Synthesis and characterization of bio-nanocomposite based on chitosan and CaCO3 nanoparticles for heavy metals removal

Water is a vital component of life; therefore, it is critical to have access to pure water for various life-sustaining activities including agriculture and human consumption. An eco-friendly nanocomposite based on chitosan (Cs) and nanomaterials (CaCO3-NPs) were combined to amalgamate the advantages of biopolymers and nanomaterials to overcome the problems of instability, poor mechanical properties, and low removal percentage of biopolymers. The as-prepared samples were characterized and were used for the removal of heavy metal from wastewater. X-ray diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscope were used to distinguish the prepared absorbents. The absorption of the heavy metals by as-prepared samples was examined at different conditions. The kinetic and isotherm models of the adsorption process were also studied. The data showed that the removal percentages of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr and Ni by the composite were 98.0, 94.8, 99.0, 97.9, 97.4 and 98.3 %, respectively. The kinetic and isothermal studies showed that the absorption of these metal ions by the samples obeyed a pseudo-second-order mechanism and Langmuir isotherm model, respectively. In addition, the maximum adsorption capacities of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, and Ni ions by as-prepared nanocomposite were 83.33, 47.84, 98.03, 89.28, 62.11, and 63.69 mg/g, respectively.

All-solid-state paper-based potentiometric combined sensor modified with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and molecularly imprinted polymer for monitoring losartan drug in pharmaceuticals and biological samples

A cost-effective, highly selective and sensitive paper-based potentiometric combined sensor for losartan potassium drug (LOS) is fabricated, characterized and used for the drug monitoring. The sensor consists of 2 strips of filter paper (20 × 5 mm each) as platform, each imprinted with 4 mm diameter circular spot of carbon. One carbon spot is covered by a reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for use as a substrate for the recognition sensor and the other without rGO is used for the reference electrode. LOS molecularly imprinted drug polymer (MIP) is applied onto the graphene oxide containing strip to act as a drug recognition sensing material and a solid-state polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is applied onto the second carbon spot to act as a reference electrode. Performance characteristics of the combined sensor are examined with chronopotentiometry (CP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Increase effect of rGO on the interfacial double-layer capacitance of the sensing membrane and consequently on the potential stability is confirmed. The developed combined sensor (strip cell) displays a Nernstian slope of -58.2 ± 0.3 mV/decade (R² = 0.9994) over the linear range 8.5 × 10^-7 - 6.9 × 10^-2 M with a detection limit of 2.7 ± 0.3 × 10^-7 M. The sensor shows remarkable selectivity toward various related compounds especially those commonly used by the COVID-19 patients such as paracetamol, ascorbic acid and dextromethorphan. The assay method is validated and proved to be satisfactory for direct potentiometric determination of LOS-K in some pharmaceutical formulations and in spiked human urine samples. An average recovery of 96.3 ± 0.3-98.7 ± 0.6% of the nominal or spiked concentration and a mean relative standard deviation of ±0.6% are obtained. The use of an indicating and a reference electrodes combined into a single flexible disposable paper platform enables applications to a minimum sample volume due to the close proximity of the responsive membrane and the liquid junction. The efficiency of the proposed sensor in complex urine matrix suggests its application in hospitals for rapid diagnosis of overdose patients and for quality control/quality assurance tests in pharmaceutical industry.

Fabrication and characterization of electrospun nanofibers using biocompatible polymers for the sustained release of venlafaxine

Recently, drug-controlled release nanotechnology has gained special attention in biomedicine. This work focuses on developing novel electrospun polymeric nanofibers (NFs) for buccal delivery of VEN to avoid the hepatic metabolism and enzymatic degradation in the GIT and develop an effective control of drug release. The optimized NFs were obtained by blending polylactic acid (PLA), and poly (ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) fixed at a ratio of 1:1. It was characterized for morphology, drug-loading, FTIR, XRD, DSC, and in vitro drug release. Ex vivo permeability of the blend NFs was assessed using chicken pouch mucosa compared to VEN suspension, followed by histopathological examination. Further, the cytotoxic effect in three different cell lines using WST-1 assay. SEM morphologies refer to defect-free uniform NFs of PLA, PCL, and PLA/PCL mats. These fibers had a diameter ranging from 200 to 500 nm. The physico-thermal characterization of NFs depicted that the drug was successfully loaded and in an amorphous state in the PLA/PCL NFs. In vitro release of NFs substantiated a bi-phasic profile with an initial burst release of about 30% in the initial 0.5 h and a prolonged cumulative release pattern that reached 80% over 96 h following a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. Ex vivo permeation emphasizes the major enhancement of the sustained drug release and the noticeable decrease in the permeability of the drug from NFs. Cytotoxicity data found that IC₅₀ of VEN alone was 217.55 μg/mL, then VEN-NFs recorded an IC₅₀ value of 250.62 μg/mL, and plain NFs showed the lowest toxicity and IC₅₀ 440.48 μg/mL in oral epithelial cells (OEC). Histopathology and cell toxicity studies demonstrated the preserved mucosal architecture and the preclinical safety. The developed PLA/PCL NFs can be promising drug carriers to introduce a step-change in improved psychiatric treatment healthcare.

