Preconcentration of samarium with modified yeast cells for its determination by atomic emission spectroscopy

A chelating-modified biosorbent is produced by coupling of a dye, procion red, to yeast cells. The resulting modified cells have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared, elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis and studied for preconcentration and determination of trace Sm(III). The optimum pH value for sorption of the samarium ions is 6.2. The sorption capacity of functionalized modified yeast cells is 7.2 mg g^?1. Recovery was 99% when Sm(III) was eluted with an aqueous solution of 0.1 mol L^?1 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Scatchard analysis suggested that binding sites were homogeneous. The equilibrium data were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Redlich–Peterson isotherm models, and the respective constants were determined as 1.0 (L mg^?1), 2.9 [(mg g^?1) (L mg^?1)^1/n], 2.4 × 10⁸ (L g^?1), and 30 (dm³ g^?1) at 20 °C. The method was applied for an Sm(III)-containing sample of ceramic industry effluent.     

Synthesis of 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene-functionalized Amberlite XAD-4 resin: Applications for the separation and preconcentration of trace metal ions prior to their determination by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

A simple, sensitive column solid-phase extraction procedure for separation and preconcentration of Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Cd(II) in spiked and natural water samples using 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene-functionalized Amberlite XAD-4 (XAD-4-DHN) chelating resin prior to their determination by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry was discussed. The optimum experimental parameters such as pH, volume of sample and eluent, flow-rates of uptake and stripping, and sorption capacity of the chelating resin, were evaluated. The effect of the electrolytes and the cations on the preconcentration of metal ions was also investigated. The chelating resin could be reused for more than 20 cycles of sorption–desorption without any significant change (<1.0%). Recoveries obtained from this method range from 96 to 102% with R.S.D of 2.50 (n = 4). The detection limits for Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Cd(II) were found to be 1.9, 0.9, 1.2 µg, and 1.4 µg L^?1, respectively. The proposed method was applied for the determination of Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Cd(II) in spiked, tap water, and river water samples.     

Quantitative analysis and sorption of cadmium in environmental samples with a functionalized synthetic polymer

Quantitative analysis of cadmium in environmental samples was achieved with a polymeric sorbent synthesized by copolymerization of N,N-dimethylacrylamide and allyl glycidyl ether/iminodiacetic acid as chelating monomers with N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide as cross-linker. The polymer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The sorption capacity of the functionalized sorbent was 70 mg g^?1. The equilibrium sorption data of Cd(II) on polymeric sorbent were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Redlich–Peterson models. Based on equilibrium adsorption data, the constants at pH 4.2 and 20 °C were determined for the first three as 0.33 (L mg^?1), 17.5 (mg g^?1) (L mg^?1)^1/n, and 12.9 (J mol^?1). Recovery of 94% of the metal ion was obtained with 0.5 mol L^?1 nitric acid as an eluting agent.     

Chemically modified biochar produced from conocarpus waste increases NO<Subscript>3</Subscript> removal from aqueous solutions

Biochar has emerged as a universal sorbent for the removal of contaminants from water and soil. However, its efficiency is lower than that of commercially available sorbents. Engineering biochar by chemical modification may improve its sorption efficiency. In this study, conocarpus green waste was chemically modified with magnesium and iron oxides and then subjected to thermal pyrolysis to produce biochar. These chemically modified biochars were tested for NO₃ removal efficiency from aqueous solutions in batch sorption isothermal and kinetic experiments. The results revealed that MgO-biochar outperformed other biochars with a maximum NO₃ sorption capacity of 45.36 mmol kg^?1 predicted by the Langmuir sorption model. The kinetics data were well described by the Type 1 pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemisorption as the dominating mechanism of NO₃ sorption onto biochars. Greater efficiency of MgO-biochar was related to its high specific surface area (391.8 m² g^?1) and formation of strong ionic complexes with NO₃. At an initial pH of 2, more than 89 % NO₃ removal efficiency was observed for all of the biochars. We conclude that chemical modification can alter the surface chemistry of biochar, thereby leading to enhanced sorption capacity compared with simple biochar.     

