Alkali metal ions transfer across a water/1,2-dichloroethane interface facilitated by a novel monoaza-B15C5 derivative

In this paper, a novel monoaza-B15C5 derivative, N-(2-tosylamino)-isopentyl-monoaza-15-crown-5 (L), is used as an ionophore to facilitate alkali metal cations transfer across a water/1,2-dichloroethane (W/DCE) interface. Well-defined voltammetric behaviors are observed at the polarized W/DCE interfaces supported at micro- and nano-pipets except Cs+. The diffusion coefficient of this ionophore in the DCE phase is calculated to be equal to (3.3+/-0.2) x 10(-6) cm(2) s(-1). The experimental results indicate that a 1:1 (metal: ionophore) complex is formed at the interface with a TIC/TID mechanism. The selectivity of this ionophore towards alkali ions follows the sequence Na+ > Li+ > K+ > Rb+ > Cs+. The logarithm of the association constants (log beta(1)(0)) of the LiL+, NaL+, KL+ and RbL+ complexes in the DCE phase are calculated to be 10.6, 11.6, 9.0 and 7.1, respectively. The kinetic parameters are determined by steady-state voltammograms using nanopipets. The standard rate constants (k(0)) for Li+, Na+, K+ and Rb+ transfers facilitated by L are 0.54+/-0.05, 0.63+/-0.09, 0.51+/-0.04 and 0.46+/-0.06 cm s(-1), respectively. The pH values of aqueous solution have little effect on the electrochemical behaviors of these facilitated processes. The results predicate that this new type of ionophore might be useful to fabricate electrochemical sensor of sodium ion.

Assembly of the transition metal substituted polyoxometalates ZnW11M(H2O)O-39(n-) (M = Mn, Cu, Fe, Co, Cr, Ni, Zn) on 4-aminobenzoic acid modified glassy carbon electrode and their electrochemical study

Through layer-by-layer assembly, a series of undecatungstozincates monosubstituted by first-row transition metals, ZnW11M(H2O)O-39(n-) (M=Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu. or Zn) were first successfully immobilized on a 4-aminobenzoic acid modified glassy carbon electrode surface. The electrochemical behaviors of these polyoxometalates were investigated. They exhibit some special properties in the films different from those in homogeneous aqueous solution. The Cu-centered reaction mechanism in the ZnW11Cu multilayer film was described. The electrocatalytic behaviors of these multilayer film electrodes to the reduction of H2O2 and BrO3- were comparatively studied.

Extraction and separation of heavy rare earth (III) with Extraction Resin containing di(2,4,4-trimethyl pentyl) phosphinic acid (Cyanex 272)

Extraction resins, of the type of;levextrel, (which is a collective term for styrene/divinylbenzene based copolymers of predominantly macroporous structure that contain a selective extractant) are important for the recovery and separation of metal ions, as they combine features of solvent extraction and ion exchange resins. This paper presents the results of the adsorption of heavy rare earth ions (Ho(III), Er(III), Tm(III), Yb(III), Lu(III) and Y(III)) from hydrochloric acid solutions at 0.2 mol/L ionic strength and 50 degrees C by the extraction resin containing di (2,4,4-trimethyl pentyl) phosphinic acid (Cyanex 272) and the chromatographic separation of (Er(III), Tm(III) and Yb(III)). Technological separation products, with purity and yield of Tm2O3 >99.97%, >80%, Er2O3 >99.9%, >94% and Yb2O3 >99.8%, >80% respectively, have been obtained from a feed having the composition Tm2O3 60%, Er2O3 10%, and Yb2O3 3%, the others 27%. The distribution coefficients, extraction equilibrium constants and separation factors have been determined as a function of acidity, loading of the resin and rare earths, flow rates and column ratios. The resolutions and efficiencies of separation of Er/Tm/Yb each other have been calculated. The stoichiometry of the extraction of rare earth ions has been suggested as well.