Removal of Uranium-238, Thorium-232, and Potassium-40 from Wastewater via Adsorption on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

The optimum conditions for the removal of uranium-238, thorium-232, and potassium-40 from wastewater and the discharge of nuclear facilities using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are described. The adsorption mechanism is mainly attributed to chemical interactions between the metal ions and surface functional groups of the CNTs. Batch adsorption experiments are carried out in order to study the effect of different parameters such as pH, contact time, initial metal ion concentration, adsorbent dose, and temperatures. Maximum metal removal (>98%) from solutions containing 20-120 Bq/L metal ions is achieved using a contact time of 15 min, a pH of 6.0, and 10 mg/L CNTs. The effect of temperature on the kinetics and equilibrium of adsorption on CNT particles is examined. Consistent with an exothermic reaction, an increase in the temperature resulted in an increase in the adsorption rate. Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherms are applied to the data obtained at various temperatures. The Langmuir adsorption model is the best for data interpretations. The kinetics of adsorption reveals a pseudo-second-order mechanism. Thermodynamic parameters at 293 K (ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS°) for U-238, Th-232, and K-40 are -14590.7 kJ/mol, -6.66 kJ/mol, and 26.47 J/(mol K), -96,96.5 kJ/mol, -2.48 kJ/mol, and 14.17 J/(mol K), and -3922.09 kJ/mol, -1.32 kJ/mol, and 6.12 J/(mol K), respectively.

Novel magnetic nickel ferrite nanoparticles modified with poly(aniline-co-o-toluidine) for the removal of hazardous 2,4-dichlorophenol pollutant from aqueous solutions

Chlorinated organic and phenolic compounds are still purely studied by many researchers because of their severe damage to the aquatic environment and their carcinogenic effect on many living organisms. Therefore, there is a great interest in removing these environmental pollutants from aqueous mediums by easy and inexpensive methods. Herein, novel nickel ferrite (NiFe₂O₄) nano composite modified with poly(aniline-co-o-toluidine) (PAOT) is prepared, characterized, and used for the removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) as an organic chlorinated environmental pollutant. The morphological properties of the composite are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) methods. The prepared composite is tested for the removal of the hazardous dichlorophenol pollutant from aqueous solutions. Under optimized conditions and with effective control of parameters including, contact time, pH of the test solution, adsorbent dose, and temperature, over 83% of the pollutant is adsorbed and removed. The adsorption capacity is 162 mg g⁻¹. Adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherm and some physicochemical parameters of the reaction are evaluated. The Redlich–Peterson isothermal model is the appropriate model for describing the adsorption process. These results indicate that NiFe₂O₄/PAOT nanocomposites are promising adsorbents for the removal of persistent organic pollutants (e.g., DCP) from aqueous solutions. The results also reveal that modification of NiFe₂O₄ particles with poly(aniline-co-o-toluidine) (PAOT) significantly enhances the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent. This is probably due to the electrostatic attraction and non-covalent interactions (e.g. π–π) between the aromatic rings in both dichlorophenol and poly(aniline-co-o-toluidine) copolymer. Advantages offered by using NiFe₂O₄/PAOT nanocomposites are the high stability, reasonable efficiency, reusability for at least five adsorption–desorption cycles and the ability to remove the adsorbent from aqueous solutions for reuse using an external magnetic field.

Chlorinated organic and phenolic compounds are still purely studied by many researchers because of their severe damage to the aquatic environment and their carcinogenic effect on many living organisms.

A New Validated Potentiometric Method for Sulfite Assay in Beverages Using Cobalt(II) Phthalocyanine as a Sensory Recognition Element

A simple potentiometric sensor is described for accurate, precise, and rapid determination of sulfite additives in beverages. The sensor is based on the use of cobalt phthalocyanine as a recognition material, dispersed in a plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) matrix membrane. o-Nitrophenyl octyl ether (o-NPOE) as a membrane solvent and tri-dodecylmethyl- ammonium chloride (TDMAC) as ion discriminators are used as membrane additives. Under the optimized conditions, sulfite ion is accurately and precisely measured under batch and flow injection modes of analysis. The sensor exhibits fast and linear response for 1.0 × 10-2-1.0 × 10-6 M (800-0.08 µg/mL) and 1.0 × 10-1-5.0 × 10-5 M (8000-4 µg/mL) sulfite with Nernstian slopes of -27.4 ± 0.3 and -23.7 ± 0.6 mV/concentration decade under static and hydrodynamic modes of operation, respectively. Results in good agreement with the standard iodometric method are obtained.Validation of the assay method is examined in details including precision, accuracy, bias, trueness, repeatability, reproducibility, and uncertainty and good performance characteristics of the method are obtained. The sensor response is stable over the pH range of 5 to 7 without any significant interference from most common anions. The advantages offered by the proposed sensor (i.e., wide range of assay, high accuracy and precision, low detection limit, reasonable selectivity, long term response stability, fast response, and long life span and absence of any sample pretreatment steps) suggest its use in the quality control/quality assurance routine tests in beverages industries, toxicological laboratories and by inspection authorities.

