Determination of gadolinium in river water by SPE preconcentration and ICP-MS

Investigation of anthropogenic gadolinium in tap water of polish cities: Gdańsk, Kraków, Warszawa, and Wrocław

In urban areas where tap water is often produced by a purification of water supplied from a river bank filtration, a significant fraction of gadolinium (Gd) total pool is of an anthropogenic origin. It happens because Gd-based contrast agents used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are not removed during wastewater treatment and they are discharged to the environment and returned to the water cycle. Despite the growing number of MRI examinations worldwide, little is known about the anthropogenic Gd in Polish surface water as well as drinking water. The aim of this pilot study was to gain information about the occurrence of emergent pollution as Gd in potable water available for inhabitants of Polish municipal areas. Tap water samples from Gdańsk, Kraków, Wrocław and Warszawa were analyzed by an inductively coupled plasma quadrupole mass spectrometry after their preconcentration by a seaFAST-pico chromatographic system. In this study, the sum of REE was in the range registered in the drinking waters of European urban regions (usually below 100 ng/L). The highest values of the sum of REE total concentrations were observed in the tap water samples collected in Warszawa (37.7 ng/L) and Wrocław (35.9 ng/L and 32.9 ng/L), where water supplies originate from the Wisła River and Oława River, respectively. The highest total Gd concentration was observed in the tap water of Warszawa city where the anthropogenic Gd fraction represented about 90% of the total Gd. The lowest values of the sum REE were registered in tap waters of Gdańsk (sum of REE below 2.2 ng/L) with up to 17% of the anthropogenic Gd. Thus, our study showed the occurrence of the anthropogenic Gd in all analyzed tap waters.

Investigation of potential anthropogenic pollution of rare metals in Tama River followed by establishment of a comprehensive multielement analysis of major-to-ultratrace elements in river water and sewage treatment effluent

In this study, comprehensive multi-element analysis of at least 53 elements, including 40 rare metals, in river water at all points from upstream to the estuary in urban rivers and sewage treatment effluent was established using three analytical methods of ICP-MS, chelating solid-phase extraction (SPE)/ICP-MS, and reflux-type heating acid decomposition/chelating SPE/ICP-MS. Recoveries of some elements for sewage treatment effluent in chelating SPE were improved by being combined with reflux-type heating acid decomposition, because organic substances, such as EDTA, in sewage treatment effluent could be effectively decomposed. In particular, the reflux-type heating acid decomposition/chelating SPE/ICP-MS method enabled the determination of Co, In, Eu, Pr, Sm, Tb, and Tm, which had been difficult to determine in chelating SPE/ICP-MS without this decomposition procedure. A potential anthropogenic pollution (PAP) of rare metals in Tama River was investigated by the established analytical methods. As a result, 25 elements in river water samples from the inflow area of sewage treatment effluent were several to several dozen times higher than those in the clean area. In particular, the concentrations of Mn, Co, Ni, Ge, Rb, Mo, Cs, Gd, and Pt increased by more than one order of magnitude compared to the river water from clean area. These elements were suggested to be PAP. The concentrations of Gd in the effluents from five sewage treatment plants ranged from 60 to 120 ng L^-1, 40 to 80 times higher than those in clean river water, and all sewage treatment plants effluents showed the definite elevation of Gd concentrations. This indicates that MRI contrast agent leakage is occurring in all sewage treatment effluents. In addition, concentrations of 16 rare metal elements (Li, B, Ti, Cr, Mn, Ni, Ga, Ge, Se, Rb, Mo, In, Cs, Ba, W, and Pt) in all sewage treatment effluents were higher than those in clean river water, suggesting that many rare metal elements may be PAP. In the river water after the merging of sewage treatment effluent, the concentrations of Gd and In were higher than the reported values about 20 years ago.

