Determination of trace element contaminants in herbal teas using ICP-MS by different sample preparation method

In recent years, the consumption rate of herbal teas has increased rapidly. In this study, 28 different plants (fennel, linden, roots, chamomile, green tea, thyme, sage, rosemary, rosehip, ginger, balm, echinacea, blue tea etc.) used as herbal tea bags and leaves/flowers. Different types of herbal tea were prepared keeping boiling water in contact for ten min with herbal teas and were digested with HNO₃ and H₂O₂ in a microwave oven. In these samples, trace element concentrations (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Se, V, Zn) were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. The analytical performances were assessed as linearity, the limit of detection, limit of quantification, specificity/selectivity and recovery (%). The recovery values changed between 88 and 112%.

Central composite design and genetic algorithm applied for the optimization of ultrasonic-assisted removal of malachite green by ZnO Nanorod-loaded activated carbon

Maximum malachite green (MG) adsorption onto ZnO Nanorod-loaded activated carbon (ZnO-NR-AC) was achieved following the optimization of conditions, while the mass transfer was accelerated by ultrasonic. The central composite design (CCD) and genetic algorithm (GA) were used to estimate the effect of individual variables and their mutual interactions on the MG adsorption as response and to optimize the adsorption process. The ZnO-NR-AC surface morphology and its properties were identified via FESEM, XRD and FTIR. The adsorption equilibrium isotherm and kinetic models investigation revealed the well fit of the experimental data to Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic model, respectively. It was shown that a small amount of ZnO-NR-AC (with adsorption capacity of 20mgg(-1)) is sufficient for the rapid removal of high amount of MG dye in short time (3.99min).

Magnetic solid phase extraction of lead(ii) and cadmium(ii) on a magnetic phosphorus-containing polymer (M-PhCP) for their microsampling flame atomic absorption spectrometric determinations

A new magnetic phosphorus-containing polymeric sorbent was successfully used in solid phase extraction for the simple, fast and efficient preconcentration of trace Pb and Cd from environmental water samples.

Ligandless surfactant mediated solid phase extraction combined with Fe₃O₄ nano-particle for the preconcentration and determination of cadmium and lead in water and soil samples followed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry: multivariate strategy

In the present study, a microextraction technique combining Fe3O4 nano-particle with surfactant mediated solid phase extraction ((SM-SPE)) was successfully developed for the preconcentration/separation of Cd(II) and Pb(II) in water and soil samples. The analytes were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The effective variables such as the amount of adsorbent (NPs), the pH, concentration of non-ionic (TX-114) and centrifugation time (min) were investigated by Plackett-Burman (PBD) design. The important variables were further optimized by central composite design (CCD). Under the optimized conditions, the detection limits (LODs) of Cd(II) and Pb(II) were 0.15 and 0.74 µg/L, respectively. The validation of the proposed procedure was checked by the analysis of certified reference materials of TMDA 53.3 fortified water and GBW07425 soil. The method was successfully applied for the determination of Cd(II) and Pb(II) in water and soil samples.

Fe3O4nanoparticles and ultrasound assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction of lead(ii) for its microsampling flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination in food and environmental samples

A method for the isolation of lead from aqueous samples as a Chicago sky blue 6B chelate, based on the combination of Fe₃O₄nanoparticles and ultrasound assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (NPU-DLLME) prior to flame atomic absorption spectrometry, was developed.

Diaion HP-2MG modified with 2-(2,6-dichlorobenzylideneamino) benzenethiol as new adsorbent for solid phase extraction and flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of metal ions

A solid phase extraction method for enrichment-separation and the determination of cobalt (Co2+), copper (Cu2+), nickel (Ni2+), zinc (Zn2+) and lead (Pb2+) ions in real samples has been proposed. The influences of some analytical parameters like pH, flow rate, eluent type and interference of matrix ions on recoveries of analytes were optimized. The limits of detection were found in the range of 1.6–3.9 µg L−1, while preconcentration factor for all understudy metal ions were found to be 166 with loading half time ( t1/2) less than 10 min. The procedure was applied for the enrichment-separation of analyte ions in environmental samples with recoveries higher than 94.8% and relative SD <4.9% ( N = 5).