Paper Strip and Ceramic Potentiometric Platforms Modified with Nano-Sized Polyaniline (PANi) for Static and Hydrodynamic Monitoring of Chromium in Industrial Samples

Screen-printed membrane sensors based on the use of paper and ceramic substrates are fabricated, characterized, and used for rapid batch and continuous monitoring of CrIII in the form of CrO42- in some industrial products and wastewater samples. Strips of paper and ceramic platforms (15 × 5 mm) were covered with conductive carbon paint and then modified with polyaniline (PANI) film, to act as an ion-to-electron transducer, followed by a drop casting of plasticized poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) Rhodamine-B chromate membrane as a recognition sensing material. In a 5.0 mmol L-1 Trizma buffer solution of pH ~8, the fabricated paper and ceramic based membrane sensors exhibited a near Nernstian response for CrVI ion with slopes of -29.7 ± 0.5 and -28.6 ± 0.3 mV decade-1, limit of detection 2.5 × 10-5 and 2.4 × 10-6 mol L-1 (1.3-0.12 µg mL-1), and linear concentration range 7.5 × 10-3-5.0 × 10-5 and 7.5 × 10-3-1.0 × 10-5 mol L-1 (390-0.5 µg mL-1), respectively. Both sensors exhibited fast and stable potentiometric response, excellent reproducibility, and good selectivity with respect to a number of common foreign inorganic species. Impedance spectroscopy and chronopotentiometry data revealed a small resistance and a larger double layer capacitance due to the presence of the intermediate polyaniline (PAN) conductive layer. Furthermore, the formation of a water layer between the ion selective membrane (ISM) and the underlying conductor polymer and between the conducting polymer and the carbon conducting surface was greatly reduced. The developed disposable solid-contact potentiometric sensors offer the advantages of simple design, long term potential stability, flexibility, miniaturization ability, short conditioning time, and cost effectiveness that enable mass production. The sensors were successfully used for static and hydrodynamic measurements of total chromium in some leather tanning wastewater and nickel-chrome alloy samples. The results compare favorably with data obtained by atomic absorption spectrometry.

Potentiometric PVC-Membrane-Based Sensor for Dimethylamine Assessment Using A Molecularly Imprinted Polymer as A Sensory Recognition Element

A new simple potentiometric sensor is developed and presented for sensitive and selective monitoring of dimethylamine (DMA). The sensor incorporates a molecularly imprinted polymer, with a pre-defined specific cavity suitable to accommodate DMA. The molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) particles were dispersed in an aplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) matrix. The MIP is synthesized by using a template molecule (DMA), a functional monomer (acrylamide, AM), cross-linker (ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, EGDMA) and initiating reagent (benzoylperoxide, BPO). Using Trizma buffer solution (5 mmol L^-1, pH 7.1), the sensor exhibits a rapid, stable and linear response for 1.0 × 10^-5 to 1.0 × 10^-2 mol L^-1 DMA⁺ with a calibration slope of 51.3 ± 0.3 mV decade^-1, and a detection limit of 4.6 × 10^-6 mol L^-1 (0.37 µg mL^-1). The electrode exhibited a short response time (10 s) and stable potential readings (± 0.5 mV) for more than 2 months. Potentiometric selectivity measurements of the sensor reveal negligible interferences from most common aliphatic and aromatic amines. High concentration levels (100-fold excess) of many inorganic cations do not interfere. The sensor is successfully used for quantification of low levels of DMA down to 0.5 µg mL^-1. Verification of the presented method was carried out after measuring the detection limit, working linearity range, ruggedness of the method, accuracy, precision, repeatability and reproducibility. Under flow-through conditions, the proposed sensor in its tubular form is prepared and introduced in a two-channel flow injection setup for hydrodynamic determination of DMA. The sampling rate is 50-55 samples h^-1. The sensor is used to determine DMA in different soil samples with an accuracy range of 97.0-102.8%.

Novel Aminoacridine Sensors Based on Molecularly Imprinted Hybrid Polymeric Membranes for Static and Hydrodynamic Drug Quality Control Monitoring

Novel biomimetic potentiometric ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) were fabricated and designed for the assessment of aminoacridine (ACR) based on newly synthesized imprinted polymer (MIP) membranes. Thermal polymerization of methacrylic acid (MAA) or acrylamide (AM) as function monomer, aminoacridine as a template and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as across-linker, were utilizedto give the molecular recognition part. The membranes of sensors I andII consist of MIP based MAA and AM, respectively, dispersed in a poly(vinyl chloride) membrane plasticized with dioctyl phthalate (DOP) in the ratio of 3.0 wt%, 32.2 wt% and 64.8 wt%, respectively. Sensors III and IV were similarly prepared with added 1.0 wt% tetraphenyl borate (TPB⁻) as an anionic discriminator. Sensors I and II exhibited near-Nernstian potential response to ACR⁺ with slopes of 51.2 ± 1.3 and 50.5 ± 1.4 mV/decade in a 0.01 M phosphate buffer of pH 6.0. The linear response coversthe concentration range of 5.2 × 10⁻⁶ to 1.0 × 10⁻³ M with a detection limit of 0.05 and 0.17 μg/mL for sensors I and II, respectively. The performance characteristics of these sensors were evaluated under static and hydrodynamic mode of operations. They were used for quality control assessment of aminoacridine in some pharmaceutical preparations and biological samples.

Improved Solid-Contact Nitrate Ion Selective Electrodes Based on Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) as an Ion-to-Electron Transducer

Possible improvement of the performance characteristics, reliability and selectivity of solid-contact nitrate ion-selective electrodes (ISE) (SC/NO3--ISE) is attained by the application of a nitron-nitrate (Nit+/NO3-) ion association complex and inserting multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as an ion-to-electron transducer between the ion sensing membrane (ISM) and the electronic conductor glassy carbon (GC) substrate. The potentiometric performance of the proposed electrode revealed a Nernstian slope -55.1 ± 2.1 (r² = 0.997) mV/decade in the range from 8.0 × 10-8-1 × 10-2 M with a detection limit of 2.8 × 10-8 (1.7 ng/mL). Selectivity, repeatability and reproducibility of the proposed sensors were considerably improved as compared to the coated disc electrode (GC/NO3--ISE) without insertion of a MWCNT layer. Short-term potential stability and capacitance of the proposed sensors were tested using a current-reversal chronopotentiometric technique. The potential drift in presence of a MWCNT layer decreased from 167 μVs-1 (i.e., in absence of MWCNTs) to 16.6 μVs-1. In addition, the capacitance was enhanced from 5.99 μF (in absence of MWCNTs) to 60.3 μF (in the presence of MWCNTs). The presented electrodes were successfully applied for nitrate determination in real samples with good accuracy.