The removal of arsenic from water with natural and modified clinoptilolite

The presence of increased arsenic concentrations in Eastern Croatia is a consequence of the geological composition of the soil. Because of its known harmful effects, arsenic removal is of high importance and adsorption represents an attractive and economically efficient approach to arsenic removal. The use of zeolites obtained from the Donje Jesenje deposit, Croatia (CZ) and the Zlatokop deposit in Vranjska Banja, Serbia (SZ) in Na- and Fe–Na-modified forms was investigated in order to effectively remove arsenate and arsenite from aqueous solutions. The adsorption kinetics of arsenic was studied as a function of the initial arsenate and arsenite concentrations (30–300 μg · L^?1), equilibration time (3–48 h), pH (5–10) and in the presence of sulfate and phosphate at initial concentrations of 0.2–0.5 mg · L^?1. In order to estimate sorption constants designating the sorption capacity and affinity of the zeolites samples, the experimental results were fitted to the Langmuir and Freundlich sorption isotherms. Desorption tests conducted with 1–3 mol · L^?1 HCl indicated that arsenate sorption was irreversible. The results obtained indicated that use of the Serbian zeolite in the Fe–Na-modified form (Fe–Na-SZ) was favourable for arsenate removal from water containing up to 30 μg As · L^?1.     

Pomegranate husk as an adsorbent in the removal of toxic chromium from wastewater

The use of a new sorbent developed from the husk of pomegranate, a famous fruit in Egypt, for the removal of toxic chromium from aqueous solution has been investigated. The batch experiment was conducted to determine the adsorption capacity of the pomegranate husk. The effects of initial metal concentration (25 and 50 mg l^?1), pH, contact time, and sorbent concentration (2–6 g l^?1) have been studied at room temperature. A strong dependence of the adsorption capacity on pH was observed, the capacity increased as the pH decreased, and the optimum pH value was pH 1.0. Adsorption equilibrium and kinetics were studied with different sorbent and metal concentrations. The adsorption process was fast, and equilibrium was reached within 3 h. The maximum removal was 100% for 25 mg l^?1 of Cr⁶⁺ concentration on 5 g l^?1 pomegranate husk concentration, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 10.59 mg g^?1. The kinetic data were analysed using various kinetic models—pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, and intraparticle diffusion equations—and the equilibrium data were tested using several isotherm models, Langmuir, Freundlich, Tempkin, Dubinin–Radushkevich, and Generalized isotherm equations. The Elovich and pseudo-second-order equations provided the greatest accuracy for the kinetic data, while Langmuir and Generalized isotherm models were the closest fit for the equilibrium data. The activation energy of sorption has also been evaluated as 0.236 and 0.707 kJ mol^?1 for 25 and 50 mg l^?1 chromium concentration, respectively.     

Electrochemical hydride generation of tin(II) and its determination by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with in situ trapping in the graphite tube atomizer

An electrolytic hydride generation system for the determination of tin(II) by means of batch electrochemical hydride generation-electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (EcHG-ETAAS) with in situ trapping in a graphite tube atomizer is described. The effects of four permanent chemical modifiers – palladium, tungsten, iridium, and platinum – for graphite tube treatment on analyte absorbance and the effects of four cathode materials, i.e., Pb, Sn, Pb–Sn alloy, and glassy carbon, are checked. Three electrolytes, i.e., nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and hydrochloric acid, are examined as catholyte solutions. The influence of several parameters on EcHG is investigated using multivariate and univariate methods. Interferences of some concomitant ions are evaluated. The calibration curve is linear from 1 to 200?µg?L^?1, with a detection limit of 0.8?µg?L^?1 and a relative standard deviation of 6.2% (n?=?3) for 100?µg?L^?1 Sn(II). The proposed method was successfully applied in the analysis of real environmental water samples and reference materials, and good spiked recoveries over the range of 93.1–115% were obtained. The proposed technique provides a means for developing hydride generation of other elements.     

Synthesis and characterization of an ion exchanger based on tamarind kernel powder and its application for removal of some metal ions from industrial effluents

A resin synthesized from tamarind kernel powder possesses high selectivity for metal ions. Distribution coefficients for some metal ions has been determined by the batch method. The influence of pH on ion exchange capacity and K _d value of metal ions were studied. The resin has been characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, chemical composition and ion exchange capacity (IEC). The selectivity order is Pb²⁺?>?Cu²⁺?>?Fe²⁺?>?Zn²⁺?>?Ni²⁺. Removal of metal ions from the aqueous solution and from effluents of a steel mill has been studied.     