Determination of trace metal ions by AAS in natural water samples after preconcentration of pyrocatechol violet complexes on an activated carbon column

A simple preconcentration method is described for the determination of Cu, Mn, Co, Cd, Pb, Ni and Cr in water samples by flame AAS. Trace metal ions in water were sorbed as pyrocatechol violet complexes on activated carbon column at the pH range of 4-8, then eluted with 1 M HNO(3) in acetone. The effect of major cations and anions of the natural water samples on the sorption of metal ions has been also investigated. The concentration of the metal ions detected after preconcentration was in agreement with the added amount. The present method was found to be applicable to the preconcentration of Cu, Mn, Co, Cd, Pb, Ni and Cr in natural water samples with good results such as R.S.D. from 3 to 8% (N=10) and detection limits under 70 ng l(-1).

The solid phase extraction of some metal ions using palladium nanoparticles attached to silica gel chemically bonded by silica-bonded N-propylmorpholine as new sorbent prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy

In this research at first palladium nanoparticle attached to a new chemically bonded silica gel has been synthesized and has been characterized with different techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then, this new sorbent (chemically modified silica gel with N-propylmorpholine (PNP-SBNPM)) was efficiently used for preconcentration of some metal ions in various food samples. The influence of effective variables including mass of sorbent, flow rate, pH of sample solutions and condition of eluent such as volume, type and concentration on the recoveries of understudy metal ions were investigated. Following the optimization of variables, the interfering effects of some foreign ions on the preconcentration and determination of the investigated metal ions described. At optimum values of variables, all investigated metal ions were efficiently recovered with efficiency more than 95%, relative standard deviation (RSD) between 2.4 and 2.8, and detection limit in the range of 1.4–2.7 ng mL⁻¹. The present method is simple and rapidly applicable for the determination of the understudied metal ions (ng mL⁻¹) in different natural food samples.

Amberlite IR-120 modified with 8-hydroxyquinoline as efficient adsorbent for solid-phase extraction and flame atomic absorption determination of trace amounts of some metal ions

In this study, a solid-phase extraction method combined with atomic absorption spectrometry for extraction, preconcentration, and determination of iron (Fe(3+)), copper (Cu(2+)), and lead (Pb(2+)) ions at trace levels in water samples has been reported. The influences of effective parameters such as flow rate, pH, eluent conditions (type, volume, and concentration), sample volumes, and interference of matrix ions on metal ions recoveries were studied. Under optimized conditions, the limits of detection were found in the range of 0.7-2.2 μg L(-1), while preconcentration factors for Fe(3+), Cu(2+), and Pb(2+) ions were found to be 166, 200, and 250, respectively, and loading half time (t (1/2)) values were less than 2 min for all analyte ions. The proposed procedure was applied for the determination of metal ions in different water samples with recovery of >94.4% and relative standard deviation less than 4.4% for N = 5.

SDS-coated Sepabeads SP70-modified by 4-[(E)-3-phenylallylidene) amino] benzenethiol as new efficient solid phase for enrichment and determination of copper, nickel, chromium, and zinc ions in soil, plants, and mint water samples

A sensitive and simple method based on modification of Sepabeads SP70 by 4-((E)-3-phenylallylidene) amino) benzenethiol for the simultaneous preconcentration of trace amounts of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and zinc (Zn) ions in some real samples has been reported. The metal ions which are retained as respective complexes on solid phase were eluted with 8 ml of 4 M nitric acid. The influences of different analytical parameters including pH, ligand amount and Sepabeads SP70 and SDS amount, eluting solutions, and sample volume on metal ions recoveries were investigated. The effects of matrix ions on the retentions of the analytes were also examined. The recoveries of analytes were generally >95% with RSD between 0.74 and 0.88. The proposed method has been successfully applied for the determination of these metals in some real samples with complex matrices.