Gold Plate Electrodes Functionalized by Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Film for Potentiometric Thallium(I) Detection

Solid-contact potentiometric ion-selective electrodes (SC-ISEs) for thallium determination have been designed using multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as the ion-to-electron transducer. Dispersed MWCNTs were drop-casted over a gold plate electrode. Two different crown ethers were used in the sensing membrane for the recognition of thallium (I). Sensorsbased on dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DB18C6) as a neutral carrier and NaTPB as an anionic additive exhibited a near Nernstian response of 57.3 mV/decade towards Tl+ ions over the activity range 4.5 × 10-6-7.0 × 10-4 M, with a limit of detection of 3.2 × 10-7 M. The time required to achieve 95% of the steadyequilibrium potential was <10 s. The complex formation constant (log βML) between dibenzo-18-crown-6 and thallium (I) (i.e., 5.99) was measured using the sandwich membrane technique. The potential response was pH independent over the range 3.0-9.5. The introduction of MWCNTs as an electron-ion-transducer layer between gold plate and the sensing membrane lead to a smaller membrane resistance and a large double layer capacitance, which was proven using impedance spectra and chronopotentiometry (i.e., 114.9 ± 12 kΩ, 52.1 ± 3.3 pF, 200 ± 13.2 kΩ, and 50 ± 4.2 µF). Additionally, reduction ofthe water layer between the sensing membrane and the underlying conductor wastested. Thus, it is clear that MWCNTs can be used as a transducing layer in SC-ISEs. The proposed sensor was introduced as an indicator electrode for potentiometric titration of single and ternary mixtures of I-, Br-, and S2- anions.

Non-Equilibrium Potential Responses towards Neutral Orcinol Using All-Solid-State Potentiometric Sensors Integrated with Molecularly Imprinted Polymers

Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) receptors have been synthesized, characterized, and applied as new selective receptors in solid-contact ion selective electrodes (ISEs) towards non-dissociated 3,5-dihydroxytoluene (orcinol). Two monomers, namely methacrylic acid (MAA) and acrylamide (AA), were used in the preparation of MIP receptors. Graphene (Gr) was used as the solid contact material between the sensing membrane and the electrical contact substrate. Based on non-equilibrium sensing mechanism, the proposed sensors reveal observably enhanced detection sensitivity towards orcinol with detection limits 1.7 × 10⁻⁵ and 3.3 × 10⁻⁶ M for sensors based on MIP/MAA and MIP/AA, respectively. The selectivity coefficients measured by the modified separate solution method (MSSM) for the proposed sensors showed good selectivity towards orcinol over most common other phenols and inorganic anions. All measurements were made in the presence of 30 mM phosphate buffer solution (PBS) with a pH of 7.0. Potential stability for the proposed sensors was tested by constant-current chronopotentiometry. No water films were formed between the sensing membrane and the electron conductor substrate. The applicability of MIP/MAA incorporated ISE has been checked by recovery test of orcinol in the presence of soil matrix and by standard addition method.

Quercetin Recovery from Onion Solid Waste via Solid-Phase Extraction Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Nanoparticles

The present study deals with the valorization of the onion solid waste (i. e. peel) by extracting quercetin (Qu) compound, as a natural antioxidant food ingredient. It is used as a raw material for cosmetic, fine chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The onion peel, as a solid waste, is a highly rich source of Qu that is a valuable source of many useful biological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. For this purpose, Qu molecular-imprinted polymer nanoparticles (Qu–MIP NPs) and its corresponding non-imprinted polymer (NIP) were prepared using precipitation/polymerization method. The prepared Qu–MIP NPs and its corresponding NIP were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscope. The prepared Qu–MIP NPs and its corresponding NIP could successfully rebind Qu at binding capacities of 60 and 10.0 mM/g, respectively. Thus, the prepared Qu–MIP NPs could successfully recover 260 mg Qu from 1 kg onion peel.

Potentiometric detection of low-levels of sulfamethazine in milk and pharmaceutical formulations using novel plastic membrane sensors

Novel potentiometric sensors for selective screening of sulfamethazine (SMZ) in pharmaceutical preparations and milk samples are reported. The sensor membranes were made from PVC matrix doped with magnesium(II)-, manganese(II)- and dichlorotin (IV)-phthalocyanines as ionophores and aliquat-336 and nitron/SMZ ion-pair complex as ion exchangers. These sensors revealed fast, stable and near-Nernstian anionic response for the singly charged sulfamethazine anion over the concentration range 10-2 - 10-5 M. The sensors exhibited good selectivity towards SMZ over most known anions, excipients and diluents commonly added in drug preparations. Validation of the proposed methods was demonstrated via evaluating the detection limit, linear response range, accuracy, precision (within-day repeatability) and between-day-variability. The sensors are easily interfaced with a double channel flow injection system and used for continuous monitoring of SMZ in drug formulations, spiked milk samples and biological tissues. The method offers the advantages of design simplicity, results accuracy, and automation feasibility.

