Adsorption studies of cadmium onto magnetic Fe3O4@FePO4 and its preconcentration with detection by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

Design and preparation of a multi-responsive Cd-based fluorescent coordination polymer for smart sensing of nitrobenzene and ornidazole

The improper utilization of nitrobenzene (NB) and ornidazole (ORN) has resulted in irreversible effects on the environment. By combining experimental investigation, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and machine learning, an effective green strategy for detecting NB and ORN in aqueous solutions can be developed. In this study, a one-dimensional Cd-based coordination polymer (Cd-HCIA-3) was designed and synthesized using 5-((4-carboxybenzyl)oxy)isophthalic acid and rigid 2,2'-bipyridine under solvothermal reaction conditions. Cd-HCIA-3 exhibits excellent fluorescence properties and stability in aqueous solutions. DFT calculations were performed to predict the fluorescence sensing performance of Cd-HCIA-3, revealing that photoinduced electron transfer is the key mechanism for inducing fluorescence quenching in the presence of NB and ORN, with weak molecular interactions promoting electron transfer. Fluorescence sensing experiments were conducted to verify the DFT results, showing that Cd-HCIA-3 can selectively detect NB and ORN in aqueous solutions with limits of detection of 7.22 × 10-8 and 1.31 × 10-7 mol/L, respectively. This study's findings provide valuable insights into the design and synthesis of fluorescent coordination polymers for target analytes.

Evaluation of organo-vermiculites as sorbent phases for solid-phase extraction of ibuprofen from water

The study of ibuprofen (IBU) preconcentration was carried out making use of a homemade column for solid-phase extraction (SPE), using vermiculite (VT) or organo-vermiculites (OVTs) as sorbent phases. Aqueous samples (50.0 mL) percolated the column and IBU was sorbed onto the VT or OVT and then desorbed using acetonitrile. Employing this SPE system and OVT, calibration curves were generated for IBU, by spectrophotometric quantification using the α-naphthylamine method. R2 values higher than 0.9950 and LOD between 12 and 18 μg L-1 were observed, for real enrichment factors of 21 and 31, by using OVTs. The analytical protocol was applied to three water samples, which were spiked with IBU solutions to evaluate the precision and accuracy of the method. Recoveries between 77 and 110% at three different IBU concentrations and RSD lower than 18% were observed, even by using the spectrophotometric method. The protocol developed in this study demonstrated that the OVT was appropriate to work as a preconcentration phase for IBU determination in water samples.

An ion imprinted magnetic organosilica nanocomposite for the selective determination of traces of Cd(II) in a minicolumn flow-through preconcentration system coupled with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy

In this paper we present the determination of ultratraces of cadmium ions in water by means of a minicolumn (MC) flow-through preconcentration system coupled with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The core of the system is a lab-made ion imprinted magnetic organosilica nanocomposite which is employed as filler of the MC for the selective retention of the analyte. In this case superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles were coated with an amine-functionalized shell and ion imprinted with Cd(II) by a simple sol-gel co-condensation method. The setup was completed with the inclusion of a magnet fixed around the packed MC. This assembly - which is studied with an MII material for the first time here - allowed a homogeneous distribution of the solid on the walls of the MC, leaving a hole in the center and enabling the absence of material bleeding or obstructions to the free movement of fluids. Ion imprinted (MII) and non-imprinted (MNI) materials were studied for comparison purposes. Both were characterized and compared by DRX, FTIR, and SEM and their magnetic behavior by magnetization curves. Batch experiments showed an equilibration time of less than 10 minutes and a maximum adsorption pH of around 7 for both solids. The maximum capacity for MII was greater than that of MNI (200 mg g^-1 and 30 mg g^-1 respectively) and thus, the former was chosen for analytical purposes. Under MC dynamic conditions, sample and elution flow rates, volumes of the sample and eluant, and type and concentration of the most suitable eluant have been thoroughly investigated and optimized. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the MII filler showed a preconcentration factor of 200, a limit of detection of 0.64 ng L^-1, a linear range of 2.5-100 ng L^-1, RSD% of 1.9 (n = 6; 10 ng L^-1) and a lifetime of more than 800 cycles of concentration-elution with no loss of sensitivity or need for refilling. The effect of potentially interfering ions on the percent recovery of cadmium was also studied. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of traces of Cd(II) in osmosis and tap water with recoveries of 98.0-101.3%. A comparison with similar methods is also provided.