A comparative study of modified and unmodified maize tassels for removal of selected trace metals in contaminated water

Powdered maize tassels were studied and found to exhibit metal sorption properties due to the availability of functional groups. The tassels have a high amount of soluble organic substances that can dissolve in aqueous media, contributing to secondary pollution during a water treatment process. A chelating agent was chemically attached on the maize tassels with a view to increase the sorption capacity, minimize leaching, and enhance the tassels’ stability. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed that modification improved their thermal stability to withstand temperatures above 600°C as well as reduced the “secondary pollution”. The modified sorbent was employed for the sorption of lead, copper, and cadmium ions in both the model solutions and the real samples. The contact time and pH were optimized after which Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were applied to the data. The sorption capacities for Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Pb²⁺ improved from 3.4, 0.8, and 1.7?g?kg^?1, respectively, to 6.3, 2.6, and 2.6?g?kg^?1 in the same order. The sorbent was shown to remove up to 95% of the metals in less than 10 min. This study has a potential application for the remediation of polluted waters.     

Trichoderma harzianum: a green sorbent for Pb(II) uptake from aqueous solutions

This investigation describes the use of specially cultivated, nonliving biomass of Trichoderma harzianum as a biosorbent for the batch removal of Pb(II) from a stirred system under different experimental conditions. The metal removal depended upon pH, sorbent particle size, initial Pb(II) concentration, shaking speed, and sorption time. The optimal experimental conditions for the removal of Pb(II) by T. harzianum with an initial metal concentration of 100 mg L^?1 were obtained at a particle size of 53 μm, a pH of 4.5, a shaking speed of 200 rpm, and a contact time of 720 min. The results were analyzed in terms of adsorption isotherms and kinetic models. The Freundlich isotherm model and pseudo second-order model fitted well in the data. T. harzianum proved to be a good biomaterial for accumulating Pb(II) from aqueous solutions (q = 460 mg g^?1).     

Determination of Au(III) and Pd(II) ions by flame atomic absorption spectrometry in some environmental samples after solid phase extraction

A simple and sensitive solid phase extraction method was developed for simultaneous separation and preconcentration of gold and palladium ions with N-(4-methylphenyl)-2-{[(4-phenyl-5-pyridine-4-yl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio]acetyl}hydrazine carbo thioamide complex on Amberlite XAD-1180 resin before their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Some analytical parameters such as HNO₃ concentration of the sample solution, amount of complexing agent, sample volume, eluent type and volume, effects of foreign ions and adsorption capacity of the resin were investigated for quantitative recovery of gold and palladium ions. The effects of some anions and cations were also examined. Under optimum conditions, the detection limits for gold and palladium ions were found to be 0.29 and 0.19 μg L^?1, respectively. The preconcentration factor for gold and palladium was 250. After being validated by standard addition and analysis of standard reference material, the procedure was successfully applied to the analysis of sea and stream water, anodic slime, gold ore, soil and electronic waste.     

Solid phase extraction of trace metals from environmental samples using Amberlite XAD-7 loaded with 2-hydroxy-propiophenone-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazone and determination by inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry

A method for the solid phase extraction of trace metals, namely Co, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn, from environmental and biological samples using column Amberlite XAD-7 loaded with 2-hydroxy-propiophenone-4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (HPPPTSC) and determination by inductively coupled spectrometry (ICP–AES) has been developed. The reagent has the capacity to form chelate complexes with the metals because of three binding sites in the reagent molecule. The optimum experimental conditions for the quantitative sorption of five metals, pH, effect of flow rate, concentration of eluent, sorption capacity and the effect of diverse ions on the preconcentration of analytes have been investigated. The sorption capacity of the resin has 83, 127, 35, 88 and 85?µmol?g^?1 for Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Zn²⁺, respectively. The preconcentration factors for Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Zn²⁺ were 100, 110, 120, 140 and 150, respectively. The accuracy of the proposed procedure was evaluated by standard reference materials. The achieved results were in good agreement with certified values. The proposed method was applied for the determination of trace metals in river water and plant leaves.     