Optical chemical sensor of Gd(iii) based on 5-(2′-bromophenyl- azo)-6-hydroxypyrimidine-2,4-dione immobilized on poly(methyl methacrylate) and 2-nitrophenyloctylether matrix

A novel optical chemical sensor (optode) was fabricated for the determination of Gadolinium ions. The optical sensor was prepared by incorporating a recently synthesized ionophore, 5-(2′-bromophenylazo)-6-hydroxy pyrimidine-2,4-dione (BPAHPD), and 2-nitrophenyloctylether (NPOE) as a plasticizer in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) membrane. The color of the sensing membrane in contact with Gd(iii) ions changed from yellow to red-orange due to the adsorption of Gd(iii) with the maximum absorbance (λ_max) at 563 nm. The chemical sensor responds optimally towards Gd(iii) ions at the optimum conditions of pH 7.5, contact time 10 min, 150 ng mL⁻¹ Gd(iii), and 5.0 mL solution. The linear regression equation achieved was A = 4.36C (μg mL⁻¹) – 0.15 (r = 0.9976). A linear Gd(iii) calibration curve can be established in the concentration range of 5.0–250 ng mL⁻¹ with R² = 0.9976. Detection and quantification limits are 1.47 and 4.75 ng mL⁻¹, respectively. The molar absorptivity and Sandell sensitivity are found to be 6.86 × 10⁷ L mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹ and 0.023 ng cm⁻², respectively. In addition to its stability and reproducibility, the optode revealed a great selectivity toward Gd(iii) ions as compared to other coexisting ions in real samples. The recovery of Gd(iii) ions from the sensor material was achieved using 0.4 M HNO₃^. The offered optode sensor membrane has been employed to monitor Gd(iii) in soil, sediments, river water, and urine with an internal standard addition method and compared statistically with the ICP-OES method. The results revealed calculated t-values between 1.11–1.85, whereas F values were in the range of 2.46–3.77 which did not exceed the theoretical values, indicating no significant difference at 95% confidence level. The observed percent recovery is in the range of 97.24–102.52%.

A novel optical chemical sensor (optode) was fabricated for the determination of Gadolinium ions.

Evaluation of the Chelex-DGT technique for the measurement of rare earth elements in the porewater of estuarine and arine sediments

This study describes the validation of a diffusive gradients in thin film (DGT) technique for determining lanthanide rare earth elements (REEs) and in situ measurements of REEs in sediment pore waters. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that Chelex-100 binding layers had uptake efficiencies ranging from 78.0% to 92.3% for all REEs. An eluent of 1 mol L^-1 HNO₃ was optimal with elution efficiencies >80% for all REEs. Mass versus time experiments confirmed that DGT uptake was linear for all REEs at pH 8.1, 6.6 and 3.9 over a period of 3-4 days. Diffusion coefficients (D) for all REEs were derived from these experiments using the slopes of the linear regressions. D values varied with pH but were generally similar to values reported previously. The Chelex-100 DGT technique from this study is highly sensitive for the measurement of REE concentrations with detection limits ranging from 1.8 to 45 ng L^-1 based on 72 h deployments allowing measurements of natural trace REE levels. Chelex-100 DGT devices were deployed in estuarine and marine sediments over a period of 72 h and most REE porewater concentrations (50-10,410 ng L^-1) were successfully measured. Individual depth profiles of REEs showed a complex response, with many peaks and troughs suggesting a high degree of sediment heterogeneity. Depth-averaged REE concentrations showed a typical zig-zag distribution, although patterns varied between sediment types, after the REEs were normalised using the Queensland Mud Composite shale reference. The Chelex-100 DGT technique therefore shows promise for REE measurements in sediments.

Impacts of anthropogenic gadolinium on the activity of the ammonia oxidizing bacterium Nitrosomonas europaea

Widespread use of gadolinium-based contrast agents in medical imaging has resulted in increased Gd inputs to municipal wastewater treatment plants. Others have reported that typical wastewater treatment does not attenuate Gd, resulting in discharges to natural waters. However, whether elevated Gd impacts the performance of biological treatment has not been investigated. We examined whether gadolinium chloride or Gd chelated with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) affected the activity of the model nitrifying bacterium Nitrosomonas europaea. At nominal GdCl₃ additions ranging from 1 to 500 μM, no impact was observed compared to the control. Most (>98%) of the added Gd precipitated, and extracellular GdPO₄ nanoparticles were observed. When chelated with DTPA, Gd remained soluble, but no statistically significant impact on ammonia oxidation was observed until the highest concentrations tested. At 300 and 500 μM Gd-DTPA, a temporary reduction of nitrite production relative to the control (effect size 1.3 mg l^-1 and 1.5 mg l^-1, respectively, at 24 h) was seen. By itself, DTPA was highly inhibitory. Modeling suggested that DTPA likely chelated other metals, but adjusting the concentrations of the most abundant metals in the medium, calcium and magnesium, indicated that lowering their free ion activities was probably not the cause of inhibition. Complexation of other essential metals was more likely. Our studies indicate that while the low bioavailability of Gd may limit its ecosystem impacts, the role of synthetic ligands used with Gd and other rare earth elements should be considered as the production, use and disposal of these elements increases.

