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In this study, chromium ion-imprinted (Cr-IAC) and nonimprinted activated carbon (Cr-NIAC) solid phases were synthesised using the surface ion imprinting method and used for the preconcentration of chromium ions. The characterisation processes of solid phases were performed by scanning electron microscopy/energy diffusion X-ray (SEM/EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric (TG) analyses, and optimum preconcentration conditions were determined. For this purpose, the effects of parameters such as pH, type and concentration of the recovery solution, solution volume, flow rate on the chromium ion recovery efficiency were investigated and the capacity and selectivity properties of solid phases were determined. Metal ions were determined by a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The adsorption isotherm was well fitted to the Langmuir isotherm model and the maximum adsorption capacity of the Cr-IAC and Cr-NIAC solid phases were found as 588.2 and 40.0 mg g−1 under the optimal experimental conditions. Preconcentration factor, limit of detection and limit of quantification were found as 10, 0.0340 μg mL−1, 0.102 μg mL−1 and 1.9%, respectively, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was below 5%. In order to check the accuracy of the developed method, certified standard reference material and real sample analyses were performed with water samples and quantitative results were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selected wild-growing edible fungi (Boletus edulis, Neoboletus luridiformis, Cantharellus cibarius, Macrolepiota procera, Amanita rubescens, Russula virescens, Lycoperdon perlatum, and Flammulina velutipes) along with the poisonous medicinal species Amanita muscaria were collected from five sites in the Bohemian Forest, the Czech Republic and analyzed regarding the contents of 19 elements (Ag, Al, As, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Rb, Se, Tl, and Zn) in their fruiting bodies. The contents of the elements as well as bioconcentration factors (ratios of the element content in dry matter of the mushroom to the content in the soil; BCF) were significantly species dependent. In general, the analysis revealed the most intensive accumulation of Cd, Rb, Ag, Cu, Se, and Zn in the studied mushrooms. B. edulis accumulated Ag, Se, Cd, Rb, Cu, and Zn with average BCF of 31, 25, 18, 13, 3.9, and 2.6, respectively. On the other hand, A. rubescens accumulated Cd, Rb, Ag, Cu, Zn, and As (BCF of 41, 27, 4.8, 3.3, 2.1, and 1.4). The data concerning the detrimental elements in sporocarps of edible mushrooms indicate no negative effect on human health if the fungi are consumed occasionally or as a delicacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive and interference-free method based on hydride generation high-resolution continuum source quartz tube atomic absorption spectrometry in dilute HCl was developed for total and inorganic As (tAs, iAs) determination in soil, sediments, and sludge. Sample preparation involved microwave-assisted digestion in aqua regia for tAs and extraction in 10 mol L−1 HCl for iAs. In both cases, the prereduction of As(V) to As(III) was carried out with L-cysteine, while derivatization to arsine with 0.6% NaBH4 was performed in the presence of 0.2% L-cysteine in 0.01 mol L−1 HCl (pH 2.00 ± 0.01). Inorganic arsenic determination was validated with 87 ± 7% extraction efficiency. The recovery of tAs in certified reference materials was 98 ± 23%, while the value for iAs in spiked samples was 95 ± 10%. The method was selective for iAs determination and did not require separation of iAs by liquid-liquid extraction in an organic solvent. The results were verified using the Tukeyʼs multiple comparison test for p > 0.05 (experimental values 0.063 to 0.999). The method is greatly simplified due to no requirement for the separation of iAs species, absence of spectral interference, similar derivatization conditions for tAs/iAs, and possibility of using external calibration. The limits of detection for tAs and iAs were 0.006 mg kg−1. Concentrations of 0.37–545 mg kg−1 tAs and 0.33–280 mg kg−1 iAs in real samples were determined with precisions from 3.7 to 12.2% and 6.8 to 15.0%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury is the most dangerous pollutant prone to the formation of the toxic forms. Therefore, the problem of cleaning mercury contaminated areas seems to be very relevant. Numerous works have been published on the study of mercury uptake depending on the type of plants and natural conditions, but less attention was paid to studying the influence of element's speciation on their accumulation ability. In the present work, the results of laboratory experiments on the assessment of accumulation efficiency of white mustard growing in medium with artificially introduced mercury species such as HgCl2, CH3Hg Cl and HgS are discussed and bioconcentration factors were evaluated while maintaining plant viability. It was shown that methylmercury is the most intensively accumulated specie while mercury sulphide is more imbibed than HgCl2 during 3 months experiment in spite of its negligible solubility in water. Based on the assumption that the cause of such a phenomenon is associated with the transformation of mercury species in the process of the plants growth, mercury speciation in the growing