Fast microwave-assisted sorption of heavy metals on the surface of nanosilica-functionalized-glycine and reduced glutathione

Two eco-friendly nanosorbents have been designed and synthesized via surface crosslinking of nanosilica (N-Si) with glycine (Gly) and reduced glutathione (GSH) to produce (N-Si-Gly) and (N-Si-Glu) using crosslinking reagent and sonochemical reactions, respectively. An investigation was performed to search selectivity of nanosorbents via microwave-assisted removal of Ni(II)/Cu(II)/Cd(II)/Pb(II) to affirm green and fast technique. The microwave-assisted removal values of Ni(II), Cu(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) were observed at 850, 2100, 3500 and 2150 μmol g^-1, respectively utilizing 10 mg of (N-Si-Glu) and 25.0 s heating, while those corresponded to 750, 1800, 2500 and 1850 μmol g^-1, respectively by using (N-Si-Gly). The microwave-assisted removal processes were more fitted to Freundlich compared to Langmuir isotherm except in case of Pb(II). The high percent removal of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions exceed 95% from the second run in real wastewater samples indicating the efficiency of N-Si-Glu in the uptake of these metals utilizing microwave-assisted sorption technique.

Status of electronic waste recycling techniques: a review

The increasing use of electrical and electronic equipment leads to a huge generation of electronic waste (e-waste). It is the fastest growing waste stream in the world. Almost all electrical and electronic equipment contain printed circuit boards as an essential part. Improper handling of these electronic wastes could bring serious risk to human health and the environment. On the other hand, proper handling of this waste requires a sound management strategy for awareness, collection, recycling, and reuse. Nowadays, the effective recycling of this type of waste has been considered as a main challenge for any society. Printed circuit boards (PCBs), which are the base of many electronic industries, are rich in valuable heavy metals and toxic halogenated organic substances. In this review, the composition of different PCBs and their harmful effects are discussed. Various techniques in common use for recycling the most important metals from the metallic fractions of e-waste are illustrated. The recovery of metals from e-waste material after physical separation through pyrometallurgical, hydrometallurgical, or biohydrometallurgical routes is also discussed, along with alternative uses of non-metallic fraction. The data are explained and compared with the current e-waste management efforts done in Egypt. Future perspectives and challenges facing Egypt for proper e-waste recycling are also discussed.

Novel miniaturized sensors for potentiometric batch and flow-injection analysis (FIA) of perchlorate in fireworks and propellants

Three planar miniaturized perchlorate membrane sensors (3×5 mm(2)) are prepared using a flexible Kaptan substrate coated with nitron-perchlorate (NT-ClO4) [sensor 1], methylene blue-perchlorate (MB-ClO4) [sensor II] and indium-porphyrin (In-Por) [sensor III] as electroactive materials in PVC membranes plasticized with 2-NPPE. Sensors I, II and III display near-Nernstian response for 1.0×10(-5)-1.0×10(-2), 3.1×10(-5)-1.0×10(-2) and 3.1×10(-6)-1.0×10(-2) mol L(-1) ClO4(-) with lower detection limits of 6.1×10(-6), 6.9×10(-6) and 1.2×10(-6) mol L(-1), and anionic calibration slopes of 50.9±0.4, 48.4±0.4 and 57.7±0.3 mV decade(-1), respectively. Methods for determining perchlorate using these sensors offer many attractive advantages including simplicity, flexibility, cost effectiveness, wide linear dynamic response range (0.1-1000 ppm), low detection limit (<1.2×10(-6) mol L(-1)≡0.1 ppm), small sample test volume (100 μL), safety, short response time (<20 s), long life span (~8 weeks), and extended wide working pH range (4.5-8.0). The sensors show high selectivity in the presence of some inorganic ions (e.g., PO4(3-), SO4(2-), S2O3(2-), NO2(-), NO3(-), N3(-), CN(-), Cl(-), Br(-), I(-)) and automation feasibility. Indium-porphyrin based membrane sensor (sensor III) is used as a detector in a wall-jet flow injection set-up to enable accurate flow injection analysis (FIA) of perchlorate in some fireworks without interferences from the associated reducing agents (sulfur and charcoal), binders (dextrin, lactose), coloring agents (calcium, strontium, copper, iron, sodium), color brighten (linseed oil) and regulators (aluminum flakes) which are commonly used in the formulations. The sensor is also used for perchlorate assessment in some propellant powders. The results fairly agree with data obtained by ion-chromatography.

New potentiometric sensors based on selective recognition sites for determination of ephedrine in some pharmaceuticals and biological fluids

New cost-effective potentiometric membrane sensors with cylindrical configuration responsive to ephedrine are described. The sensors setup is, based on the use of triacetyl-β-cyclodextrin [(triacetyl-β-CD)] as a neutral ionophore embedded in a plasticized poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) matrix (sensor I) and carboxylated poly(vinyl chloride) [(PVC-COOH)] as a simultaneous plastic matrix and ion exchanger (sensor II). Both sensors showed significant enhancement of response towards ephedrinium cation (EPD(+)) over a concentration range of 3.0 × 10(-5)-8.0 × 10(-3) mol L(-1) at pH 4-9 and 3-8 with low detection limits of 5.7 × 10(-6) and 6.2 × 10(-6) mol L(-1) for sensors (I) and (II), respectively. The sensors displayed near-Nernstian cationic slope of 57.0 and 55.6 mV decade(-1) for EPD(+) and the effects of lipophilic salts and various foreign common ions were examined. The sensors were also satisfactorily used as tubular detectors in a double channel flow injection system. The intrinsic characteristics of the detectors in a low dispersion manifold under hydrodynamic mode of operation were determined and compared with data obtained under batch mode of operation. Validation of the method revealed good performance characteristics including long life span, good selectivity for EPD(+) over a wide variety of other organic compounds, long term stability, high reproducibility, fast response, low detection limit, wide measurement range, acceptable accuracy and precision. Applications of the sensors to the determination of EPD(+) in pharmaceutical formulations and spiked biological fluid samples were carried out and compared with standard techniques. Notably, the sensors introduced offer several advantages over many of those previously described that are amenable to quality control/quality assurance assessment of the homogeneity, stability and purity of ephedrine drug tablets.