Investigation of pollution levels originated from anthropogenic gadolinium in Ankara Stream

Research on pollution caused by gadolinium (Gd) based on compounds as a result of its use in high technological applications, especially in the health sector, has recently become very interesting. This study aims to investigate the determination of the environmental pollution levels of anthropogenic Gd and its possibility of use as an anthropogenic pollutant indicator in the Ankara Stream (Turkey) selected as the pilot stream. Within the scope of the research, Gd levels were determined in water and sediment samples taken in spring and autumn periods in a total of seven different stations, three of which in Ankara Stream and one for each in its tributaries (Çubuk Stream, Hatip Stream, İncesu Creek, Ova Stream). Some parameters related to water and sediment quality were also measured at the stations. Temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, and dissolved oxygen were measured in situ. Gd concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) technique using samples filtered from 0.45-μm filters at the time of sampling in water samples. The grain sizes of sediment samples were carried out by conventional wet sieve analysis. Gd levels were determined by ICP-MS after digestion of sediment samples passing through 63-μm particle grain size. Also, total organic carbon (TOC) and total phosphorus (TP) levels were measured by classical methods in sediment samples. Although the Gd concentrations measured in the water samples taken from the stations in the Ankara Stream were found to be quite high compared with the tributaries of Ankara Stream. The highest mean Gd concentration (0.347 ± 0.057 μg/L) measured in this study was higher than that of at the most rivers in the world. There was no statistically significant difference between the stations in terms of Gd concentrations in the sediment samples. As a result of this study, it was revealed that Gd can be used as an indicator parameter in the monitoring of anthropogenic pollution of aquatic environment where potential Gd pollution sources.

Anthropogenic gadolinium in lakes and rivers near metrocities in Korea

We measured dissolved rare earth elements (REEs) in the water samples from Shihwa Lake (SL), which was assumed to be highly polluted, and in the downstream portion of the Han River (HR), which runs through Seoul, Korea. Among the investigated REEs, only gadolinium (Gd) was found to be significantly enhanced after REE concentrations were shale-normalized (SN). The calculated Gd anomaly (Gd/Gd* = 3 × Gd_SN/(Sm_SN + 2 × Tb_SN)) was about 1.5 ± 0.1 (n = 16) in SL and 1.6 ± 0.3 in the HR (n = 26) water relative to other types of natural water such as groundwater, seawater, and river water in uncontaminated areas (Gd/Gd* ∼ 1.2, n > 400). These significant Gd anomalies seem to be due to the inputs of anthropogenic Gd (Gd_anth), especially from the use of Gd-based contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests from a number of hospitals and medical institutes surrounding our study areas. The amount of Gd_anth was estimated to be 190 ± 80 g and 680 ± 360 kg Gd in SL and the HR (watersheds in our study area), respectively. The Gd_anth flux to the Yellow Sea from the HR is estimated to be 530 ± 330 g Gd d^-1. These results suggest that quantitative evaluation of anthropogenic REEs in natural waters near big cities is needed, because considerable amounts of REEs are now used by modern high-tech industries.