Catalysis of copper-containing transition metal hydrotalcite-like compounds in the phenol hydroxylation with hydrogen peroxide

Hydrotalcite-like compounds containing carbonate ion as the interlayer anion were prepared by coprecipitation under low supersaturation condition by mixing an aqueous solution of metal nitrates with an aqueous solutions of NaOH and Na2CO3, at room temperature, maintaining pH = 8-10 with vigorous stirring, Following the mixing, the resulting heavy slurry was aged at 353 K for 18 h with vigorous stirring, The precipitate was then filtered, washed several times with hot distilled water and dried in air at 353 K overnight, In this way, CuMI AlCO3-HTLcs and M-I AlCO3-HTLcs were synthesized and characterized by means of XRD and IR, The catalysis of the above mentioned HTLcs were investigated in the phenol hydroxylation with H2O2. The results indicated that all of the copper-containing HTLcs had a higher catalytic activity in the reaction, However, those catalysts that did not contain copper had no catalytic activity in this reaction, This means that copper was the active center in the phenol hydroxylation. Meanwhile, the mechanism was also proposed, which could be used to explain the main reason for higher activity for CuCuAlCO3-HTLcs in the phenol hydroxylation and the effect of Mg2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Ni2+ on activity of CuMI AlCO3-HTLcs.

Rapid automated in-situ monitoring of total dissolved iron and total dissolved manganese in underground water by reverse-flow injection with chemiluminescence detection during the process of water treatment

Measurement of iron and manganese is very important in evaluating the quality of natural waters. We have constructed an automated Fe(II), total dissolved iron(TDI), Mn(II), and total dissolved manganese(TDM) analysis system for the quality control of underground drinking water by reverse flow injection analysis and chemiluminescence detection(rFIA-CL), The method is based on the measurement of the metal-catalyzed light emission from luminol oxidation by potassium periodate. The typical signal is a narrow peak, in which the height is proportional to light emitted and hence to the concentration of metal ions. The detection limits were 3 x 10(-6) mu g ml(-1) for Fe(II) and the linear range extents up to 1.0 x 10(-4) and 5 x 10(-6) mu g ml(-1) for Mn(II) cover a linear range to 1.0 x 10(-4) mu g ml(-1). This method was used for automated in-situ monitoring of total dissolved iron and total dissolved in underground water during water treatment. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.

ELECTROCHEMICAL DETECTION OF COBALT IN HAIR FOLLOWING ON-COLUMN DERIVATIZATION WITH 1-(2-PYRIDYLAZO)-2-NAPHTHOL-6-SULFONIC ACID AND REVERSED-PHASE LIQUID-CHROMATOGRAPHY

A method for the specific determination of cobalt based on reversed-phase liquid chromatography with amperometric detection via on-column complex formation has been developed. A water-soluble chelating agent, 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol-6-sulphonic acid (PAN-6S), is added to the mobile phase and aqueous cobalt solutions are injected directly into the column to form in situ the cobalt-PAN-6S chelate, which is then separated from other metal PAN-6S chelates and subjected to reductive amperometric detection at a moderate potential of -0.3 V. Because the procedure eliminates the interference of oxygen and depresses the electrochemical reduction of the mobile phase-containing ligand PAN-6S, by virtue of the quasi:reversible electrode process of the cobalt-PAN-6S complex, a low detection limit of 0.06 ng can be readily obtained. Interference effects were examined for sixteen common metal species, and at a 5- to 8000-fold excess by mass no obvious interference was observed. The feasibility of the method as an approach to the specific analysis of cobalt in a hair sample has been demonstrated.

ENHANCED AMPEROMETRIC DETECTOR FOR LOCAL-ANESTHETICS IN LIQUID-CHROMATOGRAPHY WITH METAL-OXIDE DISPERSED GLASSY-CARBON ELECTRODES

Chemically modified electrodes (CMEs) prepared by the dispersion of metal oxide particles on a glassy carbon (GC) substrate greatly enhance the voltammetric response and amperometric detection of local anesthetics following liquid chromatography (LC). The enhancement is more pronounced with the GC electrodes dispersed by the metal oxides of higher oxidation states (+3, +4) and for the species exhibiting relatively slow electrode kinetics under given conditions. With an applied potential of 1.2 V (vs. SCE), LC amperometric detection of the analytes at the alpha-alumina modified GC surface gives detection limits 2-5 times lower than those obtained at the bare electrode. The metal oxide-dispersed electrodes display significant improvement in sensitivity, and selectivity and indicate excellent preparation reproducibility and performance stability.