Novel potentiometric copper (II) selective membrane sensors based on cyclic tetrapeptide derivatives as neutral ionophores

Two novel membrane sensors sensitive and reasonably selective for Cu(2+) ions are described. These are based on the use of newly synthesized cyclic tetrapeptide derivatives as neutral ionophores and sodium tetraphenylborate (NaTPB) as an anionic excluder in plasticized PVC membranes. The sensors exhibit fast and stable near-Nernstian response over the concentration range 1.0x10(-6)moll(-1) to 1.0x10(-2)moll(-1) Cu(2+) with a cationic slope of 30.2-25.9mV per decade at pH 4.5-7 with a lower detection limit of 0.05-0.13mugml(-1). Effects of plasticizers, lipophilic salts and various foreign common ions are tested. The sensors display long life-span, long term stability, high reproducibility, and short response time. Selectivity of both sensors is significantly high for Cu(2+) over Fe(3+), Al(3+), Zn(2+), Cd(2+), Hg(2+), Ni(2+), Co(2+), Mn(2+), alkaline earth and alkali metal ions. The sensors are used for direct measurement of copper content in different rocks and industrial wastewater samples from electroplating factories. The results agree fairly well with data obtained using atomic absorption spectrometry.

Removal of synthetic reactive dyes from textile wastewater by Sorel's cement

Removal of some reactive dyes (RY-145, RR-194 and RB-B) from textile wastewater effluents using Sorel's cement is described. Parameters affecting dye uptake including contact time, reagent dosage and pH are examined and optimized. Dye adsorption equilibrium data are fitted well to the Langmiur isotherm rather than Freundlish isotherm. The adsorption isotherm indicates that the adsorption capacities are 107.67, 120.89 and 103.14 mg dye per gram of Sorel's cement for RY-145, RR-194 and RB-B reactive dyes, respectively. The adsorption isotherms, including Langmuir constant (Q degrees and b) and Frendlich constant (K(F) and n), for the dyes decrease with the increase of temperature. The values of enthalpy change (DeltaH) for RY-145, RR-194 and RB-B dyes are -146.96, -49.23 and -264.86 kJ mol(-1), respectively, indicating that the removal process is exothermic. The sorption of the dyes is enhanced by increasing the pH, reaching a maximum at pH 6-11. Experimental runs conducted to measure the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of textile wastewater loaded with reactive dyes, reveal approximately 96% removal of the COD contents within 30 min under optimized conditions.

Removal of mercury(II) from wastewater using camel bone charcoal

Camel bone charcoal is used as an adsorbent for the removal of Hg(II) from wastewater effluents. The equilibrium data are fitted to Langmiur isotherm rather than linear and Freundlich isotherms. The adsorption capacity Qo is 28.24 mg of Hg(II)/g of the adsorbent. The optimum removal conditions are pH 2, contact time 30 min and temperature 25 degrees C. A comparison of the adsorption capacity (Qo) of camel bone charcoal with different adsorbents previously used for Hg(II) removal from wastewater effluents reveals its remarkable efficiency over many other treated and untreated natural and synthetic adsorbents. X-ray fluorescence and infrared spectrometry of camel bone charcoal after contact with mercury solutions confirm surface adsorption of Hg(II) ions. Electron microscopy reveals the formation of a spongy like structure on the adsorbent surface due to Hg(II) adsorption. Quantitative removal of mercury from hazardous effluents is demonstrated.

Mercury(II) ion-selective polymeric membrane sensors for analysis of mercury in hazardous wastes

Two novel potentiometric sensors that are highly selective to Hg2+ ions are described. These are based on the use of 5,5'-dithio-bis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) and tricyclazole (TCZ) as neutral carriers in plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) membranes. Fast Nernstian responses are obtained for Hg2+ ions over the concentration ranges 7.0 x 10(-6) - 1.0 x 10(-2) and 7.7 x 10(-6) - 1.0 x 10(-2) mol l(-1) at pH 1.8 - 3.3 with lower detection limits of 5.0 x 10(-6) and 5.6 x 10(-6) mol l(-1) (approximately 1 microh ml(-1)) and calibration slopes of 30.0 and 29.7 mV decade(-1) with DTNB- and TCZ-based membrane sensors, respectively. Validation of the assay method reveals good performance characteristics, including long life span, good selectivity for Hg2+ ions over a wide variety of other metal ions, long term response stability, and high reproducibility. Applications for direct determination of mercury in hazardous wastes including dental amalgam, mercury bulbs, and fluorescent lamps give results with good correlation with data obtained using cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry.