Biosolids application affects the competitive sorption and lability of cadmium,copper, nickel,lead, and zinc in fluvial and calcareous soils

The objective of this research was to investigate the effects of biosolids on the competitive sorption and lability of the sorbed Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in fluvial and calcareous soils. Competitive sorption isotherms were developed, and the lability of these metals was estimated by DTPA extraction following their sorption. Sorption of all metals was higher in the fluvial than in the calcareous soil. Sorption of Cu and Pb was stronger than that of Cd, Ni, and Zn in all soils. Biosolids application (2.5%) reduced the sorption of all metals especially Cu and Pb (28–43%) in both soils (especially the calcareous soil) at the lower added metal concentrations (50 and 100 mg L^?1). However, it increased the sorption of all metals especially Pb and Cu in both soils (especially the calcareous soil; 15.5-fold for Cu) at the higher added concentrations (250 and 300 mg L^?1). Nickel showed the highest lability followed by Cd, Zn, and Pb in both soils. Biosolids increased the lability of the sorbed Ni in the fluvial soils at all added concentrations and the lability of Cd, Pb, and Zn at 50 mg L^?1, but decreased the lability of Cd, Pb, and Zn at 250 and 300 mg L^?1 in both soils. We conclude that at low loading rate (e.g., 50 mg L^?1) biosolids treatment might increase the lability and environmental risk of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn. However, at high loading rate (e.g., 300 mg L^?1) biosolids may be used as an immobilizing agent for Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn and mobilizing agent for Ni.     

Removal of Eu3+, Ce3+, Sr2+, and Cs+ ions from radioactive waste solutions by modified activated carbon prepared from coconut shells

As a biomass agricultural waste material, coconut shells were used for the preparation of high-quality modified activated carbon. Chemical modification of the surface of the prepared activated carbon is done by oxidation using H₂O₂ and HNO₃, respectively. The surface area and pore volume of the coconut shells activated carbon are increased by the chemical modification, and followingly the removal of the metals is improved. The structural morphology and composition of the modified activated carbon coconut shells (MACCS) were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, thermogravimetric analysis–differential thermal analysis (TGA-DTA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), surface area analysis (SAA), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur (CHNS) elemental analysis. The prepared MACCS has reasonably good chemical stability. The influence of solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, adsorption temperature, initial metal concentrations, and interfering ions on the adsorption performance of the investigated ions onto the prepared sorbent was examined by a batch method. The selectivity sequence for sorption of Eu³⁺, Ce³⁺, Sr²⁺, and Cs⁺ ions on MACCS was found to be Eu^3+?>?Ce^3+?>?Sr^2+?>?Cs⁺. The saturation capacities of MACCS for the studied metal ions were found to be 136.84, 85.55, 69.85, and 60.00?mg?g^?1 for Eu³⁺, Ce³⁺, Sr²⁺, and Cs⁺ ions, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters, ΔH°, ΔS°, and ΔG° were also evaluated.     

Heavy metals uptake from aqueous solutions using marine algae (Colpomenia sinuosa): kinetics and isotherms

The adsorption of copper, zinc, cobalt, lead and cadmium ions onto Colpomenia sinuosa was studied as a function of contact time, initial metal ion concentration and initial pH. In addition, desorption studies were performed. Characterisation of this adsorbent was also confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Batch adsorption experimental data were analysed using Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Raduschkevich (D–R) adsorption isotherms. The results indicated that the biosorption equilibrium was well described by both the Freudlich and D–R isotherms. Moreover, sorption kinetics was performed and it was observed that equilibrium was reached in<60 min, which could be described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model for all heavy metals. The sorption of heavy metals onto the biomass was largely dependent on the initial solution pH. The elution efficiency for heavy metal ions desorption from C. sinuosa was determined for 0.1 M HCl, 1.0 M HCl and 1.0 M HNO₃. Desorption efficiency and also adsorption capacity were highest for Pb(II). The results indicate that C. sinuosa has great potential for the removal of heavy metals in an ecofriendly process.     

