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

Reclamation of iron and copper from BCL slag in Botswana

High-grade copper ores have been depleted over the years, making it a challenge in the mining industry. This investigation focused on a methodology to recover iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) from a copper/nickel slag obtained from the Bamangwato Concession Limited (BCL) mine in Botswana. In this modified flotation approach, the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used in conjunction with the Central Composite Design (CCD) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to obtain the best optimal flotation conditions for the recovery of iron and copper. Using the RSM - CCD methodology, the optimal predicted responses were illustrated by a coefficient of determination R2 = 0. 9839 for recovery for Fe and 0.9655 for recovery for Cu. The recovery of copper increased with the increasing dosage of Na2S and collector dosage, while the increase of pH, had a decrease in recovery of copper due to the decline in the stability of the froth, which led to the resistance to form stable bubbles for efficient recovery of copper. Selective flotation of copper and iron was achieved by varying the Na2S dosage to achieve maximum recovery. Under these flotation conditions of PAX (800 g/t), pH (8), -75 μm, sulfurizing agent (Na2S, 1000 g/t), flotation time of 8 min, pH regulator of NaOH and H 2 S O 4 and Methyl Isobutyl Carbinol (MIBC) from the experimental runs merited a grade upgrade of Cu in froth concentrate from 0.581 mass% to 0.884 mass%. An enrichment ratio of 2 was realised, with the recovery of Cu being 62%, whereas Fe in the froth concentrate increased from 69.8 mass% to 71.8 mass%. The main aim was to upgrade the grade and recovery of copper and iron to enhance the recovery for copper and iron in the next experimental stage of leaching.

A New Trend and Future Perspectives of the Miniaturization of Conventional Extraction Methods for Elemental Analysis in Different Real Samples: A Review

Sample preparation is one of the viable procedures to be used before analysis to enhance sensitivity and reduce the matrix effect. The current review is mainly emphasized the latest outcome and applications of microextraction techniques based on the miniaturization of the classical conventional methods based on liquid-phase and solid-phase extraction for the quantitative elemental analysis in different real samples. The limitation of the conventional sample preparation methods (liquid and solid phase extraction) has been overcome by developing a new way of reducing size as compared with the conventional system through the miniaturization approach. Miniaturization of the sample preparation techniques has received extensive attention due to its extraction at microlevels, speedy, economical, eco-friendly, and high extraction capability. The growing demand for speedy, economically feasible, and environmentally sound analytical approaches is the main intention to upgrade the conventional procedures apply for sample preparation in environmental investigation. A growing trend of research has been perceived to quantify the trace for elemental analysis in different natures of real samples. This review also recapitulates the current futuristic scenarios for the green and economically viable procedure with special overemphasis and concentrates on eco-friendly miniaturized sample-preparation techniques such as liquid-phase microextraction (LPME) and solid-phase microextraction (SPME). This review also emphasizes the latest progress and applications of the LPME and SPME approach and their future perspective.

The effect of cationic surfactants on improving natural clinoptilolite for the flotation of cesium

Flotation using cationic surfactants has been investigated as a rapid separation technique to dewater clinoptilolite ion exchange resins, for the decontamination of radioactive cesium ions (Cs⁺) from nuclear waste effluent. Initial kinetic and equilibrium adsorption studies of cesium, suggested the large surface area to volume ratio of the fine zeolite contributed to fast adsorption kinetics and high capacities (q_c = 158.3 mg/g). Adsorption of ethylhexadecyldimethylammonium bromide (EHDa-Br) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) surfactant collectors onto both clean and 5 ppm Cs⁺ contaminated clinoptilolite was then measured, where distribution coefficients (K_d) as high as 10,000 mL/g were evident with moderate concentrations CPC. Measurements of particle sizes confirmed that adsorption of surfactant monolayers did not lead to significant aggregation of the clinoptilolite, while < 8% of the 5 ppm contaminated cesium was remobilised. Importantly for flotation, both the recovery efficiency and dewatering ratios were measured across various surfactant concentrations. Optimum conditions were found with 0.5 mM of CPC and addition of 30 μL of MIBC frother, giving a recovery of ∼90% and a water reduction ratio > 4, highlighting the great viability of flotation to separate and concentrate the contaminated powder in the froth phase.

