A novel method for speciation of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) and individual determination using Duolite C20 modified with active hydrazone

Copper ferrite nanoparticles loaded on reduced graphene oxide nanozymes for the ultrasensitive colorimetric assay of chromium ions

Nowadays, due to the increasing threat of heavy metal ion pollution faced by the environment and living systems, the development of rapid and highly selective methods for the detection of chromium ions (Cr³⁺) has aroused increasing interest. In this study, copper ferrite nanoparticles (CuFe₂O₄) immobilized on reduced graphene oxide (CuFe₂O₄/rGO) were successfully fabricated by a simple co-precipitation method. The catalyst exhibits high peroxidase-like activity with 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) as a chromogenic matrix due to its large specific surface area, adsorption performance and abundant catalytic active sites. Based on the excellent peroxidase-like activity of CuFe₂O₄/rGO and its Cr³⁺-mediated inhibition controllability, a novel colorimetric assay for the heavy metal Cr³⁺ was created for the first time. Under optimal experimental conditions, CuFe₂O₄/rGO can be used as a peroxidase-like nanozyme to achieve the excellent detection of Cr³⁺ in the range of 0.1-25 μM, and the detection limit is 35 nM. The peroxidase-like CuFe₂O₄/rGO can provide a general catalytic platform for the application of biomimetic enzymatic catalytic systems and colorimetry, and a new approach has been established for the specific determination of the heavy metal Cr³⁺.

A colorimetric sensing probe for chromium (III) ion based on domino like reaction

In this work, a gold nanobipyramid@Ag nanorod (AuNBP@Ag NR)-based sensor platform was developed for the quantitative, visual, and sensitive detection of Cr³⁺ ions in aqueous solutions. This assay provides quantitative detection of Cr³⁺, which relies on the absorbance change of AuNBP@Ag NRs due to morphological change of the AuNBP@Ag NRs induced by Cr³⁺. When AuNBP@Ag NRs and Cr³⁺ mix, the coordination reaction of the carboxyl groups of citrate and Cr³⁺ occurs, which leads to the collapse of Ag shell nanorods, similar to the domino effect, and obvious color changes from yellow to pink can be observed by the naked eye. When combined with UV-vis spectrophotometer-based colorimetric detection, a detection limit of 8.7 nM for Cr³⁺ in ultrapure water was achieved. With the advantages of high sensitivity, selectivity, and performance, we anticipate that the sensor will be helpful for the on-site, quantitative detection of Cr³⁺ ions in water samples.

A new visual and stable fluorescent Cu-MOF as a dual-function sensor for glyphosate and Cr2O72−

A new visual and stable Cu-MOF as a dual-function sensor with high sensitivity for the detection of glyphosate and Cr2O72−.

Novel fluorescent probes based on nitrogen–sulfur co-doped carbon dots for chromium ion detection

In this work, novel carbon dots codoped with nitrogen and sulfur (NSCDs) were used as fluorescent probes to detect Cr³⁺.

Colorimetric detection of Cr6+ ions based on surface plasma resonance using the catalytic etching of gold nano-double cone @ silver nanorods

Hexavalent chromium ion (Cr⁶⁺) is highly toxic to human health and environment. Herein, high-performance detection of Cr⁶⁺ is of great import. In this study, a rapid and sensitive multicolor colorimetric method for detection of Cr⁶⁺ in aqueous solution was established on the basis of Cr⁶⁺ etching of gold nano-double cone@silver nanorods (Au NDC@Ag NRs). Au NDC@Ag NRs was synthesized by a modified seed-mediated growth method. The catalytic etching induced by Cr⁶⁺ changed the morphology of Au NDC@Ag NRs, leading to the attenuation of surface plasma resonance (SPR) and the redshift of absorption spectra. Meanwhile, Au NDC@Ag NRs exhibits obvious color changes from orange to pink, to purple, and finally becomes colorless with the increasing concentrations of Cr⁶⁺. With such a design, naked-eye detection of Cr⁶⁺ was realized with high sensitivity. The proposed multicolor sensing method showed a good linearity between the redshift change of absorption peak (△λ) and the concentrations of Cr⁶⁺ in the range from 2.5 to 40 μM. The limit of detection (LOD) was calculated as 1.69 μM in aqueous solution. In addition, successful detection of Cr⁶⁺ in tap water and Yangtze River water, indicating the real applications of Au NDC@Ag NRs probe in monitoring Cr⁶⁺ in environment.