A potentiometric rhodamine-B based membrane sensor for the selective determination of chromium ions in wastewater

The construction and performance characteristics of a novel chromate ion-selective membrane sensor are described and used for determining chromium(III) and chromium(VI) ions. The sensor is based on the use of a rhodamine-B chromate ion-associate complex as an electroactive material in a poly(vinyl chloride) membrane plasticized with o-nitrophenyloctyl ether as a solvent mediator. In a phosphate buffer solution of pH 6 - 7, the sensor displays a stable, reproducible and linear potential response over the concentration range of 1 x 10(-1) - 5 x 10(-6) mol l(-1) with an anionic Nernstian slope of 30.8 +/- 0.5 mV decade(-1) and a detection limit of 1 x 10(-6) mol l(-1) Cr(VI). High selectivity for Cr(VI) is offered over many common anions (e.g., I-, Br-, Cl-, IO4-, CN-, acetate, oxalate, citrate, sulfate, phosphate, thiosulfate, selenite, nitrate) and cations (e.g., Ag+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Mn2+, Fe2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Al3+, Cr3+). The sensor is used for determining Cr(VI) and/or Cr(III) ions in separate or mixed solutions after the oxidation of Cr(III) into Cr(VI) with H2O2. As low as 0.2 microg ml(-1) of chromium is determined with a precision of +/-1.2%. The chromium contents of some wastewater samples were accurately assessed, and the results agreed fairly well with data obtained by atomic absorption spectrometry.

A novel spectrophotometric method for batch and flow injection determination of sulfite in beverages

A novel spectrophotometric assay method for batch and flow injection determination of sulfite in beverages is described. The method involves a reaction with diaquacobyrinic acid heptamethyl ester (diaquacobester, DACbs) in acetate buffer of pH 3 to form a highly stable sulfite cobester complex (SO3Cbs). In the absence of sulfite, the reagent displays three absorption maxima at 349, 409 and 525 nm. Addition of sulfite is associated with the development of a new absorption band at 313 nm, an increase in the intensity of the band at 425 nm and a decrease in the absorbance of the bands at 349 and 525 nm. Variations of the absorptions at 313, 349, 425 and 525 nm are linearly proportional to sulfite concentrations over the range of 0.05-25 microg ml(-1)with a detection limit of 0.01-0.2 microg ml(-1). Negligible interferences are caused by most common ions. Validation of the method according to the quality assurance standards shows suitability for quality control assessment of sulfite in complex matrices without prior treatment. The method has the advantages of high selectivity, good sensitivity, fast reaction, high stability of the reagent and reaction product and absorbance measurements at four different wavelengths in the same run. The method is successfully applied to determine the sulfite contents of some beverages. The results compare fairly well with data obtained using the standard method.

Iron(II)-phthalocyanine as a novel recognition sensor for selective potentiometric determination of diclofenac and warfarin drugs

Construction and characterization of potentiometric membrane sensors for quantification of diclofenac and warfarin drugs are described. The membranes of the sensors incorporate 1.8 wt.% iron(II)-phthalocyanine (Pc) as a molecular recognition reagent, 64.3 wt.% dibutylsebacate (DBS) solvent mediator, 1.8 wt.% tridodecylmethylammonium chloride (TDMAC) as membrane additive and 32.1 wt.% poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) as a matrix. The sensors display linear response for 1 x 10(-2) to 9 x 10(-6) mol l(-1) (detection limit 5.4 x 10(-6) mol l(-1)) and 1 x 10(-2) to 5 x 10(-6) mol l(-1) (detection limit 3 x 10(-6) mol l(-1)) with anionic slopes of -61 +/- 1 and -63 +/- 1 mVdecade(-1) over the pH range 5.5-9 for declofenac and warfarin, respectively. Validation of the assay methods according to the quality assurance standards confirms their suitability for quality control purposes. Use of the sensor for the assay of various formulations of the drugs shows a mean average recovery of 99.7% of the nominal values and a mean precision of +/-0.3%. Significantly improved accuracy, precision, response time, stability, selectivity and sensitivity are offered by these simple and cost-effective potentiometric sensors compared with other standard techniques.

Flow injection fluorimetric determination of chromium(VI) in electroplating baths by luminescence quenching of tris(2,2'-bipyridyl) ruthenium(II)

A sensitive and selective luminescence quenching method is developed and used for manual and flow injection analysis (FIA) of chromium(VI) by reaction with [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+). The emission peak of ruthenium(II) at 595 nm is linearly decreased as a function of Cr(VI) concentration. This permits determination of chromium(VI) ion over the concentration range 0.1-20 microg ml(-1) with a detection limit of 33 ng ml(-1). The quenching process is due to an electron transfer from the luminescent [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) complex ion to Cr(VI) resulting in the formation of the non-luminescent [Ru(bpy)(3)](3+) complex ion. Selectivity for Cr(VI) over many anions and transition, alkali and alkaline earth metal cations is demonstrated. High concentration levels of sulphate, chloride, borate, acetate, phosphate, nitrate, cyanide, Pb(2+), Zn(2+), Hg(2+), Cu(2+), Cd(2+), Ni(2+) and Mn(2+) ions are tolerated. The effects of solution pH and [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) reagent concentration are examined and the reaction conditions are optimized. Validation of the method according to the quality assurance standards show suitability of the proposed method for use in the quality control assessment of Cr(VI) in complex matrices without prior treatment. The method is successfully applied to determine chromium(VI) in electroplating baths using flow injection analysis. Results with a mean standard deviation of +/-0.6% are obtained which compare fairly well with data obtained using atomic absorption spectrometry.

