food, cigarette and hair samples. The method is based on the separation and pre-concentration of Cd(II) and Pb(II) by BSA-NFs prior to determination by slurry analysis via flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The analytes were adsorbed on BSA-NFs under the vortex mixing and then the ion-loaded slurry was separated and directly introduced into the flame AAS nebulizer by using a hand-made micro sample introduction system to eliminate a number of drawbacks. The effects of analytical key parameters, such as pH, amount of BSA-NFs, vortexing time, sample volume, and matrix effect of foreign ions on adsorbing of Cd(II) and Pb(II) were systematically investigated and optimized. The limits of detection (LODs) for Cd(II) and Pb(II) were calculated as 0.37 μg L(-)(1) and 8.8 μg L(-)(1), respectively. The relative standard deviation percentages (RSDs) (N = 5) for Cd(II) and Pb(II) were 7.2%, and 5.0%, respectively. The accuracy of the developed procedure was validated by the analysis of certified reference materials (TMDA-53.3 Fortified Water, TMDA-70 Fortified Water, SPS-WW2 Waste Water, NCSDC-73349 Bush Branches and Leaves) and by addition/recovery analysis. The quantitative recoveries were obtained for the analysis of certified reference materials and addition/recovery tests. The method was successfully applied to the analysis of cadmium and lead in water, food, cigarette and hair samples.

Lanthanide metal–organic frameworks as selective microporous materials for adsorption of heavy metal ions

Four microporous lanthanide metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), namely Ln(BTC)(H₂O)(DMF)_1.1 (Ln = Tb, Dy, Er and Yb, DMF = dimethylformamide, H₃BTC = benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid), have been used for selective adsorption of Pb(ii) and Cu(ii).

Microwave assisted decoration of titanium oxide nanotubes with CuFe2O4 quantum dots for solid phase extraction of uranium

Titanium oxide nanotubes decorated with CuFe₂O₄ quantum dots were prepared and characterized. The prepared nanotubes were used for solid phase extraction of U(vi) in real samples.