Development of copper nanoflowers based dispersive solid-phase extraction method for cadmium determination in shalgam juice samples using slotted quartz tube atomic absorption spectrometry

In this work, dispersive solid-phase extraction procedure was developed for trace cadmium determination before flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) measurement. Copper(II) based nanoflowers were synthesized to utilize as adsorbent for preconcentration of cadmium. The detection power of the spectrometric system was enhanced by placing a slotted quartz tube (SQT) onto the flame burner which increases the residence time of the analyte atoms in the flame region. The analytical performance of the developed system was evaluated with and without SQT equipment and the enhancement in detection power was calculated by the ratio of detection limits of CuNF-DSPE-FAAS (copper nanoflower based dispersive solid phase extraction-flame atomic absorption spectrometry) and FAAS system. Enhancement was determined as 73 and 104.3 times for CuNF-DSPE-FAAS and CuNF-DSPE-SQT-FAAS (CuNF-DSPE-slotted quartz tube-FAAS), respectively. Percent recovery results indicated the applicability of the developed method for the determination of trace cadmium.

Determination of the Cadmium Ions from Aqueous Solution Using EDTA Functionalized Prunus Dulcis L. Peels by Solid-Phase Extraction Method

In the present study, Prunus Dulcis L. Peels was modified with ethylenedinitrilo tetraacetic acid and used as the sorbent for the preconcentration of Cd(II) ions from aqueous media. To characterize the sorbent, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer analysis were used. The optimum preconcentration conditions such as pH, eluent type, sample volume, sample flow rate and foreign ions effect were determined. The mean recovery and relative standard deviation values were found to be 100.7 ± 1.5 and 4.01% for Cd(II) ions. The capacity of the sorbent was obtained 277.8 mg g^-1 from the Langmuir isotherm model. The limit of detection was calculated as 0.216 µg L^-1 (P.F:40). In order to test the accuracy and applicability of the method, certified reference material and spiked water samples were analyzed. The results demonstrated good agreement with the certified values (relative error < 10%).

Heavy Metal Adsorption Using Magnetic Nanoparticles for Water Purification: A Critical Review

Research on contamination of groundwater and drinking water is of major importance. Due to the rapid and significant progress in the last decade in nanotechnology and its potential applications to water purification, such as adsorption of heavy metal ion from contaminated water, a wide number of articles have been published. An evaluating frame of the main findings of recent research on heavy metal removal using magnetic nanoparticles, with emphasis on water quality and method applicability, is presented. A large number of articles have been studied with a focus on the synthesis and characterization procedures for bare and modified magnetic nanoparticles as well as on their adsorption capacity and the corresponding desorption process of the methods are presented. The present review analysis shows that the experimental procedures demonstrate high adsorption capacity for pollutants from aquatic solutions. Moreover, reuse of the employed nanoparticles up to five times leads to an efficiency up to 90%. We must mention also that in some rare occasions, nanoparticles have been reused up to 22 times.

Investigation of the Conditions for Preconcentration of Cadmium Ions by Solid Phase Extraction Method Using Modified Juglans regia L. Shells

BACKGROUND

Juglans regia L. shells as agricultural waste can be considered as alternative sorbents to minimize the problems associated with heavy metal pollution.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, J. regia shells (JRS) and JRS modified with hydrazine hydrate (JRS-HH) were used as sorbents and compared for the preconcentration of Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution.

METHODS

For the characterization of sorbents, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX) analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used. For preconcentration, the solid phase extraction (SPE) technique was used. Preconcentration studies were performed by column method and pH, eluent type and concentration, sample volume, flow rate, and interfering ions effect were studied to determine the optimum column parameters.