Preconcentration-separation of Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ and Cd2+ in real samples by solid phase extraction of a calix[4] resorcinarene modified Amberlite XAD-16 resin

A new method is described for the simultaneous preconcentration of trace metal ions. The method is based on the adsorption of Co(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+) and Cd(2+) ions on 2,4,6,8-tetra(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,5,7(1,3)tetrabenzenzcyclooctaphane-14,16,34,36,54, 56,74,76-octol (salicylaldehyde calix[4] resorcinarenes) (new resorcinarenes derivative) modified on Amberlite XAD-16. The adsorbed analyte ions were eluted with 6 mL 3M HCl in acetone solution, which then were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The influences of the analytical parameters including pH, ligand amount and solid phase ingredient, eluting solution conditions and sample volume were investigated. Common coexisting ions did not interfere with the separation and determination. The preconcentration factor is 208. The sorbent exhibited excellent stability and its sorption capacity under optimum conditions has been found to be more than 60 microg of ions per gram of sorbent. The relative standard deviation under optimum conditions is lower than 4.10%. The accuracy of the method was estimated by using different real samples.

Preconcentration and separation of trace amount of copper (II) on N1, N2-bis(4-fluorobenzylidene)ethane-1,2-diamine loaded on Sepabeads SP70

A sensitive and simple method for the preconcentration of copper (II) ions has been reported. The method is based on the adsorption of copper ion N(1), N(2)-bis(4-fluorobenzylidene)ethane-1,2-diamine loaded on Sepabeads. The sorpted copper content was eluted by 8 ml of 4M nitric acid in acetone. The influences of the analytical parameters including pH and sample volume were investigated. The interference effects of matrix ions on the retentions of the copper (II) ions were also examined. The recovery of understudy analyte was generally higher than 95%. The method has been successfully applied to the evaluation of copper contents in some real samples including water samples, vegetable samples and milk samples.

Flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of zinc, nickel, iron and lead in different matrixes after solid phase extraction on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-coated alumina as their bis (2-hydroxyacetophenone)-1, 3-propanediimine chelates

A sensitive and simple solid phase extraction method for the simultaneous determination of trace and toxic metals in food samples has been reported. The method is based on the adsorption of zinc, nickel, iron and lead on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-coated alumina, which is also chelated with bis (2-hydroxyacetophenone)-1, 3-propanediimine (BHAPN). The retained analyte ions on modified solid phase were eluted using 8 mL of 4 mol L(-1) HNO(3). The analyte determinations were carried out by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The influences of some metal ions and anions on the recoveries of understudy analyte ions were investigated. The proposed method has been successfully applied for the evaluation of these trace and toxic metals in some traditional food samples from Iran.

Preconcentration and separation of trace amount of heavy metal ions on bis(2-hydroxy acetophenone)ethylendiimine loaded on activated carbon

A sensitive and simple method for simultaneous preconcentration of trace heavy metal ions in some food samples has been reported. The method is based on the adsorption of Cr(3+), Fe(3+), Cu(2+), Ni(2+), Co(2+) and Zn(2+) on bis(2-hydroxy acetophenone)ethylendiimine (BHAPED) loaded on activated carbon (AC). The adsorbed metals on activated carbon were eluted using 2 mol L(-1) nitric acid in acetone. The influences of the analytical parameters including pH and sample volume were investigated. The effects of matrix ions on the recoveries of analyte ions were also investigated. The recoveries of analytes were generally higher than 94%. The method has been successfully applied for analysis of the metal contents in real samples including natural water samples.

Assessment of trace element levels in Rhododendron honeys of Black Sea Region, Turkey

Rhododendron and multi-flower honeys obtained from Black Sea Region of Turkey (12 Rhododendron and 8 multi-flower honeys) were studied to determine the presence of the 14 trace elements such as Cu, Cd, Pb, Co, Cr, Ni, Al, Se, Zn, Mn, Fe, K, Ca and Mg. Trace element determination was performed by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) after microwave digestion. The results revealed that Rhododendron honeys exhibited higher concentrations of Cu, Co, Cr, Ni, Se, Zn, Ca and Mg but lower concentrations of Al, Mn, Fe and K than in the multi-flower honeys. Trace element levels in analyzed honey samples were generally lower than literature values.