A fast and reliable method for quantitative determination of total mercury in vegetables

A cloud-point extraction (CPE) process using the nonionic surfactant, polyethylene glycol tert octylphenyl ether (Triton X-114) was employed for determination of Hg(II) ions in aqueous solutions. The method is based on the ion-pairing reaction of Hg(II) with Pyronin B (PyrB⁺) in the presence of excess iodide at pH 6.0 and extraction of the complex formed. The chemical variables affecting CPE efficiency were studied, and the analytical characteristics of the method were obtained. The calibration curves were linear in the range of 1–40 μg L^?1 with the detection limits of 0.35 and 0.30 μg L^?1 at 556 and 521 nm. Selectivity was also tested. The coefficients of variation of the method are 2.4% and 5.2% for five replicate measurements of mercury at levels of 10 and 25 μg L^?1, respectively. The results obtained for two certified reference samples were in a good agreement with the certified values. The method was applied to the determination of total mercury in vegetable samples.     

Online solid phase preconcentration using EGDMA–MAA copolymer for lead determination by FAAS

A Ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) methacrylic acid (MAA) resin was used for preconcentration of lead at trace levels in water samples. For this purpose, a flow-injection, solid phase extraction method was developed for the determination of lead by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Lead ions were sorbed on a EGDMA–MAA column at pH 4, followed by an elution step using 288 µL of 4.0 M nitric acid solution and determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Optimum conditions for quantitative sorption involving the pH, sample volume, loading and elution flow rates, eluent type, and volume were investigated. A 868-fold enrichment factor could be reached. The detection limit for the water samples, estimated from the noise on the signal obtained for 250 mL of 10 µg L^?1 loaded at 4.9 mL min^?1 was 1.04 µg L^?1. The method was applied for lead determination in river water samples collected in Edirne, Turkey. Recoveries of spiked solutions (10 µg L^?1) to river water samples were quantitative. Finally, the method was validated by the analysis of certified reference material SRM 2704 (Buffalo River Sediment).     

Uptake of Ni2+ and rhodamine B by nano-hydroxyapatite/alginate composite beads: batch and continuous-flow systems

Alginate encapsulated nano-hydroxyapatite beads were synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface analysis, and X-ray diffraction. Their adsorptive potential for Ni²⁺ and rhodamine B was explored in batch mode and by fixed-bed column passage. In the batch system, maximum uptake capacity for Ni²⁺ was 360 mg g^?1 and 480 mg g^?1 for rhodamine B. In the presence of humic acid, sorption was enhanced. For the continuous-flow system, adsorption was effective at low flow rate. For both pollutants, mass transport resistance increased during adsorption. The overall rates of rhodamine B and Ni²⁺ uptake were found to be controlled by external mass transfer.     

Kinetic and mechanism studies of the adsorption of lead onto waste cow bone powder (WCBP) surfaces

This study examines the adsorption isotherms, kinetics and mechanisms of Pb²⁺ sorption onto waste cow bone powder (WCBP) surfaces. The concentrations of Pb²⁺ in the study range from 10 to 90 mg/L. Although the sorption data follow the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm, a detailed examination reveals that surface sorption or complexation and co-precipitation are the most important mechanisms, along with possibly ion exchange and solid diffusion also contributing to the overall sorption process. The co-precipitation of Pb²⁺ with the calcium hydroxyapatite (Ca-HAP) is implied by significant changes in Ca²⁺ and PO₄ ^3? concentrations during the metal sorption processes. The Pb²⁺ sorption onto the WCBP surface by metal complexation with surface functional groups such as ≡ POH. The major metal surface species are likely to be ≡ POPb⁺. The sorption isotherm results indicated that Pb²⁺ sorption onto the Langmuir and Freundlich constant q _max and K _F is 9.52 and 8.18 mg g^?1, respectively. Sorption kinetics results indicated that Pb²⁺ sorption onto WCBP was pseudo-second-order rate constants K ₂ was 1.12 g mg^?1 h^?1. The main mechanism is adsorption or surface complexation (≡POPb⁺: 61.6%), co-precipitation or ion exchange [Ca_3.93 Pb_1.07 (PO₄)₃ (OH): 21.4%] and other precipitation [Pb 50 mg L^?1 and natural pH: 17%). Sorption isotherms showed that WCBP has a much higher Pb²⁺ removal rate in an aqueous solution; the greater capability of WCBP to remove aqueous Pb²⁺ indicates its potential as another promising way to remediate Pb²⁺-contaminated media.