Magnetite nanoparticles with aminomethylenephosphonic groups: synthesis, characterization and uptake of europium(III) ions from aqueous media

Two adsorbents with covalently bound aminomethylenephosphonic acid functions (and referred to as MNPs/AMPA and MNPs/SiO₂-AMPA) were synthesized from two types of amino-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) via Moedritzer-Irani reaction. The sorbents with anchored dopamine ligand (MNPs/dopa) or aminopropyl groups (MNPs/SiO₂-NH₂), and the MNPs/AMPA were characterized by X-ray diffraction, FTIR, transmission electron microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry. Surface modification does not adversely impact the physical properties of the starting magnetite. Compared to the size of the unmodified Fe₃O₄ (magnetite) nanoparticles (7-12 nm), the average size of functionalized nanoparticles is increased to 10-16 nm. Similarly, the magnetic saturation decreased from 67.5 emu g^-1 to 42.0 emu g^-1, and the surface area is increased up to 205 m² g^-1 for MNPs/SiO₂-AMPA. The kinetics of the adsorption of Eu(III) on the sorbent is ultra-fast, and equilibria are attained within 5-10 min at room temperature. The adsorption kinetics can be described by a pseudo-second-order model. Adsorption and desorption conditions were tested with respect to the removal of Eu(III) ions from water solution. The adsorption capacities for Eu(III) at pH 7.0 are 77 mg g^-1 and 69 mg g^-1 for MNPs/AMPA and MNPs/SiO2-AMPA nanoparticles, respectively. Eu(III) was quantified by ICP-MS. The limit of detection (LOD) for Eu(III) is 0.05 ng L^-1 (based on the 3σ criterion), with an enrichment factor of 150. The selectivity over ions such as Tb(III), Fe(III), Zn(II), Cu(II), and Ca(II) ions was studied. Under optimal condition the distribution coefficient for Eu(III) relative to these ions is near 10⁵ mL g^-1. The sorbents can be easily retrieved from even large volumes of aqueous solutions by magnetic separations. The method was tested for spiked water samples (with recoveries from 96.6-102.5%) and for rock minerals. Graphical abstract A schematic showing the regeneration of magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs), core-shell (MNPs/SiO₂), and the structures with covalently bonded aminomethylenephosphonic acid (AMPA) after preconcentration of Eu(III) from largewater sample volumes onto a small specimen.

Gadolinium as an Emerging Microcontaminant in Water Resources: Threats and Opportunities

As a result of high doses of paramagnetic gadolinium (Gd) chelates administered in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams, their unmetabolized excretion, and insufficient removal in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), large amounts of anthropogenic Gd (Gdanth) are released into surface water. The upward trend of gadolinium-based contrast agent (Gd-CA) administrations is expected to continue growing and consequently higher and higher anthropogenic Gd concentrations are annually recorded in water resources, which can pose a great threat to aquatic organisms and human beings. In addition, the feasibility of Gd retention in patients administered with Gd-CAs repeatedly, and even potentially fatal diseases, including nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), due to trace amounts of Gd have recently arisen severe health concerns. Thus, there is a need to investigate probable adverse health effects of currently marketed Gd-CAs meticulously and to modify the actual approach in using Gd contrast media in daily practice in order to minimize unknown possible health risks. Furthermore, the employment of enhanced wastewater treatment processes that are capable of removing the stable contrast agents, and the evaluation of the ecotoxicity of Gd chelates and human exposure to these emerging contaminants through dermal and ingestion pathways deserve more attention. On the other hand, point source releases of anthropogenic Gd into the aquatic environment presents the opportunity to assess surface water—groundwater interactions and trace the fate of wastewater plume as a proxy for the potential presence of other microcontaminants associated with treated wastewater in freshwater and marine systems.

Investigation of adverse effect of coexisting aminopolycarboxylates on the determination of rare earth elements by ICP-MS after solid phase extraction using an iminodiacetate-based chelating-resin

When iminodiacetic acid chelating-resin solid phase extraction (SPE) was used for the preconcentration of rare earth elements (REEs) in river water samples around sewage treatment plant (STP), low recovery values for heavy REEs were observed. In order to find out the reason for the low recovery, in the present paper, organic ligands in the STP effluent, which may compete with iminodiacetic acids, were analyzed by GC-NPD. It was found that EDTA was contained in the STP effluent at several-100 nM level and interfered with the adsorption of REEs, especially heavy REEs (present at pM level) on the chelating-resin due to the formation of stable complexes. Therefore, acid treatment was applied to decompose EDTA molecules. As a result of acid treatment with HNO₃ and H₂O₂ at 170 °C for 4 h, all REEs were almost quantitatively recovered from the STP effluent with chelating-resin SPE with good reproducibility. After the acid treatment and subsequent 40-times preconcentration with SPE, all REEs in river water samples were precisely determined by ICP-MS at several-10 to sub pg mL^-1 levels.