Variation characteristics and ecological risk of heavy metals in the south Yellow Sea surface sediments

Eight cruises were conducted on the south Yellow Sea (SYS) from 1998 to 2005. Variations and the potential ecological risk of heavy metals were studied using the survey data collected during October 2003. The metal content (except for As) was high in the central area where the fine grain size sediments were dominant, and low inshore area where more coarse sediments were present. This suggested that grain size was important in determining distributions of heavy metals. In some local areas, other influencing factors, such as organic content, sedimentation rate, burial efficiency and metal's existing form were discussed. The annual averages of metals showed a stable trend with appreciable fluctuations in 8 years. Using potential ecological risk index (E (RI)) to evaluate the integrated pollution effect of heavy metals, 38.7% of the investigated area was in a moderate degree of contamination, while 77.8% was under moderate ecological risk. However, no distinct correlation was found between E (RI) and plankton biomass. In conclusion, the sediment quality of SYS was good, and the ecological risk was low in general.

Uso agrícola de composto de lixo: estudo da transferência de metal pesado no sistema solo-cana-de-açúcar.

Este estudo buscou avaliar uma solução agronômica para a destinação do lixo urbano com a utilização de sua compostagem na adubação da cana-de-açúcar. A utilização de composto de lixo (CL) altera a dinâmica de matéria orgânica do solo, tendo um impacto sobre seus processos físicos, químicos, mineralógicos e biológicos, podendo ser benéfica, pois constitui uma importante fonte de nutrientes, mas pode também causar problemas, em médio e longo ´prazos por conter metais pesados, que podem contaminar os solos e até entrar na cadeia alimentar.

Uso agrícola de composto de lixo: efeito do tempo de incubação solo/resíduo na disponibilidade de metal pesado.

O uso agrícola dos compostos de lixo (CL) urbano constitui a alternativa de maior visibilidade técnico-científica-econômica, pois estes são fontes de nutrientes e de matéria orgânica. Entretanto, é importante esclarecer que o uso do CL deve ser regulamentado, disciplinado e orientado tecnicamente por protocolos que definam a sua disposição final prevista em legislação, pois estes materiais podem conter metais pesados, que podem acumular-se nos alimentos e serem ingeridos pelo homem. Dentro desse contexto o trabalho buscou supror a deficiência de conhecimento relativo ao tempo que os metais pesados (Cádmio - Cd, Crômio - Cr, Cobalto- Co, Níquel - Ni e Chumbo - Pb), permanecem disponíveis nos solos após a adição do CL. A estração foi feita pelo método Mehlich-1, quando adicionado o CL incubado em cinco tipos de solos (Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo, Podzólico Vermelho-Amarelo, Brunizem, planossolo e TerraRoxa Estruturada) de duas profundidades (0-20 e 20-40 cm), utilizando-se quatro doses de CL (0, 25, 50 e 100 t ha -1, em base úmida) e quatro períodos de incubação: 16, 32, 64 e 150 dias. A maioria dos metais pesados teve sua disponibilidade reduzida nos primeiros tempos de incubalção, sendo esse efeito dependente da textura, pH e teor de matéria orgânica do solo. Os dados relativos aos teores totais de metais pesados evidenciaram que o uso continuado de composto de lixo, principalmente nas doses mais elevadas, e em especial para o Cd, pode resultar riscos de contaminação do ambiente pelo efeito cumulativo.

An Imperial Legacy? An Exploration of the environmental impact of ancient metal mining and smelting in southern Jordan

Pyatt, B. Gilmore, G. Grattan, J. Hunt, C. McLaren, S. An imperial legacy? An exploration of the environmental impact of ancient metal mining and smelting in southern Jordan. Journal of Archaeological Science. 2000. 27 pp 771-778

Sensitive detection of H2S using gold nanoparticle decorated single-walled carbon nanotubes.