Fabrication of silver nanoclusters with enhanced fluorescence triggered by ethanol solvent: a selective fluorescent probe for Cr3+ detection

We present a facile method for the preparation of red-emitting and water-soluble silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs) using dihydrolipoic acid and sodium borohydride as the template and reducing agent. Ethanol solvent is demonstrated to endow Ag NCs with dramatically enhanced fluorescence; therefore, the Ag NCs are synthesized in ethanol/water solution (e/w-Ag NCs) instead of aqueous solution. Specific trivalent chromium (Cr³⁺) recognition capability of the e/w-Ag NCs can thus be obtained on the basis of its fluorescence quenching. The mechanisms for fluorescence enhancement and quenching of the e/w-Ag NCs triggered by ethanol and Cr³⁺, respectively, are investigated in detail. Next, a fluorescence method for detection of Cr³⁺ is established and its analytical performance is evaluated: the detection limit for Cr³⁺ is 0.71 μM and the linear range is from 2 to 40 μM. The fluorescent probe exhibits sufficient sensitivity and good selectivity toward Cr³⁺, illustrating that it has great promise for practical application in Cr³⁺ detection.

Ultrahigh Selective Colorimetric Quantification of Chromium(VI) Ions Based on Gold Amalgam Catalyst Oxidoreductase-like Activity in Water

Hexavalent chromium ion (Cr⁶⁺) is one of the most toxic substances for plants, for animals, and is a confirmed human respiratory carcinogen. However, so far, there are few independent and efficient colorimetric methods for detection of Cr⁶⁺. Here, we introduce a convenient, label-free, catalysis-based, and efficient strategy for quantification of Cr⁶⁺ by using a colorimetric sensing probe 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). In the presence of a trace amount of gold amalgam nanocomposites (Au@Hg) and Cr⁶⁺, TMB can be oxidized to oxTMB and the color changed to an intense blue that was observed by naked-eye and absorption spectroscopic method. In addition, the colorimetric method shows the high selectivity against 34 other interfering substances, and it can be performed at room temperature, in water, and requires only ∼5 min. Thus, the catalysis-based colorimetric assay for accurate and ultrahigh selective identification of Cr⁶⁺ will find widespread use in the world.

On-line Ultrasound-Assisted Dispersive Micro-Solid-Phase Extraction Based on Amino Bimodal Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for the Preconcentration and Determination of Cadmium in Human Biological Samples

On-line ultrasound-assisted dispersive micro-solid-phase extraction (USA-DμSPE) has been developed for preconcentration and separation of trace amounts of Cd(II) ions in 0.5 mL of human biological samples. In a syringe with a nylon membrane, new synthetic bulky amino bimodal mesoporous silica nanoparticles (NH2-UVM7) were dispersed as a nanoadsorbent in 5 mL of diluted serum sample (1:10), and after ultrasonic shaking, the liquid phase was separated from the solid phase. At the optimized pH, the chemical and physical adsorption of cadmium ions occurred, respectively, based on complexation with amine groups of UVM7 (Cd:NH2-UVM7) and silica nanoparticles. The analyte was then back-extracted from the sorbent with nitric acid solution (0.2 M), and its concentration was determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). Under the optimized conditions, the linear range, limit of detection (LOD), and preconcentration factor (PF) were obtained as 0.01-0.56 μg L(-1), 0.002 μg L(-1), and 25, respectively. The adsorption capacity of NH2-UVM7 was found to be 108.6 mg g(-1) of cadmium. The validation of the methodology was performed by the human standard reference material (HSRM).

Production of a monoclonal antibody and development of an immunoassay for detection of Cr(III) in water samples

In this study we report the production of a monoclonal antibody (Mab) specific for Cr(III)-chelate and the development of a competitive immunoassay for detection of Cr(III) in water samples. In the assay, the complete antigen (Cr(III)-ITCBE-BSA) was used as coating antigen, and Cr(III)-ITCBE as competitor competes with coating antigen to bind with Mab. Using this approach, the spiked water samples with Cr(III) were detected. The linear range of the detection was 0.7-12.4 ng mL(-1). The limit of the detection (LOD) was 0.51 ng mL(-1). The spiked results were also confirmed by ICP-MS, which showed a good correlation (R(2)=0.997) between the two methods. The results indicated that the developed assay was reliable and suitable for the detection of Cr(III) in water samples.

An environmental friendly cycle for Cr(III) removal and recovery from tannery wastewater

Results of a lab-scale experimental study are presented that aim to verify the use of ground shrimp shells, not otherwise conditioned, as an adsorbent material to remove chromium(III) from tannery wastewater. The obtained removal efficiency is found to be always over 90%, confirming the capacity of the tested materials to remove chromium(III). The adsorption process is well described by the Brauner-Emmett-Teller isotherm, indicating the existence of both weak and strong adsorption sites inside the shells. Kinetic tests allow to verify that the removal process takes place rapidly during the first 2 h and then tends to reach a plateau: the pseudo second-order model is found to be able to simulate with good approximation, the adsorption process. Analyses comparing the treatment process using shrimp shells vs. other chemical products frequently used for chromium removal, supported by microscopic observations, indicate that the efficiency obtained using shrimp shell is comparable to the efficiency obtained using sodium bicarbonate and sodium hydroxide, but the removal mechanism is different as the adsorption on the polysaccharidic matrix of the shells prevails over the precipitation of chromium salts. The skin tanned with recovered chromium is found to be of low quality; on the contrary satisfying tanning results are obtained using, as tanning agent, the sludge produced by the adsorption process without any further treatment, except for pH correction.