Novel ibuprofen potentiometric membrane sensors based on tetraphenylporphyrinato indium(III)

Two novel potentiometric membrane sensors responsive to the ibuprofen drug have been developed. These incorporate poly(vinyl chloride) and polyurethane matrix membranes containing 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphrinato (TPP) indium(II) ionophore plasticized with dibutylsebacate. The sensors show a near-Nernstian response with anionic slopes of -53 and -55 mV decade(-1), over the concentration range of 4.2 x 10(-6)-1.0 x 10(-2) and 3.3 x 10(-6)-1.0 x 10(-2) M ibuprofen within pH ranges of 4-9 and 5-9 for PVC and PU matrix membranes, respectively. A sensor based on a polyurethane membrane displays a lower detection limit and a wider linear working range, and a sensor based on a PVC membrane exhibits a better overall selectivity, especially in the presence of lipophilic organic anions. Both sensors are used for the quantification and quality-control assessment of ibuprofen in pharmaceutical preparations. The average recoveries are 99.1+/-0.3% and 99.3+/-0.3% for TPP In(III)-PVC and TPP In(III)-PU based membrane sensors, respectively. High selectivities towards ibuprofen in the presence of many anions, drug excipients and diluents are offered by both sensors, which exhibit a non-Hofmeister selectivity pattern.

Polymeric matrix membrane sensors for sensitive potentiometric determination of some beta-blockers in pharmaceutical preparations

Five poly(vinyl chloride) matrix membrane sensors responsive to some beta-blockers (atenolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, propranolol and timolol) are described and characterized. The sensors are based on the use of the ion-association complexes of the beta-blocker cations with tungstophosphate anion as electroactive materials. The performance characteristics of these sensors, evaluated according to IUPAC recommendations, reveal fast, stable and near-Nernstian response for 10(-2)-2 x 10(-7) mol l(-1) of different beta-blockers over the pH range 2-9. Many inorganic and organic cations as well as drug excipients and diluents normally used in drug formulations do not interfere. The sensors are used for direct potentiometry of beta-blockers in some pharmaceutical preparations. Validation of the method according to the quality assurance standards shows suitability of the proposed sensors for use in the quality control assessment of these drugs. Results with an average recovery of 99.1% and a mean standard deviation of +/- 1.3% of the nominal are obtained which compare fairly well with data obtained using the British Pharmacopoeia method.

A novel 1,10-phenanthroline-sensitive membrane sensor for potentiometric determination of Hg(II) and Cu(II) cations

Preparation, characterization, and applications of a 1,10-phenanthrolinium cation (phenH(+))-sensitive potentiometric sensor are described. The sensor incorporates a liquid polymeric membrane consisting of phenH-tetraphenylborate, nitrophenyloctyl ether, and poly(vinyl chloride) as ion exchanger, plasticizer, and polymeric support, respectively. The sensor exhibits a fast and Nernstian response to phenH(+) over the concentration range of 6 x 10(-6)-2 x 10(-4) M with a monovalent cationic slope of 58.0+/-0.5 mV/log[phenH(+)] in acetate buffer of pH 4.2. The sensor is successfully applied to the monitoring of the potentiometric titration of Hg(II) and Cu(II) ions with phen solution in the presence of citrate and acetate buffers of pH 4.2, respectively. Sharp inflection breaks (90-180 mV) at 1:1 (metal:phen reaction) are obtained in the presence of chloride and thiocyanate background. This stoichiometry is explained by the formation of insoluble [HgCl(2)(phen)], [Hg(SCN)(2)(phen)], and [Cu(SCN)(2)(phen)] complexes. Optimization of each titration and the effect of foreign ions are evaluated. The method offers the advantages of adequate sensitivity, accuracy, and selectivity for the determination of mercury and copper in pharmaceutical, rock, and tea samples. The results are in good agreement with those obtained using the standard atomic absorption spectrometric and United States Pharmacopeial methods.

Determination of diclofenac in pharmaceutical preparations using a novel PVC membrane sensor

A novel potentiometric PVC membrane sensor for determination of diclofenac in pharmaceutical preparations has been developed. The sensor is based on the use of the 2,4,6-tri(2-pyridyl)-s-triazine iron(II) diclofenac complex [diclofenac-TPTZ-Fe(II)] as an electroactive material in a plasticized PVC membrane matrix. The sensor exhibits fast, stable and near Nernstian response for diclofenac over the concentration range 10(-2)-10(-6) M and pH 5.5-9.5. Application to quality control analysis of diclofenac in various dosage forms shows an average recovery of 99% with a mean standard deviation of 0.2%. No significant interferences are caused by inorganic and organic anions and various drug excipients and diluents.

LC and TLC determination of cinnarizine in pharmaceutical preparations and serum

New high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and thin layer densitometry (TLC) methods are developed for quantification of cinnarizine in dosage forms in the presence of its photo-degradation products and related substances and in the presence of its metabolites in serum. Mobile phases consisting of benzene-methanol-formic acid (80:17:3) and methanol-acetate buffer of pH 4 (70:30) are satisfactorily used for resolution of cinnarizine from associated substances by TLC and HPLC techniques, respectively. The lower detection limits are 16 and 10 ng microl(-1) of cinnarizine with standard deviations of 1.3 and 1.1% with TLC and HPLC, respectively. The methods are used for assessment of drug purity, stability, bioavailability, bioequivalency and tablet dissolution rate. Four cinnarizine related substances and six drug degradation products are isolated and identified by infrared and mass spectrometry. The results obtained by both techniques are in good agreement and offer the advantages of reproducibility and accuracy.