Rare earth elements in German soils - A review

Rare earth elements (REEs) are increasingly used in high-tech industry, agriculture, and healthcare technologies what leads to their release into soils and waters, and to the transfer into plants what may have negative impacts on human health and the environment. The toxicity and potential mobilization of REEs in soils can be assessed by their content and geochemical behavior along with soil properties. However, those interactions are so far not reviewed in German soils although such a review is important for a better understanding and prediction of the potential mobilization and toxicity. Therefore, this review summarizes the recent knowledge about REE contents and potential mobilization in different soil profiles in Germany. We found that the REE content tends to decrease in dependence on the parent material in the following order: Carbonatite > basalt > orthogneiss > clay slate > loess > sandstone > Pleistocene and Holocene sediments > organic material. Also, we used data of earlier studies, summarized and newly evaluated those data aiming to quantify the factors influencing the total REE content in German soil profiles. The contents of REEs in soil profiles of different parent material showed significant relations with content of clay, carbonate, organic matter, aluminium, iron, and manganese. Geochemical fractionation results suggest that the bioavailability of REEs is relatively low while the residual fraction is relatively high in German soils. In soils, where water fluctuations are important, the redox potential is a key factor controlling the mobilization of REEs also via related changes of pH.

Gadolinium as a new emerging contaminant of aquatic environments

Since the 1980s, gadolinium (Gd)-based contrast agents (GBCAs) have been routinely used in magnetic resonance imaging as stable chelates of the Gd³⁺ ion, without toxic effects. Generally, GBCAs are considered some of the safest contrast agents. However, it has been observed that they can accumulate in patient tissue, bone, and probably brain (causing nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in patients with kidney failure or insufficiency and disturbance of calcium homeostasis in the organism). The GBCAs are predominantly removed renally without metabolization. Subsequently, they do not undergo degradation processes in wastewater-treatment plants and are emitted into the aquatic ecosystem. Their occurrence was confirmed in surface waters (up to 1100 ng/L), sediments (up to 90.5 μg/g), and living organisms. Based on a literature review, there is a need to investigate the contamination of different ecosystems and to ascertain the environmental fate of Gd. Long-term ecotoxicological data, degradation, metabolism, bioaccumulation processes, and biochemical effects of the Gd complexes should be explored. These data can be used to assess detailed environmental risks because currently only hotspots with high levels of Gd can be marked as dangerous for aquatic environments according to environmental risk assessments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1523-1534. © 2018 SETAC.

Microcalorimetric studies on the energy release of isolated rat mitochondria under different concentrations of gadolinium (III)

Gadolinium-based compounds are most widely utilized for paramagnetic contrast agents, but, the toxicological mechanism of gadolinium (Gd) had not been fully elucidated since the first report about Gd anomaly. In this work, we analyzed the effect of Gd(3+) on mitochondria in vitro by microcalorimetry. Microcalorimetry can provide detailed kinetic and thermodynamic information from thermogenic curve. At the tested concentration, Gd(3+) induced the increase of growth rate constant (k1). At high concentration (100-500 μM), the maximum power output time (tm), the decline rate constant (-k2) and the time of activity recovery phase (tR) decreased with the addition of Gd(3+) and the maximum power output (Pm) increased. At low concentration (0-100 μM), the changes were different from high concentration. From the results we concluded that the effect of different concentrations of Gd(3+) had a relationship with time, high concentration of Gd(3+) induced mitochondrial energy metabolism disturb however low concentration may promote mitochondrial adaption to physiological stresses. The effect of low concentration of Gd(3+) need more work to elucidate the mechanism. The results of total heat output (Q) and mitochondrial respiratory activities suggested high concentrations of Gd(3+) could accelerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) consumption under respiratory system damaged.