The use of rapidly synergistic cloud point extraction for the separation and preconcentration of trace amounts of Ni (II) ions from food and water samples coupling with flame atomic absorption spectrometry determination

A novel improved preconcentration method known as rapidly synergistic cloud point extraction (RS-CPE) was established for nickel preconcentration and determination prior to its determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. In this work, the traditional CPE pattern was changed and greatly simplified in order to be applicable in metal extraction and detection. This method was accomplished in room temperature in 1 min. Non-ionic surfactant Triton X-114 was used as extractant. Octanol worked as cloud point revulsant and synergic reagent. The various parameters affecting the extraction and preconcentration of nickel such as sample pH, 2,2'-Furildioxime concentration, amounts of octanol, amounts of Triton X-114, type of diluting solvent, extraction time, and ionic strength were investigated and optimized. Under optimal conditions, the calibration curve showed an excellent linearity in the concentration range of 2-200 μg L(-1), and the limit of detection was 0.6 μg L(-1) for nickel. The developed method was successfully applied for the determination of nickel in food and water samples. The results showed that, the proposed method can be used as a cheap, rapid, and efficient method for the extraction and preconcentration of nickel from real samples.

Synthesis, characterization and application of ion imprinted polymeric nanobeads for highly selective preconcentration and spectrophotometric determination of Ni²⁺ ion in water samples

Here, the researchers report on the synthesis of ion imprinted polymeric (IIP) nanoparticles using a thermal polymerization strategy, and their usage for the separation of Ni(2+) ion from water samples. The prepared Ni-IIP was characterized by colorimetry, FT-IR spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the particle size of the prepared particle to be 50-70 nm in diameter with the highly selective binding capability for Ni(2+) ion, with reasonable adsorption and desorption process. After preconcentration, bound ions can be eluted with an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid, after their complexation with dimethylglyoxime, these ions can be quantified by UV-Vis absorption spectrophotometry. The effect of various parameters on the extraction efficiency including pH of sample solution, adsorption and leaching times, initial sample volume, concentration and volume of eluent were investigated. In selectivity study, it was found that imprinting causes increased affinity of the prepared IIP toward Ni(2+) ion over other ions such as Na(+), K(+), Ag(+), Co(2+), Cu(2+), Cd(2+), Hg(2+), Pb(2+), Zn(2+), Mn(2+), Mg(2+), Cr(3+), and Fe(3+). The prepared IIP can be used and regenerated for at least eight times without any significant decrease in binding affinities. The prepared IIP is considered to be promising and selective sorbent for solid-phase extraction and preconcentration of Ni(2+) ion from different water samples.

Synthesis and application of ion-imprinted polymer nanoparticles for the determination of nickel ions

Novel Ni(II) ion-imprinted polymers (Ni-IIP) nanoparticles were prepared by using Ni(II) ion-1,5-diphenyl carbazide (DPC) complex as the template molecule and methacrylic acid, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) and 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the functional monomer, cross-linker and the radical initiator, respectively. The synthesized polymer particles were characterized physically and morphologically by using infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) techniques. Some parameters such as pH, weight of the polymer, adsorption time, elution time, eluent type and eluent volume which affects the efficiency of the polymer were studied. The preconcentration factor, relative standard deviation, and limit of detection of the method were found to be 100, 1.9%, and 0.002 μg mL(-1), respectively. The prepared ion-imprinted polymer particles have an increased selectivity toward Ni(II) ions over a range of competing metal ions with the same charge and similar ionic radius. The method was applied to the determination of nickel in tomato and some water samples.

Ion imprinted polymeric nanoparticles for selective separation and sensitive determination of zinc ions in different matrices

Preparation of Zn(2+) ion-imprinted polymer (Zn-IIP) nanoparticles is presented in this report. The Zn-IIP nanoparticles are prepared by dissolving stoichiometric amounts of zinc nitrate and selected chelating ligand, 3,5,7,20,40-pentahydroxyflavone, in 15 mL ethanol-acetonitrile (2:1; v/v) mixture as a porogen solvent in the presence of ethylene glycol-dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as cross-linking, methacrylic acid (MAA) as functional monomer, and 2,2-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator. After polymerization, Cavities in the polymer particles corresponding to the Zn(2+) ions were created by leaching the polymer in HCl aqueous solution. The synthesized IIPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and thermal analysis techniques. Also, the pH range for rebinding of Zn(2+) ion on the IIP and equilibrium binding time were optimized, using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. In selectivity study, it was found that imprinting results increased affinity of the material toward Zn(2+) ion over other competitor metal ions with the same charge and close ionic radius. The prepared IIPs were repeatedly used and regenerated for six times without any significant decrease in polymer binding affinities. Finally, the prepared sorbent was successfully applied to the selective recognition and determination of zinc ion in different real samples.