Sensitive and selective detection of trivalent chromium using Hyper Rayleigh Scattering with 5,5'-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid)-modified gold nanoparticles

Hyper Rayleigh Scattering (HRS) and absorption spectral assays using surface-modified gold nanoparticles (AuNP) have been developed for sensitive and selective detection of trivalent chromium (Cr³⁺) from other metal ions including hexavalent chromium (as Cr₂O₇^2-). Gold nanoparticles of 13 nm, covalently attached with 5,5'-dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (AuNP-DTNBA), is used as a probe for both the absorption and HRS assays. AuNP-DTNBA is able to detect Cr³⁺ at 20 ppb level at pH 6.0 using absorption spectral change of the AuNP-DTNBA. Visible color change can be observed when mixed with 250 ppb of Cr³⁺, while there is no color change when mixed with 2 ppm level of some of the most common metal ions such as Cr₂O₇^2-, Hg²⁺, Ba²⁺, Fe³⁺, Pb²⁺, Na⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Mn²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Ni²⁺. However, a color change is observed when mixed with Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Cd²⁺ at a concentration higher than 2 ppm. The detection limit for the HRS assay is on a remarkable 25 ppt level, and there is no detectable HRS signal at 2 ppm level for Cr₂O₇^2-, Hg²⁺, Ba²⁺, Fe³⁺, Pb²⁺, Na⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Mn²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Ni²⁺.

Preconcentration of Zn2+ and Cu2+ ions from food and vegetable samples using modified activated carbon

In this work, two N/S-containing chelating agents 2-(4-methoxybenzylideneamino)thiophenol (2-4-MBAT) and 2-(4-chlorobenzylideneamino) benzenethiol (2-4-CBABT) were synthesized as new sorbents and were used for preconcentration of Zn(2+) and Cu(2+) ions in food and vegetable samples. In the proposed procedure, the trace amount of Zn(2+) and Cu(2+) ions from 250 mL of sample solution at pH = 5.0 was preconcentrated by 1 g of activated carbon (AC) loaded with 15 mg of 2-4-MBAT and 2-4-CBABT separately. The breakthrough volumes (maximum sample volume that their metal ions quantitatively can be enriched) for solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure based on the AC modified with 2-4-MBAT and 2-4-CBABT were 800 and 750 mL, respectively. The sorbed Zn(2+) and Cu(2+) ions were efficiently eluted by 8 mL of 4 mol L(-1) HNO(3) and preconcentration factor of 112.5 and 93.7 and experimental enhancement factor of 30 and 35 ions were obtained for Zn(2+) and Cu(2+), respectively. The application of this enrichment procedure allowed the extraction of trace metal ions with recoveries exceeding of 90%.

Preconcentration and speciation of trace amounts of chromium in saline samples using temperature-controlled microextraction based on ionic liquid as extraction solvent and determination by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A sensitive and selective method for the preconcentration and speciation of sub ng L(-1) levels of chromium species in aqueous solutions with high salt contents is described. The developed method is based on temperature-controlled microextraction of chromium species using the 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([HMIM][PF(6)]) ionic liquid as an extractant followed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) determination. The extraction of chromium species from aqueous solution into the fine droplets of [HMIM][PF(6)] was performed with ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (APDC) as the chelating agent. Some predominant factors affecting the preconcentration and speciation of both Cr(III) and Cr(VI) species were evaluated and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration graphs were linear over the concentration ranges from 50 to 200 ng L(-1) for Cr(III) and from 25 to 150 ng L(-1) for Cr(VI). The limits of detection (LOD) of the developed method were 5.40 ng L(-1) and 2.45 ng L(-1) for Cr(III) and Cr(VI) ions, respectively. The enrichment factor for chromium species was found to be 42. The relative standard deviations for six replicate determinations of 100 ng L(-1) of either Cr(VI) or Cr(III) were 4.24% and 3.05%, respectively. The developed method was successfully applied to the speciation and determination of chromium species in water and urine samples.