RESULTS

The limit of detection (LOD) of the sorbents (JRS and JRS-HH) are 0.31 and 0.18 µg/L, respectively. According to the Langmuir isotherm model for both sorbents, for JRS KL = 0.030 L/mg, R2 = 0.992, 0.016 L/mg, and for JRS-HH KL = 0.016 L/mg, R2 = 0.998 and maximum adsorption capacities of the sorbents were found to be as 29.6 and 65.7 mg/g, respectively. The mean recoveries and RSD values at a 95% confidence level (N = 6) for Cd(II) were 100.9% and 3.42, and 100.6% and 3.79, for the JRS and JRS-HH sorbents, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Using this method good results were obtained when compared with those in the literature and the proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of the certificated reference material (NIST 1640).

HIGHLIGHTS

JRS are an effective and inexpensive sorbent for the preconcentration of metal ions when modified. Thus, low-cost agricultural wastes are both recovered and have an economic value.

Pristine and Magnetic Kenaf Fiber Biochar for Cd2+ Adsorption from Aqueous Solution

Development of strategies for removing heavy metals from aquatic environments is in high demand. Cadmium is one of the most dangerous metals in the environment, even under extremely low quantities. In this study, kenaf and magnetic biochar composite were prepared for the adsorption of Cd2+. The synthesized biochar was characterized using (a vibrating-sample magnetometer VSM), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The adsorption batch study was carried out to investigate the influence of pH, kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamics on Cd2+ adsorption. The characterization results demonstrated that the biochar contained iron particles that help in improving the textural properties (i.e., surface area and pore volume), increasing the number of oxygen-containing groups, and forming inner-sphere complexes with oxygen-containing groups. The adsorption study results show that optimum adsorption was achieved under pH 5-6. An increase in initial ion concentration and solution temperature resulted in increased adsorption capacity. Surface modification of biochar using iron oxide for imposing magnetic property allowed for easy separation by external magnet and regeneration. The magnetic biochar composite also showed a higher affinity to Cd2+ than the pristine biochar. The adsorption data fit well with the pseudo-second-order and the Langmuir isotherm, with the maximum adsorption capacity of 47.90 mg/g.

Zn-based metal organic framework-covalent organic framework composites for trace lead extraction and fluorescence detection of TNP

A novel dual functional composite (MOF_L-TpBD) was prepared through solvothermal methods, with excellent Pb²⁺ ions separation and stable 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol (TNP) fluorescence detection performance. MOF_L-TpBD was characterized by FTIR, XRD, XPS, SEM and TGA et al. The prepared material was used to extract Pb²⁺ ions, with an adsorption capacity of 21.74 mg g^-1 calculated by Langmuir isotherm model. The limit of detection was 0.32 μg L^-1, along with a linear range from 0.7 to 12 μg L^-1 and a precision of 5.4% (1 μg L^-1, n = 9), respectively, where MOF_L-TpBD was adopted as adsorbent for Pb²⁺ ions preconcentration. The practical samples and reference water sample were measured by the provided method, with the satisfactory recoveries (91-110%) and reliable analytical results. MOF_L-TpBD was capable of fluorescent sensing of TNP, with a linear range from 0.01 to 1 mM and a limit of detection of 3.52 μM, respectively, and a precision of 3.29% was obtained (0.2 mM, n = 11). Meanwhile, the recoveries ranged from 91% to 108% in analysis of TNP for the practical samples. The designed material provided a potential candidate material for the detection of heavy metal ions and explosives in environmental water samples.