Herein, we demonstrate that highly sensitive conductometric gas nanosensors for H(2)S can be synthesized by electrodepositing gold nanoparticles on single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) networks. Adjusting the electrodeposition conditions allowed for tuning of the size and number of gold nanoparticles deposited. The best H(2)S sensing performance was obtained with discrete gold nanodeposits rather than continuous nanowires. The gas nanosensors could sense H(2)S in air at room temperature with a 3 ppb limit of detection. The sensors were reversible, and increasing the bias voltage reduced the sensor recovery time, probably by local Joule heating. The sensing mechanism is believed to be based on the modulation of the conduction path across the nanotubes emanating from the modulation of electron exchange between the gold and carbon nanotube defect sites when exposed to H(2)S.

Characterization of carbonated tricalcium silicate and its sorption capacity for heavy metals: A micron-scale composite adsorbent of active silicate gel and calcite

Adsorption-based processes are widely used in the treatment of dilute metal-bearing wastewaters. The development of versatile, low-cost adsorbents is the subject of continuing interest. This paper examines the preparation, characterization and performance of a micro-scale composite adsorbent composed of silica gel (15.9 w/w%), calcium silicate hydrate gel (8.2 w/w%) and calcite (75.9 w/w%), produced by the accelerated carbonation of tricalcium silicate (C(3)S, Ca(3)SiO(5)). The Ca/Si ratio of calcium silicate hydrate gel (C-S-H) was determined at 0.12 (DTA/TG), 0.17 ((29)Si solid-state MAS/NMR) and 0.18 (SEM/EDS). The metals-retention capacity for selected Cu(II), Pb(II), Zn(II) and Cr(III) was determined by batch and column sorption experiments utilizing nitrate solutions. The effects of metal ion concentration, pH and contact time on binding ability was investigated by kinetic and equilibrium adsorption isotherm studies. The adsorption capacity for Pb(II), Cr(III), Zn(II) and Cu(II) was found to be 94.4 mg/g, 83.0 mg/g, 52.1 mg/g and 31.4 mg/g, respectively. It is concluded that the composite adsorbent has considerable potential for the treatment of industrial wastewater containing heavy metals.

Marine micro and macro algal species as biosorbents for heavy metals

This paper reviews some practical aspects of the application of algal biomass for the biosorption of heavy metals from wastewater. The ability of different algal species to remove metals varies with algal group and morphology, with the speciation of specific metals and their competition with others in wastewater, and with environmental or process factors. The scattered literature on the uptake of heavy metals by both living and dead algal biomass - both macroalgae and immobilized microalgae - has been reviewed, and the uptake capacity and efficiency of different species, as well as what is known about the mechanisms of biosorption, are presented. Data on metal uptake have commonly been fitted to equilibrium models, such as the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, and the parameters of these models permit the uptake capacity of different algal species under different process conditions to be compared. Higher uptake capacities have been found for brown algae than for red and green algae. Kelps and fucoids are the most important groups of algae used for biosorption of heavy metals, probably because of their abundant cell wall polysacchrides and extracellular polymers. Another important practical aspect is the possibility of re-using algal biomass in several adsorption/desorption cycles (up to 10 have been used with Sargassum spp), and the influence of morphology and environmental conditions on the re-usability of algal tissue is also considered.

A new approach for the detection of ethylene using silica-supported palladium complexes

The coordination of olefins to square-planar Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes containing 2,9-dimethylphenanthroline (L1) often involves a change of color associated with a change of geometry at the metal center. In order to obtain suitable colorimetric detectors for ethylene gas, a series of new Pd(II) and Pt(II) compounds with a range of 2,9-disubstituted phenanthroline ligands [2,9-di-n-butyl-1,10-phenanthroline (L-2), 2,9-di-s-butyl-1,10-phenanthroline (L3), 2,9-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (L4), and 2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (bathocuproine, L5)] have been prepared and their reactivity toward ethylene investigated both in solution and after depositing the detector compounds on a variety of solid supports. The Pd(II) complex [PdCl2(L2)] supported on silica undergoes a clear color change upon exposure to ethylene, while remaining stable toward air and water, and forms the basis for new simple colorimetric detectors with potential applications in ethylene pipe-leak detection and the monitoring of fruit ripening. Encouragingly, the detector is able to discriminate between fruit at different stages of ripening. The response of the detector to other volatiles was also examined, and specific color changes were also observed upon exposure to aromatic acetylenes. The crystal structures of four new derivatives, including the ethylene-Pt(II) complex [PtCl2(C2H4)(L2)], are also described.