High-performance pure and Fe3+-ion doped ZnS quantum dots as green nanophotocatalysts for the removal of malachite green under UV-light irradiation

The heterogeneous photocatalysis using UV-radiation and quantum dots (QDs) is an interesting method for the treatment of water polluted with the organic substances. In this study, ZnS QDs, as a pure and doped with Fe(3+), were prepared for photodecolorization of malachite green (MG) as a model dye. The synthesis of QDs was carried out using a chemical precipitation method in aqueous solution, in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanol as a capping agent. The XRD patterns indicated that the doped nanoparticles are crystalline, with cubic zinc blend structure. The effects of dopant content, pH, nanophotocatalyst amount, irradiation time, and initial dye concentration on the removal efficiency of MG were studied. Results showed that the QDs presented high MG decolorization efficiency, and doping with Fe(3+) promoted the dye removal. The maximum removal of dyes was obtained at 80 mg/L of photocatalyst as an optimum value for the dosage of photocatalyst in pH of 8.0.

Combination of flotation and flame atomic absorption spectrometry for determination, preconcentration and separation of trace amounts of metal ions in biological samples

An efficient enrichment procedure based on the combination of flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and flotation for determination of Cd2+, Ag+ and Zn2+ ions in various biological samples using new collector is studied. The influence of pH, amount of 2-(((1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)methoxy)methyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole (HBIMMHBI) as collector, sample matrix, type and amount of eluting agent, type and amount of surfactant as floating agent, ionic strength and air flow rates on the extraction efficiency were evaluated and optimized. It is ascertained that under study metal ions is preconcentrated simultaneously from matrix in the presence of 0.005 M HBIMMHBI, 0.085% (w/v) of SDS form 750 mL at pH 6.5. The floated complexes metal ions eluted quantitatively with 6 mL of 1.0 M HNO3 in methanol lead to achieve preconcentration factor of 125. The detection limits for analyte ions were in the range of 1.3–2.4 ng mL-1, with recoveries more than 95% and relative SD lower than 4%.

The determination of cobalt(II) at DME using catalytic hydrogen current technique in various water samples, agricultural materials and pharmaceuticals

Two novel and facile ligands ammonium piperidine dithiocarbamate (Amm Pip-DTC) and ammonium morpholine dithiocarbamate (Amm Mor-DTC) were synthesized for the development of rapid and cost effective catalytic hydrogen current technique to analyze cobalt(II) in the presence of NH(4)Cl-NH(4)OH at pH 7.8 and 8.4 with Amm Pip-DTC and Amm Mor-DTC. These ligands produce catalytic hydrogen currents with Co(II) at peak potentials -1.24 V and -1.44 V vs. SCE respectively. Quantitative experimental conditions are developed by studying effect of pH, supporting electrolyte (NH(4)Cl), ligand and metal ion concentrations and effect of adverse ions on peak height to improve the sensitivity, selectivity and detection limits of the catalytic hydrogen current technique and compared it in terms of Student's t test and variance ratio f test with differential pulse polarographic (DPP) method. The developed technique was applied for the analysis of cobalt(II) in various water samples, agricultural materials and pharmaceuticals and the results obtained are in good agreement with the DPP data.

Chelating agent free-solid phase extraction (CAF-SPE) of Co(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) by new nano hybrid material (ZrO2/B2O3)

New nano hybrid material (ZrO(2)/B(2)O(3)) was synthesized and applied as a sorbent for the separation and/or preconcentration of Co(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) in water and tea leaves prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Synthesized nano material was characterized by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. The optimum conditions for the quantitative recovery of the analytes, including pH, eluent type and volume, flow rate of sample solution were examined. The effect of interfering ions was also investigated. Under the optimum conditions, adsorption isotherms and adsorption capacities have been examined. The recoveries of Co(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) were 96 ± 3%, 95 ± 3%, 98 ± 4% at 95% confidence level, respectively. The analytical detection limits for Co(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II) were 3.8, 3.3, and 3.1 μg L(-1), respectively. The reusability and adsorption capacities (32.2 mg g(-1) for Co, 46.5 mg g(-1) for Cu and 109.9 mg g(-1) for Cd) of the sorbent were found as satisfactory. The accuracy of the method was confirmed by analyzing certified reference material (GBW-07605 Tea leaves) and spiked real samples. The method was applied for the determination of analytes in tap water and tea leaves.