Nanometal Oxides with Special Surface Physicochemical Properties to Promote Electrochemical Detection of Heavy Metal Ions

Heavy metal ions (HMIs) are one of the major environmental pollution problems currently faced. To monitor and control HMIs, rapid and reliable detection is required. Electrochemical analysis is one of the promising methods for on-site detection and monitoring due to high sensitivity, short response time, etc. Recently, nanometal oxides with special surface physicochemical properties have been widely used as electrode modifiers to enhance sensitivity and selectivity for HMIs detection. In this work, recent advances in the electrochemical detection of HMIs using nanometal oxides, which are attributed to specific crystal facets and phases, surficial defects and vacancies, and oxidation state cycle, are comprehensively summarized and discussed in aspects of synthesis, characterization, electroanalysis application, and mechanism. Moreover, the challenges and opportunities for the development and application of nanometal oxides with functional surface physicochemical properties in electrochemical determination of HMIs are presented.

Mechanisms for cadmium adsorption by magnetic biochar composites in an aqueous solution

There is a demand to develop techniques for the continuous removal/immobilization of heavy metals from contaminated soil and water bodies. In this study, a unique biochar preparation method was developed for the removal of cadmium. First, conventional biochars of corn straw were produced by pyrolysis at two temperatures and then treated using one-step synthesis at different ferric nitrate ratios and different calcination temperatures to produce magnetic biochars. Second, the prepared biochars were used as adsorbents for Cd(II) removal from a solution, and the best one was selected for further evaluation. Various techniques were used to characterize the adsorbents and determine the main adsorption mechanism. The results indicated that the biochars successfully carried iron particles within, which improved the specific surface area, formed inner-sphere complexes with oxygen-containing groups, and increased the number of oxygen-containing groups. The adsorption experiments revealed that MBC800-0.6₃₀₀ had a higher affinity for Cd(II) than the other adsorbents. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to explore the influence of the kinetics, isotherm, pH, thermodynamics, ionic strength, and humic acid on Cd(II) adsorption. The results indicated that the Langmuir model fit the Cd(II) adsorption best with MBC800-0.6₃₀₀ having the highest adsorption capacity (46.90 mg g^-1). The sorption kinetics of Cd(II) on the adsorbent follows a pseudo-second-order kinetics model. Because MBC800-0.6₃₀₀ is loaded with metal ions, it can be conveniently collected by a magnet. Thus, biochar modification methods with ferric nitrate impregnation provide an excellent approach to eliminating Cd(II) from aqueous solutions. The possible adsorption mechanisms include chemisorption, electrostatic interaction, and monolayer adsorption.

Recent Advances in Nanomaterials for Analysis of Trace Heavy Metals

In an effort to achieve high sensitivity analysis methods for ultra-trace levels of heavy metals, numerous new nanomaterials are explored for the application in preconcentration processes and sensing systems. Nanomaterial-based methods have proven to be effective for selective analysis and speciation of heavy metals in combination with spectrometric techniques. This review outlined the different types of nanomaterials applied in the field of heavy metal analysis, and concentrated on the latest developments in various new materials. In particular, the functionalization of traditional materials and the exploitation of bio-functional materials could increase the specificity to target metals. The hybridization of multiple materials could improve material properties, to build novel sensor system or achieve detection-removal integration. Finally, we discussed the future perspectives of nanomaterials in the heavy metal preconcentration and sensor design, as well as their respective advantages and challenges. Despite impressive progress and widespread attention, the development of new nanomaterials and nanotechnology is still hampered by numerous challenges, particularly in the specificity to the target and the anti-interference performance in complex matrices.

Preparation of "Ion-Imprinting" Difunctional Magnetic Fluorescent Nanohybrid and Its Application to Detect Cadmium Ions

In this work, we have fabricated a novel difunctional magnetic fluorescent nanohybrid (DMFN) for the determination of cadmium ions (Cd²⁺) in water samples, where the “off-on” model and “ion-imprinting” technique were incorporated simultaneously. The DMFN were composed of CdTe/CdS core-shell quantum dots (QD) covalently linked onto the surface of polystyrene magnetic microspheres (PMM) and characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), fluorescence spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Based on the favorable magnetic and fluorescent properties of the DMFN, the chemical etching of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) at the surface produced specific Cd²⁺ recognition sites and quenched the red fluorescence of outer CdTe/CdS QD. Under optimal determination conditions, such as EDTA concentration, pH, and interfering ions, the working curve of determining Cd²⁺ was obtained; the equation was obtained Y = 34,759X + 254,894 (R = 0.9863) with a line range 0.05–8 μM, and the detection limit was 0.01 μM. Results showed that synthesized magnetic fluorescent microspheres had high sensitivity, selectivity, and reusability in detection. Moreover, they have significant potential value in fields such as biomedicine, analytical chemistry, ion detection, and fluorescence labeling.