Anthropogenic gadolinium anomalies and rare earth elements in the water of Atibaia River and Anhumas Creek, Southeast Brazil

The concentrations of rare earth elements (REE), measured in water samples from Atibaia River and its tributary Anhumas Creek, Brazil, present excess of dissolved gadolinium. Such anthropogenic anomalies of Gd in water, already described in other parts of the world, result from the use of stable and soluble Gd chelates as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging. Atibaia River constitutes the main water supply of Campinas Metropolitan area, and its basin receives wastewater effluents. The REE concentrations in water samples were determined in 0.22-μm pore size filtered samples, without and after preconcentration by solid-phase extraction with bis-(2-ethyl-hexyl)-phosphate. This preconcentration method was unable to retain the anthropogenic Gd quantitatively. The probable reason is that the Gd chelates dissociate slowly in acidic media to produce the free ion that is retained by the phosphate ester. Strong correlations between Gd and constituents or parameters associated with effluents confirmed the source of most Gd in water samples as anthropogenic. The shale-normalized REE patterns of Atibaia River and Anhumas Creek water samples showed light and heavy REE enrichment trends, respectively. Also, positive Ce anomalies in many Atibaia River samples, as well as the strong correlations of the REE (except Gd) with terrigenous elements, imply that inorganic colloidal particles contributed to the REE measured values.

TiO₂ nanoparticles functionalized monolithic capillary microextraction online coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the analysis of Gd ion and Gd-based contrast agents in human urine

In this work, a novel method of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized monolithic capillary microextraction (CME) online coupling with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) was developed for the sequential determination of Gd(3+) and Gd-based contrast agents in human urine samples. The monolithic capillary was prepared by embedding anatase TiO2 NPS in the poly(methacrylic acid-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (MAA-EDMA) framework. The Gd(3+) and Gd-based contrast agents (such as gadolinium-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) and Gd-DTPA-bismethylamide (Gd-DTPA-BMA)) display different adsorption behaviors on the prepared monolithic capillary which possesses the adsorption properties of both anatase TiO2 NPS and poly(MAA-EDMA) monolith. Under the optimized conditions, the limits of detection (LODs) were found to be 3.6, 3.2, and 4.5 ng L(-1) for Gd(3+), Gd-DTPA, and Gd-DTPA-BMA, respectively, which are the lowest up to date. The enrichment factor was 25-fold with the sample throughput of 5 h(-1). The proposed method was validated by the analysis of Gd(3+) and Gd-DTPA in the healthy human urine samples as well as Gd(3+) and Gd-DTPA-BMA in patient urine samples. It was found that only a small amount of the free Gd(3+) was released from Gd-DTPA-BMA, and accurate results could be obtained since no oxidation/reduction or subtraction is involved in this method. This method is simple, sensitive, and rapid and provides a very attractive nonchromatography strategy for the speciation of Gd(3+) and Gd-based contrast agents in urine samples.

Mitochondrial dysfunction induced by different concentrations of gadolinium ion

Gadolinium-based compounds are the most widely used paramagnetic contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging on the world. But the tricationic gadolinium ion (Gd(3+)) could induce cell apoptosis probably because of its effects on mitochondria. Until now, the mechanism about how Gd(3+) interacts with mitochondria is not well elucidated. In this work, mitochondrial swelling, collapsed transmembrane potential and decreased membrane fluidity were observed to be important factors for mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mtPTP) opening induced by Gd(3+). The protection effect of CsA (Cyclosporin A) could confirm high concentration of Gd(3+) (500 μM) would trigger mtPTP opening. Moreover, mitochondrial outer membrane breakdown and volume expansion observed clearly by transmission electron microscopy and the release of Cyt c (Cytochrome c) could explain the mtPTP opening from another aspect. In addition, MBM(+) (monobromobimane(+)) and DTT (dithiothreitol) could protect thiol (-SH) groups from oxidation so that the toxicity of Gd(3+) might be resulted from the chelation of -SH of membrane proteins by free Gd(3+). Gd(3+) could inhibit the initiation of mitochondrial membrane lipid peroxidation, so it might interact with anionic lipids too. These findings will highly contribute to the safe applications of Gd-based agents.