The determination of some heavy metals in food samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry after their separation-preconcentration on bis salicyl aldehyde, 1,3 propan diimine (BSPDI) loaded on activated carbon

A sensitive and simple method for the simultaneous preconcentration of Cr3+, Fe3+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Co2+ and Zn2+ in real samples has been reported. The method is based on the adsorption of analytes on bis salicyl aldehyde, 1,3 propan diimine (BSPDI) loaded on activated carbon. The adsorbed metals on modified activated carbon were eluted using 8 mL of 2 mol L(-1) nitric acid in acetone or 10 mL of 4 mol L(-1) HNO3. The influences of the analytical parameters including pH and sample volume were investigated. The effects of matrix ions on the retentions of the analytes were also examined. The recoveries of analytes were generally quantitative. The method has been successfully applied for these metals content evaluation in some food samples.

Removal of cadmium from aqueous solution by Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana (Stev.) Spach. Subsp. nordmanniana) leaves

The utility of Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana (Stev.) Spach. Subsp. nordmanniana) leaves from Eastern Black Sea region for the removal (sorption) of metal ions from aqueous solutions was investigated. For this, the optimum values of pH, time, metal concentration, leaf concentration, leaf particle size and adsorption capacity were determined. Also the recovery conditions of the metals from leaves were studied. Cd metal was selected because of its toxic properties. Freundlich isotherm model was used to describe the adsorption behaviour and the experimental results obtained for Cd(2+) adsorption, followed this model well. The utility of Nordmann fir leaves to remove toxic metals from aqueous solutions was proved. Hence, this study showed that the leaves of Nordmann fir can provide cheap source as biosorbents for toxic metal removal from natural or wastewaters.

Development of a selective and sensitive flotation method for determination of trace amounts of cobalt, nickel, copper and iron in environmental samples

A simple, selective and rapid flotation method for the separation-preconcentration of trace amounts of cobalt, nickel, iron and copper ions using phenyl 2-pyridyl ketone oxime (PPKO) has been developed prior to their flame atomic absorption spectrometric determinations. The influence of pH, amount of PPKO as collector, type and amount of eluting agent, type and amount of surfactant as floating agent and ionic strength was evaluated on the recoveries of analytes. The influences of the concomitant ions on the recoveries of the analyte ions were also examined. The enrichment factor was 93. The detection limits based on 3 sigma for Cu, Ni, Co and Fe were 0.7, 0.7, 0.8, and 0.7 ng mL(-1), respectively. The method has been successfully applied for determination of trace amounts of ions in various real samples.

Cloud point extraction for the determination of copper, nickel and cobalt ions in environmental samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A cloud point extraction procedure was presented for the preconcentration of copper, nickel and cobalt ions in various samples. After complexation with methyl-2-pyridylketone oxime (MPKO) in basic medium, analyte ions are quantitatively extracted to the phase rich in Triton X-114 following centrifugation. 1.0 mol L(-1) HNO(3) nitric acid in methanol was added to the surfactant-rich phase prior to its analysis by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The adopted concentrations for MPKO, Triton X-114 and HNO(3), bath temperature, centrifuge rate and time were optimized. Detection limits (3 SDb/m) of 1.6, 2.1 and 1.9 ng mL(-1) for Cu(2+), Co(2+) and Ni(2+) along with preconcentration factors of 30 and for these ions and enrichment factor of 65, 58 and 67 for Cu(2+), Ni(2+) and Co(2+), respectively. The high efficiency of cloud point extraction to carry out the determination of analytes in complex matrices was demonstrated. The proposed procedure was applied to the analysis of biological, natural and wastewater, soil and blood samples.