Determination of toxic and other trace elements in calcium-rich materials using cloud point extraction and inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry

A cloud point extraction (CPE) procedure for the simultaneous separation and preconcentration of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn from materials rich in calcium prior to trace element analysis by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) was developed. The method is based on the formation of hydrophobic complexes of the metal ions with PAN or 5-Br-PADAP, followed by their extraction into a surfactant-rich phase using Triton X-114 as the surfactant. The main variables affecting the extraction process, such as pH, concentration of surfactant and chelating agent were optimised. Under the optimum conditions the obtained limits of detection for Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were of 4.0, 4.3, 2.1, 1.9, 0.3, 5.6, 40 and 2.0 microg L(-1), respectively. The RSD values for 10 replicates were from 1.5% for Mn to 11% for Pb. The accuracy of the procedure was verified by analysis of certified reference material NIST 1400 (Bone Ash) and by recovery tests. The optimised method was successfully applied for the simultaneous determination of trace elements in dolomites used by different fertiliser factories.

Rapid and simultaneous determination of essential minerals and trace elements in human milk by improved flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) with microwave digestion

A method for the simultaneous and economical determination of many trace elements in human milk is developed. Two multi-element hollow cathode lamps (HCLs) were used instead of single-element HCLs to improve the sample throughput of flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). The microwave digestion of milk is optimized prior to detection, and the performance characteristics of the improved analysis method are identified. Clinical samples are detected by both FAAS and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) for methodology evaluation. Results reveal that the proposed FAAS with multi-element HCLs could determine six essential minerals and trace elements within 15 min. This method provides a linear analytical range of 0.01-10 mg L(-1). For Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Zn, the limits of determination are 1.5, 3, 1.8, 2.2, 2.1, and 1.3 microg L(-1), respectively. The mean relative standard deviations (RSDs) of intra- and interassays are lower than 7%. Excellent operational characteristics of rapidity, simplicity, and economy make the proposed method a promising one for the quantification of trace elements in human milk in clinics of underdeveloped areas.

Determination of trace metals in different fish species and sediments from the River Yeşilirmak in Tokat, Turkey

In the presented study, five different fish species and sediment samples were collected from polluted areas, control samples from unpolluted areas in Yeşilirmak River during 2008-2009. The samples were analyzed using flame and/or graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry after various digestion methods. The relative standard deviations (RSD) were found below 10%. The accuracy of the methods was confirmed by certified reference materials. The maximum iron, zinc, copper, lead, manganese, nickel and cadmium concentrations were found to be as 116 (Fe), 63.5 (Zn), 2.5 (Cu), 0.56 (Pb), 9.4 (Mn), 10.2 (Ni) and 0.75 (Cd) microg/g in fish samples. The maximum metal concentration in sediment was 3566 microg/g for Fe, 463 microg/g for Mn, 45.5 microg/g for Zn, 38.7 microg/g for Cu, 17.3 microg/g for Pb, 79.2 microg/g for Ni and 0.55 microg/g for Cd, respectively. Some species is accumulated trace metals at high ratio.

Nano-level determination of copper with atomic absorption spectrometry after pre-concentration on N,N-(4-methyl-1,2-phenylene)diquinoline-2-carboxamide-naphthalene

A novel, simple, sensitive and effective method has been developed for selective extraction and pre-concentration of copper on N,N-(4-methyl-1,2-phenylene)diquinoline-2-carboxamide-naphthalene. After pre-concentration, copper was eluted from sorbent with hydrochloric acid, and then flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) was used for its determination. The effect of pH, sample flow rate and the volume and concentration of eluent on the recovery of the analyte was investigated and the optimum conditions were established. A pre-concentration factor of 400, and an adsorption capacity of 6.9 mg g(-1) of the solid-phase sorbent or 82.8 mg g(-1) of ligand was achieved using the optimum conditions. The calibration graph was linear in the range of 1.0-4000 ng mL(-1) with the detection limit of 1.0 ng mL(-1). A R.S.D. value of 2.4% was obtained by this method for 400 ng mL(-1) of Cu(2+) solution. This procedure has been successfully applied to separate and determine the ultra trace levels of copper in the environmental samples, free from the interference of some diverse ions.