Ensuring high selectivity for preconcentration and detection of ultra-trace cadmium using a phage-functionalized metal–organic framework

A phage functionalized metal–organic framework for selective preconcentration and detection of trace cadmium.

Facilitated transport of cadmium by biochar-Fe3O4 nanocomposites in water-saturated natural soils

Herein we explored the co-transport behaviors of cadmium (Cd²⁺) with biochar-Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites (BFNCs) (and biochar-alone for comparison) in water-saturated natural soil (paddy soil and red soil) packed columns. The BFNCs promoted the transport of Cd²⁺ (Cd²⁺ mass recovery = 2.71-10.5%) by 2.5-times in soils, compared to the biochar-alone (Cd²⁺ mass recovery = 1.28-4.07%). Greater interplays via electrostatic attraction, complexation with hydroxyls, and π-π interaction with the aromatic complexes altogether contributed to the higher adsorption capacity and transport potential towards Cd²⁺ by the BFNCs (vs. biochar-alone). The BFNCs greatly increased (27.1-95.5 times) Cd²⁺ transport in soils mainly through BFNC-Cd²⁺ complexes, compared to the negligible transport of Cd²⁺ in soils without presence of BFNCs. Higher mobility of BFNCs and BFNC-Cd²⁺ complex occurred in the red soil than in the paddy soil due to the lower contents of Fe/Al oxides in the red soil. Greater enhancement effect (~2.5 times) on Cd²⁺ was observed by BFNCs derived from wheat straw than wood chip, due to the stronger sorption ability of wheat straw biochar towards Cd²⁺, likely stemming from more mineral composition such as CaCO₃. Our findings suggest that the potential co-transport risks should not be simply ignored particularly when the next-generation of multifunctional biochar‑iron oxide nanocomposites are employed for in-situ remediation of soils contaminated with organic/inorganic contaminants like Cd²⁺.

A novel and biocompatible Fe3O4 loaded chitosan polyelectrolyte nanoparticles for the removal of Cd2+ ion

In this work, Fe₃O₄ loaded chitosan (CS) nanoparticles (NPs) and microparticles (MPs) were synthesized based on ionic gelation technology for the removal of Cd²⁺ ion. The influencing parameters including initial concentration, pH, contact time and recycling was evaluated and optimized. The results showed that particle size of Fe₃O₄ loaded CS NPs and MPs was in the range of 164.05-768.69 nm, and the former showed relatively higher adsorption capacities (97.86 mg/g) on Cd²⁺ ion than the latter after 90 min at pH 5.0 for the solutions with initial Cd²⁺ ion of 100 mg/L, respectively. Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) test illustrated 61.48 m²/g of specific surface area, 0.0274 cm³/g of pore volume and 6.03 nm average pore size. The results of FT-IR, TEM, EDS and XRD indicated that Fe₃O₄ was well incorporated into CS NPs and MPs. Moreover, the adsorption equilibrium data fitted well with Langmuir isotherm model and adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption mechanisms could be well explained though coordination and electrostatic attraction. Findings of this work highlighted the potential using Fe₃O₄ loaded CS NPs as an effective and recyclable adsorbent for the removal of heavy metal ions in industrial wastewater treatment.