Preconcentration and separation of nickel, copper and cobalt using solid phase extraction and their determination in some real samples

A solid phase extraction method has been developed to separate and concentrate trace amounts of nickel, cobalt and copper ions from aqueous samples for the measurement by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. By the passage of aqueous samples through activated carbon modified by dithioxamide (rubeanic acid) (DTO), Ni2+, Cu2+ and Co2+ ions adsorb quantitatively. The recoveries of analytes at pH 5.5 with 500 mg solid phase were greater than 95% without interference from alkaline, earth alkaline and some metal ions. The enrichment factor was 330. The detection limits by three sigma were 0.50 microg L(-1) for copper, 0.75 microg L(-1) for nickel and 0.80 microg L(-1) for cobalt. The loading capacity was 0.56 mg g(-1) for Ni2+, 0.50 mg g(-1) for Cu2+ and 0.47 mg g(-1) for Co2+. The presented procedure was applied to the determination of analytes in tap, river and sea waters, vegetable, soil and blood samples with successfully results (recoveries greater than 95%, R.S.D. lower than 2% for n=3).

Speciation of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) after column solid phase extraction on Amberlite XAD-2010

A speciation procedure for Cr(III) and Cr(VI) based on column solid phase extraction on Amberlite XAD-2010 and flame atomic absorption spectrometry combination. Cr(VI) was quantitatively recovered on Amberlite XAD-2010 resin at pH range of 2.0-3.0 as its diethyldithiocarbamate complex, while the recoveries of Cr(III) was below 5%. The influences of the various parameters including amounts of the reagents, eluent type and its volume, sample volume, etc., on the quantitative recoveries were examined. The interference of matrix and coexistent elements for method were studied. The detection limit (corresponding to three times the standard deviation of the blank) and the enrichment factor for Cr(VI) were found to be 1.28 microg/L and 25, respectively. To verify the accuracy of the method, drinking water certified reference material (CRM-TMDW-500) was analyzed and the results obtained were in good agreement with the certified value. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the speciation of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in water samples and preconcentration of total chromium in environmental samples.

Solid phase extraction method for selective determination of Pb(II) in water samples using 4-(4-methoxybenzylidenimine) thiophenole

A sensitive and selective extractive preconcentration procedure for the determination of traces of lead in water samples has been developed. An alumina-sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) coated modified with 4-(4-methoxybenzylidenimine) thiophenole (MBITP) was used for preconcentration and determination of Pb(II) by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Lead was adsorbed quantitatively on modified column due to its complexation with MBITP and quantitatively eluted using 5 mL 1 mol L(-1) nitric acid in acetone. The effects of parameters such as pH, amount of solid phase, amount of MBITP, flow rate, type and concentration of eluting agent were examined. The effect of interfering ions on the determination of Pb(II) was also investigated. The response of proposed method is linear in the concentration range 0.05-1.2 microg mL(-1) of Pb(II). The limit of detections (3S.D.(b)/m, n=4) and relative standard deviations (n=11) are 1.6 ng mL(-1) and 0.9%, respectively. The presented procedure was successfully applied for determination of lead content in real samples such as river, spring, waste and drinking water.

A pre-concentration procedure using coprecipitation for determination of lead and iron in several samples using flame atomic absorption spectrometry

The present paper proposes a pre-concentration procedure for determination of lead and iron in several samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. In it, lead(II) and iron(III) ions are coprecipitated using the violuric acid-copper(II) system as collector. Afterwards, the precipitate is dissolved with 1M HNO3 solution and the metal ions are determined. The optimization step was performed using factorial design involving the variables: pH, violuric acid mass (VA) and copper concentration (Cu). Using the optimized experimental conditions, the proposed procedure allows the determination these metals with detection limits of 0.18 microg L(-1) for iron and 0.16 microg L(-1) for lead. The effects of foreign ions on the pre-concentration procedure were also evaluated and the results demonstrated that this method could be applied for determination of iron and lead in several real samples. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of seawater, urine, mineral water, soil and physiological solution samples. The concentrations of lead and iron achieved in these samples agree well with others data reported in the literature.