Modification of gold nanoparticle loaded on activated carbon with bis(4-methoxysalicylaldehyde)-1,2-phenylenediamine as new sorbent for enrichment of some metal ions

In this study, a new sorbent based on the gold nanoparticle loaded in activated carbon (Au-NP-AC) was synthesized and modified by bis(4-methoxy salicylaldehyde)-1,2-phenylenediamine (BMSAPD). This sorbent, which is abbreviated as Au-NP-AC-BMSAPD, has been applied for the enrichment and preconcentration of trace amounts of Co(2+), Cu(2+), Ni(2+), Fe(2+), Pb(2+), and Zn(2+) ions in real samples. All metal ions under study were retained on the Au-NP-AC-BMSAPD sorbent by complexation of the ions with the BMSAPD ligand, providing an efficient preconcentration fashion. The retained metal ions were then eluted from the sorbent by HNO(3) and detected by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The analytical parameters including pH, amount of ligand, and the nature of the eluent and solid phase were evaluated to obtain the optimum condition for the preconcentration factor. Following the optimum conditions, a preconcentration factor of 200 was obtained for all the metal ions under study with detection limits of 1.4-2.6 ng mL(-1). The method has been successfully applied for the extraction and determination of the ion content in the same real samples with recoveries in the range of 95-99.6% and a relative standard deviation lower than 4.0%.

Sequential eluent injection technique as a new approach for the on-line enrichment and speciation of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) species on a single column with FAAS detection

This paper introduces a sequential eluent injection (SEI) technique combined with an on-line preconcentration/separation system for a fast and sensitive FAAS determination of trace amounts of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) species. The method is based on the simultaneous retention of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) on a single mini-column packed with a chloromethylated polystyrene functionalized with N,N-bis(naphthylideneimino)diethylenetriamine (PS-NAPdien) at pH 6.7. The retained chromium species was eluted by sequential injection of HCl for desorption of Cr(III), and NH(3) and NH(4)NO(3) buffer solutions for desorption of Cr(VI). All the chemical and flow injection variables were optimized for the quantitative preconcentration and speciation of Cr(III) and Cr(VI). Under the optimum conditions, the calibration graph obtained is linear over the concentration range of 2.0-60.0μg L(-1) for Cr(III), and 8.0-180.0μg L(-1) for Cr(VI). The preconcentration factors for Cr(III) and Cr(VI) were 70 and 30, respectively. The 3σ detection limits were 0.6μg L(-1) and 2.5μg L(-1) for Cr(III) and Cr(VI), respectively. The relative standard deviations were 2.55% and 0.8%, respectively, for 6 replicate determinations of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) at the 40.0μg L(-1) level. The proposed method was applied for determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in different water samples with satisfactory results.

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

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

Quantification and distribution of heavy metals from small-scale industrial areas of Kanpur city, India

Kanpur city has large number of small-scale industries (SSIs), primarily comprising of textile and leather industries. This study inventorises the presence of heavy metals in the samples collected from Panki and Jajmau Industrial Areas of Kanpur city. The bulk concentration of heavy metals found in solid waste samples was Fe as 1885 and 2340 mg/kg, Mn 173 and 445 mg/kg, Zn 233 and 132 mg/kg, Cu 20 and 28 mg/kg, Cd 1.4 and 1.1mg/kg, Ni 26 and 397 mg/kg, Pb 107 and 19 mg/kg, Cr 1323 and 734 mg/kg, respectively. Heavy metal concentration was also found to be high in soil and road dust samples viz. Ni and Pb were in higher concentration in few samples, whereas Cr was found in higher concentration in all samples than the recommended values of USEPA and specifications for compost quality contained in the Indian Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000. The heavy metal pollution so detected is indicative of contamination in ground and surface water and food chain. This raises concerns pertaining to adverse consequences to environment and human health.

Selective detection of trace Cr3+ in aqueous solution by using 5,5'-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid)-modified gold nanoparticles

A simply prepared gold nanoparticle-based sensor, 5,5'-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNBA)-modified gold nanoparticles, was prepared to explore the sensitive and selective detection of metal ions using a colorimetric technique. The selective detection of trace levels (93.6 ppb) Cr3+ in aqueous solution was achieved over 15 other metal ions. The functionalized gold nanoparticles became aggregated in solution in the presence of Cr3+ by an ion-templated chelation process, which caused an easily measurable change in the extinction spectrum of the particles and provided an inherently sensitive method for Cr3+ detection in aqueous solution.

Thulium hydroxide: a new coprecipitant for speciation of chromium in natural water samples

A coprecipitation procedure has been established for chromium speciation in natural water samples. The procedure is based on the coprecipitation of Cr(III) on thulium hydroxide precipitate. After reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) by using potassium iodide, the presented method was applied to the determination of the total chromium. The level of Cr(VI) is calculated by difference of total chromium and Cr(III) levels. The procedure was optimized for some analytical parameters including pH, sample volume, matrix effects, etc. The detection limits based on 3sigma criterion were 0.87 microg L(-1) for Cr(III) and 1.18 microg L(-1) for Cr(VI). The procedure presented was validated by the analysis of BCR-144R Sewage Sludge (domestic origin). The presented method was applied for the speciation of chromium in environmental sample with satisfactory results (recoveries>95%, R.S.D.s<10%).