Application of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate/Activated Carbon onto the Preconcentration of Cadmium Ions in Solid-Phase Extraction Flow System

In the present study, activated carbon (AC) surface modified with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), written as SDS/AC, was applied as an adsorbent for preconcentration and determination of trace amount of cadmium ions in environmental sample waters. The SDS modification on AC was performed at the same time, while cadmium ions were concentrated in the flow system as solid-phase extraction. After the separation and preconcentration steps, cadmium retained on SDS/AC was eluted with HNO3 and was subsequently determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The analytical parameters that influence the quantitative determination of trace cadmium, such as SDS concentration, pH and volume of sample solution, eluent conditions, and interference, were optimized. At the optimum conditions, the general matrix elements had little interference on the proposed procedure. The detection limits was 17 ng·L−1, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) for 12 experiments at 10 µg·L−1 cadmium solutions was 2.8%. The developed method was applied into the analysis of environmental samples spiked cadmium.

Ultra-thin iron phosphate nanosheets for high efficient U(VI) adsorption

In this study, the ultra-thin iron phosphate Fe7(PO4)6 nanosheets (FP1) with fine-controlled morphology, has been designed as a new two-dimensional (2D) material for uranium adsorption. Due to its unique high accessible 2D structure, atom-dispersed phosphate/iron anchor groups and high specific surface area (27.77 m2⋅g-1), FP1 shows an extreme-high U(VI) adsorption capacity (704.23 mg·g-1 at 298 K, pH = 5.0 ± 0.1), which is about 27 times of conventional 3D Fe7(PO4)6 (24.51 mg·g-1 -sample FP2) and higher than most 2D absorbent materials, showing a great value in the treatment of radioactive wastewater. According to the adsorption results, the sorption between U(VI) and FP1 is spontaneous and endothermic, and can be conformed to single molecular layer adsorption. Based on the analyses of FESEM, EDS, Mapping, FT-IR and XRD after adsorption, the possibile adsorption mechanism can be described as a Monolayer Surface Complexation and Stacking mode (MSCS-Mode). Additionally, the research not only provide a novel preparing method for 2D phosphate materials but also pave a new pathway to study other two-dimensional adsorption materials.

Adsorption, recovery, and regeneration of Cd by magnetic phosphate nanoparticles

Adsorption plays an important role in removing cadmium (Cd²⁺) from water, and magnetic adsorbents are increasingly being used due to their ease of separation and recovery. Magnetic Fe₃O₄-coated hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticles (nHAP-Fe₃O₄) were developed by co-precipitation and then used for the removal of Cd²⁺ from water. The properties of these nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and magnetization curves. Experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of adsorption and mechanisms. Results illustrated that kinetic data were well fitted by a pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption capacity of nHAP-Fe₃O₄ was 62.14 mg/g. The mechanisms for the adsorption of Cd²⁺ on nHAP-Fe₃O₄ included rapid surface adsorption, intraparticle diffusion, and internal particle bonding, with the ion exchange with Ca²⁺ and chemical complexation being the most dominant. The regeneration efficiency and recovery rate of nHAP-Fe₃O₄ eluted by EDTA-Na₂ after the fifth cycle were 63.04% and 40.2%, respectively. Results revealed that the feasibility of nHAP-Fe₃O₄ as an adsorbent of Cd²⁺ and its environmental friendliness make it an ideal focus for future research.

Removal of Heavy Metals Cd(II) and Al(III) from Aqueous Solutions by an Eco-Friendly Biosorbent

Heavy metals are very toxic water pollutant. Their presence not only affect human beings but also animals and vegetation because of their mobility in aqueous ecosystem, toxicity and non-biodegradability [1].in the aim of removing heavy metals from aqueous solutions, an eco-friendly biosorbent was prepared from lagoon sludge by a humification process. The biosorption of Cd2+ and Al3+ ions from aqueous solutions was investigated as a function of initial pH,contact time, initial metal ions concentration, and temperature. Langmuir and Freundlich models were used to determine the sorption isotherm. Optimum pH for the removal of cadmium and aluminum was found respectively to be around 6 and 4 [2] . The equilibrium was obtained in 60 min with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The Langmuir model was a better fit with the experimental data for both cadmium and aluminum adsorption with a regression coefficient up to 0.99 and Qmax of 100 and 142 mg.g-1 respectively for Cd2+and Al3+.