Solidified floating organic drop microextraction (SFODME) for simultaneous separation/preconcentration and determination of cobalt and nickel by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS)

Solidified floating organic drop microextraction (SFODME), combined with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) was proposed for simultaneous separation/enrichment and determination of trace amounts of nickel and cobalt in surface waters and sea water. 1-(2-Pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) was used as chelating agent. The main parameters affecting the performance of SFODME, such as pH, concentration of PAN, extraction time, stirring rate, extraction temperature, sample volume and nature of the solvent were optimized. Under the optimum experimental conditions, a good relative standard deviation for six determination of 20 ng l(-1) of Co(II) and Ni(II) were 4.6 and 3.6%, respectively. An enrichment factor of 502 and 497 and detection limits of 0.4 and 0.3 ng l(-1) for cobalt and nickel were obtained, respectively. The procedure was applied to tap water, well water, river water and sea water, and accuracy was assessed through the analysis of certified reference water or recovery experiments.

Evaluation of trace metal contents of some wild edible mushrooms from Black sea region, Turkey

Fructification organs of Calvatia excipuliformis, Lycoperdon perlatum, Laccaria amethystea, Armillaria mellea, Marasmius oreades, Xerula radicata, Cantharellus cibarius, Craterellus cornucopioides, Cantharellus tubaeformis, Hypholoma fasciculare, Clitocybe gibba, Collybia dryophila, Lepista nuda and Mycena aetites were collected from different localities in Black sea region of Turkey. Their trace metals concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry after wet and microwave digestion. The results were (as mg/kg) 150-1741 for iron, 15.5-73.8 for copper, 28.6-145 for manganese, 43.5-205 for zinc, 4.8-42.7 for aluminium and 0.9-2.6 for lead. The levels of lead analyzed in some edible mushroom samples were found to be higher than legal limits. The relative standard deviations (R.S.D.) were found below 10%. The accuracy of procedure was confirmed by certified reference material.

Combination of cloud point extraction and flame atomic absorption spectrometry for preconcentration and determination of trace iron in environmental and biological samples

In the presented work, the conditions for cloud point extraction of iron from aqueous solutions using 7-iodo-8-hydroxyquinolin-5-sulphonic acid (Ferron) was investigated and optimized. The procedure is based on the separation of its ferron complex into the micellar media by adding the surfactant Triton X-114. After phase separation, the surfactant-rich phase was dissolved with 1.0 M HNO3 in methanol. Iron was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Optimization of the pH, ligand and surfactant quantities, incubation time, temperature, viscosity, sample volume, and interfering ions were investigated. The effects of the matrix ions were also examined. The detection limits for three times the standard deviations of the blank for iron was 0.4 ng m L-1, enrichment factor of 19.6 and preconcentration factor of 30 could be achieved. The validity of cloud point extraction was checked by employing real samples including soil, blood, spinach, milk, meat, liver and orange juice samples using the standard addition method, which gave satisfactory results.In the presented work, the conditions for cloud point extraction of iron from aqueous solutions using 7-iodo-8-hydroxyquinolin-5-sulphonic acid (Ferron) was investigated and optimized. The procedure is based on the separation of its ferron complex into the micellar media by adding the surfactant Triton X-114. After phase separation, the surfactant-rich phase was dissolved with 1.0 M HNO3 in methanol. Iron was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Optimization of the pH, ligand and surfactant quantities, incubation time, temperature, viscosity, sample volume, and interfering ions were investigated. The effects of the matrix ions were also examined. The detection limits for three times the standard deviations of the blank for iron was 0.4 ng m L−1, enrichment factor of 19.6 and preconcentration factor of 30 could be achieved. The validity of cloud point extraction was checked by employing real samples including soil, blood, spinach, milk, meat, liver and orange juice samples using the standard addition method, which gave satisfactory results.

Flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination of trace amounts of heavy metal ions after solid phase extraction using modified sodium dodecyl sulfate coated on alumina

A sensitive and selective solid phase extraction procedure for the determination of traces of Cu(II), Zn(II), Pb(II) and Fe(III) has been developed. An alumina-sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) coated on with meso-phenyl bis(indolyl) methane (MPBIM) was used for preconcentration and determination of Cu(II), Zn(II), Pb(II) and Fe(III) ions by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The analyte ions were adsorbed quantitatively on adsorbent due to their complexation with MPBIM. Adsorbed metals were quantitatively eluted using 6 mL of 4 mol L(-1) nitric acid. The effects of parameters such as pH, amount of alumina, amount of MBITP, flow rate, type and concentration of eluting agent were examined. The effects of interfering ions on the separation-preconcentration of analytes were also investigated. The relative standard deviation of the method was found to be less than 3.0%. The presented procedure was successfully applied for determination of analytes in real samples.