A magnesium hydroxide preconcentration/matrix reduction method for the analysis of rare earth elements in water samples using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

This paper describes a simple method for simultaneous preconcentration and matrix reduction during the analysis of rare earth elements (REEs) in water samples through laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). From a systematic investigation of the co-precipitation of REEs using magnesium hydroxide, we optimized the effects of several parameters - the pH, the amount of magnesium, the shaking time, the efficiency of Ba removal, and the sample matrix - to ensure quantitative recoveries. We employed repetitive laser ablation to remove the dried-droplet samples from the filter medium and introduce them into the ICP-MS system for determinations of REEs. The enrichment factors ranged from 8 to 88. The detection limit, at an enrichment factor of 32, ranged from 0.03 to 0.20 pg mL(-1). The relative standard deviations for the determination of REEs at a concentration of 1 ng mL(-1) when processing 40 mL sample solution were 2.0-4.8%. We applied this method to the satisfactory determination of REEs in lake water and synthetic seawater samples.

Chromatographic methods for the quantification of free and chelated gadolinium species in MRI contrast agent formulations

Speciation measurements of gadolinium in liposomal MRI contrast agents (CAs) are complicated by the presence of emulsifiers, surfactants, and therapeutic agents in the formulations. The present paper describes two robust, hyphenated chromatography methods for the separation and quantification of gadolinium in nanoemulsion-based CA formulations. Three potential species of gadolinium, free gadolinium ion, gadolinium chelated by diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid, and gadolinium chelated by 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, were present in the CA formulations. The species were separated by reversed-phase chromatography (reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography, RP-HPLC) or by high-pressure size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC). For RP-HPLC, fluorescence detection and post-column online isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ID-ICP-MS) were used to measure the amount of gadolinium in each species. Online ID-ICP-MS and species-specific isotope dilution (SID)-ICP-MS were used in combination with the HPSEC column. The results indicated that some inter-species conversions and degradation had occurred within the samples and that SID-ICP-MS should be used to provide the most reliable measurements of total and speciated gadolinium. However, fluorescence and online ID-ICP-MS might usefully be applied as qualitative, rapid screening procedures for the presence of free gadolinium ions.

Design of a novel optical sensor for determination of trace gadolinium

In this work, a highly selective and sensitive gadolinium (Gd) optical sensor based on immobilization of bis(thiophenal) pyridine-2,6-diamine (BPD), on a triacetylcellulose membrane has been reported. This optode exhibits a linear range of the Gd(III) ion concentration of 2.5 x 10(-6)M with a detection limit of 0.93 x 10(-8) M. Response time of the newly designed optode was within 1-2 min, depending on the Gd(III) ion concentration. Response of the sensor is independent of solution pH in the range of 2.0-9.0. It manifests advantages of: low detection limit, fast response time, and most significantly, very good selectivity with respect to a number of lanthanide ions (La, Ce, Sm, Tm, Ho, and Eu ions). The sensor was successfully regenerated with thiourea solutions and its response was reversible and reproducible (R.S.D. less than 1.4%). This optode was applied to determine Gd(III) in synthetic and water samples, and validated with certified reference materials (CRMs).

Mass fluxes and spatial trends of xenobiotics in the waters of the city of Halle, Germany

The behaviour and the effects of xenobiotics including pharmaceuticals and fragrances in the environment are widely unknown. In order to improve our knowledge, field investigations and modelling approaches for the entire area of the city of Halle/Saale, Germany, were performed. The distribution of the concentration values and mass fluxes are exemplified using indicators such as Bisphenol A, t-Nonylphenol, Carbamacepine, Galaxolide, Tonalide, Gadolinium and isotopes. Concentrations at a magnitude of ng/L to microg/L were found ubiquitously in the ground and surface waters. Using the concentration values, the impact of the city concerning the indicators was not always evident. Only the assessment of the mass fluxes shows significant urban impacts along the city passage. The calculation of the mass fluxes shows increasing values for all investigated xenobiotics during the city passage; only Bisphenol A stagnates. A balance model of water and indicator mass fluxes was built up for the entire city area.

Determination of gadolinium(III) ions in soil and sediment samples by a novel gadolinium membrane sensor based on 6-methyl-4-{[1-(2-thienyl)methylidene]amino}3-thioxo-3,4-dihydro-1,2,4-triazin-5-(2H)-one

Highly selective and sensitive poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) membrane electrodes based on 6-methyl-4-{[1-(2-thienyl)methylidene]amino}3-thioxo-3,4-dihydro-1,2,4-triazin-5-(2H)-one (MATDTO) as new carriers for gadolinium ion-selective electrode was reported. The membrane solutions containing PVC, o-nitrophenyl octyl ether (NPOE) as plasticizer, sodium tetraphenyl borate (NaTPB) as lipophilic ionic additive, and MATDTO, displays a calibration response for Gd3+ ions over a wide concentration range of 1.0x10(-6)-1.0x10(-1) M with Nernstian slopes of 19.8+/-0.2 mV per decade and a detection limit as 5.8x10(-7) M. The sensor has a relatively fast response time of <10 s and can be used in the pH range 3.2-8.7 for at least 2 months without any significant divergence in potentials. The selectivity coefficients for mono-, di-, and trivalent cations indicate good selectivity for Gd(III) ions over a large number of interfering cations. The membrane sensor was used as an indicator electrode in the potentiometric titration of Gd(III) ions with EDTA. The proposed electrode was also applied to the determination of concentration of Gd(III) ions in soil and sediment samples and validation with CRMs.

Use of a microcolumn packed with modified carbon nanofibers coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for simultaneous on-line preconcentration and determination of trace rare earth elements in biological samples

In this work, a new method was developed for the determination of trace rare earth elements (REEs) in biological samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after preconcentration on a microcolumn packed with modified carbon nanofibers (CNFs). CNFs oxidized with nitric acid have been proved to possess an exceptional adsorption capability for REEs due to their surface functionalization. The effects of the experimental parameters, including pH, sample flow rate and volume, elution solution and interfering ions, on the recoveries of the analytes have been investigated systematically. A 100-fold enrichment factor was obtained. The adsorption capacity of CNFs was found to be 18.1, 19.3, 23.6, 17.6, 22.3 and 19.5 mg/g for La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Dy and Y, respectively. Under the optimum conditions, the detection limits of this method ranged from 0.2 pg/mL (Dy) to 1.2 pg/mL (Ce) with an enrichment factor of 15-fold, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) for the determination of REEs at the 1.0 ng/mL level were less than 4% (n = 9). This method was applied to the analysis of trace REEs in a real sample of human hair with recoveries of 95-115%. In order to validate the proposed method, a certified reference material of human hair (GBW 07601) was analyzed with satisfactory results.

Aqueous stability of gadolinium in surface waters receiving sewage treatment plant effluent, Boulder Creek, Colorado

In many surface waters, sewage treatment plant (STP) effluent is a substantial source of both regulated and unregulated contaminants, including a suite of complex organic compounds derived from household chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and industrial and medical byproducts. In addition, STP effluents in some urban areas have also been shown to have a positive gadolinium (Gd) anomaly in the rare earth element (REE) pattern, with the Gd derived from its use in medical facilities. REE concentrations are relatively easy to measure compared to many organic wastewater compounds and may provide a more widely utilized tracer of STP effluents. To evaluate whether sewage treatment plant-associated Gd is a useful tracer of treatment plant effluent, an investigation of the occurrence, fate, and transport of rare earth elements was undertaken. The rare earth element patterns of four of five STP effluents sampled display positive Gd anomalies. The one site that did not have a Gd anomaly serves a small community, population 1200, with no medical facilities. Biosolids from a large metropolitan STP are not enriched in Gd even though the effluent is, suggesting that a substantial fraction of Gd remains in the aqueous phase through routine treatment plant operation. To evaluate whether STP-derived Gd persists in the fluvial environment, a 14-km study reach downstream of an STP was sampled. Gadolinium anomalies were present at all five downstream sites, but the magnitude of the anomaly decreased. Effluent from STPs is a complex mixture of organic and inorganic constituents, and to better understand the chemical interactions and their effect on REEs, the aqueous speciation was modeled using comprehensive chemical analyses of water samples collected downstream of STP input. These calculations suggest that the REEs will likely remain dissolved because phosphate and carbonate complexes dominate over free REE ions. This study supports the application of Gd anomalies as a useful tracer of urban wastewater.