environment has been studied in dynamics and the results obtained confirmed this suppose. It appeared that HgCl2 and HgS are transformed into other chemical forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present review summarizes the research progress related to some green approaches in atomic absorption spectrometry in the period from 2012 to 2021. The main points of the present review include green sample introduction and microextraction techniques and their use in different atomic absorption spectrometry techniques. The review is focused on the application of the presented green approaches for the determination of metals in various samples. Some advantages or disadvantages of these approaches are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous adverse effects on human health have been reported in epidemiological studies of oleoresin capsicum (OC) and other riot control agents (RCAs). Importantly, the daunting risk of such RCAs can be neutralized by optimizing the desired concentration of such agents for mob dispersal. Hence, a nonlethal riot control combinational formulation (NCF) was prepared for dispersing rioters without imparting fatal outcomes. However, for desired utilization of NCF, it is essential to recognize its extent of potential toxicity. Therefore, the current investigation evaluated the dermal toxicity of NCF using experimental animals in compliance with the OECD guidelines. Additionally, few essential metal ions were analyzed and found non -significantly different in the test rats as compared to control rats. Moreover, abnormal dermal morphology and lesions ultrastructural tissue defects were not noticed as evinced by different studies like ultrasonography, histology, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively. Further, Doppler ultrasonography exhibited non-significantly different blood flow velocity in both groups, whereas miles test demonstrated a significantly increased Evans blue concentration in test rats compared to the control rats, which might be due to an initial increase in blood flow via an instant action of the NCF at the cutaneous sensory nerve endings. However, our results demonstrated NCF can produce initial skin irritating and sensitizing effects in guinea pigs and rabbits without the antecedence of acute toxicity (≤2000 mg/kg) in Wistar rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A magnetic dispersive solid phase extraction method has been developed using Fe3O4@XAD-8 adsorbent to separate and preconcentrate Pb (II) ions as dithizone chelates from environmental samples. Fe3O4@XAD-8 was characterised by SEM, FT-IR and BET methods. Analytical parameters such as pH, adsorbent amount, ligand volume, eluent type and volume, model solution volume and matrix effects which are effective on method recovery are optimised. Limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) values were 0.048 µg mL−1 and 0.159 µg mL−1, respectively. The accuracy of the developed method has been proven by TMDA – 64.2 certified reference material and addition-recovery studies in water samples. Lead content of some food and water samples was determined by using the developed dispersive magnetic solid-phase extraction method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction procedure (DLLME) was developed and validated for the determination of cobalt and copper in environmental samples by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The optimisation parameters of DLLME procedure including amount of chelating reagent (0.05 mg dithizone), pH (6), extraction type and volume (250 µL chloroform) and dispersive solvent (1000 µL acetone), matrix effect was investigated. Several validation variables, such as limit of detection and quantification, linearity, recovery, precision and trueness were also tested. The quantification limits of Co and Cu were found to be 9.01 and 6.14 µg L−1, respectively. The enrichment factor was 20. The trueness of the method was tested by analysis of certificated reference material (BCR-715) for Cu and calculated less than −1.11% with the relative error. The presented green microextraction method was profitably applied to real samples and the spiked recoveries calculated were more than 95% with the relative standard deviation less than 8.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between seminal plasma cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) levels and semen parameters in male partners of infertile couples. Two hundred fifty one (251) men recruited with no history of occupational exposure to toxic metals. After semen analysis, seminal Cd and Pb levels were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. Cadmium levels in men with hypospermia was significantly higher than men with normal semen volume (p =.049). In contrast, there was no statistically significant difference in median seminal Pb levels between men with hypospermia and men with normal semen volume (p =.13). There was no statistically significant association between seminal plasma Cd and Pb levels sperm concentration, motility, morphology and total progressively motile sperm count. These findings suggest that environmental Cd exposure may contribute to low semen volume in male partners of infertile couples. What is already known on this subject? Toxic metals may adversely affect both male and female reproductive system. What the results of this study add? Seminal plasma cadmium levels in men with hypospermia were statistically significantly higher than men with normal semen volume. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Patients should be informed about possible adverse effects of toxic metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, activated carbon (AC) modified by sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), written as SDS/AC, has been proposed for preconcentration and determination of indium from aqueous solutions in a solid phase extraction technique. AC was put on the membrane filter in the column, and SDS was added into sample solutions. Subsequently, with the SDS modification on AC, the preconcentration of indium onto the adsorbent was simultaneously performed in the flow system as solid-phase extraction. After the preconcentration step, indium retained on SDS/AC was eluted with 1 mol L−1 HNO3, and the indium concentration in collected eluent was determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). Some important analytical parameters, such as the conditions of adsorbent, sample solution, eluent and interfering elements, were investigated and optimised for the quantitative determination of trace indium. In the case of sample solution of 200 mL at 1 μg L−1 indium, the enrichment factor and the relative standard deviation (n= 5) were 363% and 3.8%, respectively. The detection limits (3S/N) were calculated to be 0.2 ng L−1. This developed procedure was successfully applied into the separation and determination of trace amount of indium from environmental samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A solid-phase extraction method for separation-preconcentration of copper as 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) on Coprinus atramentaria has been presented. The copper concentration was determined by micro-sampling flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). It could be discussed that the developed method has low LOD in addition to high preconcentration factor. By considering the over advantages of recommended method, we can suggest the use of its to preconcentration of Cu(II) by routinly. The various analytical factors affecting the efficiency of extraction were optimised. Copper(II)-PAN chelate was quantitatively recovered at pH 6.0 on Coprinus atramentaria and eluted with 2 M HNO3. The limit of detection, limit of quantification, inter-day and intra-day precision values of copper were 0.7 μg L−1, 2.33 µg L−1, 5.31% and 5.15%, respectively. The pre-concentration factor was 70. The method was confirmed by applying the method to certified reference materials and addition–recovery tests prior to application to the determination of copper ions in various samples recovery results. The solid-phase extraction with FAAS is a successful method for the determination of copper in different samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total mercury (Hg) concentrations were assessed during July 2017 in two commercial fish species Pimelodus maculatus and Calophysus macropterus from two locations of Acre river (Acre State, Brazilian Amazon) - Iñapari (undeveloped areas) and Assis Brazil (urban areas). The current study aimed to assess: (i) Hg spatial variations; (ii) the assimilation efficiencies in different tissues and (iii) the ecological quality of these ecosystems based on tissue Hg concentrations. Both species showed significantly (p <.05) different Hg concentrations between tissues. Hg concentrations were significantly higher than those previously reported for these Amazon regions. Hg concentrations in Assis Brazil were significantly higher (p <.05) than in Iñapari, indicating an anthropogenic influence. Bioaccumulation factors indicated that kidney and liver are the main Hg retention tissues. Considering European and Brazilian mercury guidelines in foodstuff, Iñapari and Assis Brazil are "Unpolluted" during July 2017, although hepatic Hg concentrations in C. macropterus from Assis Brazil showed evidences of anthropogenic contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was absorption spectrometric assessment the soil health of the soil from the taro growing areas of Taveuni, Fiji. The soil samples were collected in four cycles during taro cultivation period. The soil samples were analyzed for macronutrients (Ca, Mg, K, P and NO3–-N), soil organic matter (SOM) and soil pH. In general, the soil pH at all sites showed lower than the ideal pH (5.6–6.6) for taro planting throughout the cropping cycle. The results showed the significant loss in SOM from taro planting (15.41%) till harvesting (5.63%). Pronounced decrease in levels NO3–_N (18.29 to 13.86 mg kg−1), P (45.97 to 25.71 mg kg−1), K (77.90 to 22.96 mg kg−1), Ca (62.20 to 27.59 mg kg−1) and Mg (316.10 to 121.48 mg kg−1) were recorded from planting till harvesting for different sites. There was significant reduction in the soil macronutrients and SOM in all the four study sites and some sites showed below critical level and critical to medium levels of these nutrients in the soil at the end of the harvesting period of taro. The statistical analysis of the soil test data confirmed the declining trend of the soil health on the island of Taveuni, Fiji. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey is an important bee product of greater nutritional value. Ethiopia is one of the main producers of it. Honey is known to accumulate trace metals which are essential as well as toxic. Moreover, as bees collect nectar from flora of nearly in an area of around 100 km radius, the level of toxic metals in honey is an important indicator for environmental pollution by toxic metals. Thus, in this study, the qualities of 12 Ethiopian multi-floral honey samples were evaluated in terms of common physicochemical parameters, namely, moisture content, pH, free acidity, lactonic acidity, and total acidity. The values found were moisture content from 14.23 to19.2 %; pH from 3.4 to 4.8; free acidity from 30.6 to 97.6 meq Kg−1; lactonic acidity from 8.06 to 14.4 meqKg−1, and Total acidity from 42.96 up to 107.4 meqKg−1. The analyzed samples showed proper maturity, absence of undesirable fermentation, and were in agreement with standard values (Codex Alimentarius) and reported literatures. The concentrations of trace heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in 12 multi-floral honey samples were also evaluated using flame absorption spectrometry after wet digestion. The accuracy of the method was assessed by spiking honey samples with known amounts of standard metals and examining recovery. The contents of trace metals in honey samples were found to be in the range of Non-Detectable (ND)-0.017 μgg−1, ND-0.15 μgg−1, 0.02–1.15 μgg−1, ND-7.29 μgg−1, ND, ND-2.53 μgg−1and 9.96–16.03 μgg−1for Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn, respectively. Results obtained are in agreement with a report in the literatures and with codex limits and thus they did not pose as such any health risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atomic spectrometry and atomic mass spectrometric (MS) techniques have been playing crucial roles in the field of biosciences. They detect elements with relatively high sensitivities and are thus applicable to a wide range of analytical targets. In the past decade, determination of bio-relevant metallic elements continues to be of interest, while particularly noteworthy are methods developed for small molecules, peptides, proteins, nucleic acids and even cells that well exploited the bio-analytical strengths of atomic spectrometry and atomic MS, either in a direct or indirect manner. Quantitation, as well as speciation and imaging analyses are all involved. The present review aims to assimilate recent advances in bio-analysis utilizing atomic spectrometry and atomic MS, primarily covering the period of 2013–2018, in an attempt to provide readers insight into the developing trends of this research frontier. Followed by concluding remarks and perspectives, the applications are divided into the following four catalogs: (i) toxicologically important metal-containing species, with an emphasis on quantitative and imaging analysis; (ii) quantitation of biomolecules using naturally occurring heteroatoms; (iii) exogenous metal ion or nanoparticle tagging-based strategies in bioassays; and (iv) label-free detection of biomolecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel vortex-assisted magnetic solid phase extraction method followed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry was improved to separate, preconcentrate and determine the lead, copper and cadmium ions by using 1-Nitro-2-naphthol-3, 6-disulfonic acid disodium salt (Nitroso-R salt) impregnated magnetic Ambersorb-563 resin. The adsorbent was characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectra, BET surface analyser and scanning electron microscopy. The influences of various analytical parameters, such as pH value, type and volume of the eluent, sample volume, were optimised and the effects of potentially interfering ions were investigated. The analyte ions were quantitatively recovered at pH 7.0 on magnetic adsorbent and desorbed with a 2.0 M HNO3 in 10% acetone as eluent. The detection limits were 1.4, 5.8 and 1.5 ng mL−1 for Cd(II), Cu(II) and Pb(II), respectively. The method has been validated with analytically by the analysis certified reference materials and standard additions prior to application to determine metal ions in water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations of Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and V in water, sediment and the gill, liver and muscle tissues ofSynodontis resupinatus, Heterotis niloticusandClarias gariepinus, all commercially important fish species of the lower Niger River, were investigated in 2015. Water, sediment and fish samples were collected for six months and heavy metals were determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Fe ranked highest in water and sediment, with concentrations of 2.74 mg l−1and 61.60 mg kg−1, respectively. Metals followed the magnitude of Fe > Mn > Ni > V > Pb in the water and Fe > Mn > V > Ni > Pb in the sediments. Metal concentrations were higher in the tissues ofS. resupinatuscompared withH. niloticusandC. gariepinus. Fe was also highest in the gills, liver and muscle of the three fish species. Its highest concentration of 132.97 mg kg−1dry weight was recorded in the gills ofS. resupinatus. Bioconcentration factors of metals ranged from 8.79 for Mn inH. niloticusmuscle to 67.99 for Ni inS. resupinatusgills. The fish species studied pose no health risk for all metals studied, because the target hazard quotient was less than 1 and the estimated daily intakes of the metals were below the reference doses. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A simple preconcentration method for zirconium based on coprecipitation with aluminium hydroxide prior to flame atomic absorption (FAAS) determination was established. The recovery values of the analyte ions were higher than 95%. Such parameters as the type of hydroxide ion source for precipitation, type of acid for the dissolution step, amount of Al 3+ ion as the collector, pH, temperature, standing time and centrifuge time were optimized using 50 mL of a solution containing 150 μg of zirconium. The effect of the solution volume and influences of matrix ions on the extraction of the analyte were also examined. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration curve was linear up to 10 mg L −1 . The relative standard deviation for solutions containing 150 μg of zirconium was found to be 3.9%. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) were calculated as 0.17 and 0.57 mg L −1 , respectively. The method is capable of extracting the analyte in different samples with volumes of up to 250 mL. The preconcentration factor for 250 mL and enhancement factor for 50 mL of analyte solution were calculated to be 250 and 40, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of zirconium in glass and refractory brick samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A heavy metal is any relatively dense metal that may be potentially toxic in a variety of foods. Heavy metals pollute and contaminate foods. These metals are usually toxic to human body. Heavy metals are the most important toxic metals which may cause health risks following the consumption of contaminated foods. The edible salt (NaCl) is a substance that has been used as a food additive since ancient times. Twenty samples of refined and unrefined edible salts produced in Iran were analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) method for the presence of toxic heavy metals. The precision of the analysis was assured through the repeated analysis of the samples. The mean (±standard deviation) concentrations of toxic metals in dried samples of rock salt were as follows: Ni (1.870 ± 0.850), Cd (0.328 ± 0.143), Mn (0.184 ± 0.230) and Co (3.124 ± 0.880) mg/kg and in dry weights of samples obtained from Urmia market: Ni (1.982 ± 0.021), Cd (2.461 ± 0.036), Mn (0.192 ± 0.028) and Co (8.450 ± 0.025) mg/kg. There was a significant difference between the toxic metal concentrations and their guideline values. Therefore, it was important to assess the public health risks posed by the presence of toxic contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel on-line flow injection solid phase extraction method for the preconcentration of trace toxic metals prior determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FI-SPE-FAAS) was developed. The potential application of the hydrophobic reversed phase co-polymer sorbent StrataTM-X packed into an on-line microcolumn for the quantification of Cd(II), Pb(II), Cu(II) and Cr(VI) was demonstrated for the first time. The method was based on the on-line formation of metal complexes using sodium diethyl-dithiocarbamate (DDTC) and on the subsequent retention of them onto the sorbent material. The target analytes were completely eluted by methanol and, subsequently, directed to FAAS for quantification. All chemical and flow variables affecting the performance of the developed method were thoroughly studied and optimised. For a preconcentration time of 90 s and a sampling frequency of 28 h−1, enhancement factors of 72, 140, 185, 63 and detection limits of 0.18, 1.6, 0.20 and 1.2 μg L−1were obtained for Cd(II), Pb(II), Cu(II) and Cr(VI), respectively. The accuracy of the FI-SPE-FAAS method was evaluated by analysing certified reference materials as well as spiked environmental water samples. Furthermore, a comparative study of the analytical characteristics, the properties as well as the chemical structures of commercial polymeric based sorbent materials was employed. Strata-X sorbent was compared against HypersepTMSCX, Bond Elut® PlexaTMPCX, Oasis-HLBTMand NobiasTMPA-1, regarding the adaptation in on-line FI-SPE-FAAS systems for metal determination, and herein presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic element that can damage human organs. Determination of Cd in vegetables is often difficult because of low concentration and matrix effects. A simple, fast, flotation-assisted homogenous liquid–liquid microextraction (FA-HLLME) was developed for determination of Cd in vegetables prior to flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), in which 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) was used as a complexing agent. The process was carried out based on fast extraction of Cd from an acetic acid sample solution in which cyclohexane was the extracting solvent. Effects of pH, type and volume of extraction and homogeneous solvents, concentration of PAN, extraction time, and ionic strength on the extraction method were optimized. Under optimum conditions, the limit of detection and preconcentration factor were 0.6 µg·L−1and 38, respectively. The relative standard deviation was less than 3.1%. Extraction recovery was 94.3%–100.9%. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The development of a simple and sensitive on-line flow injection preconcentration system is reported using a polyamino-polycarboxylic acid chelating resin for the automated determination of cadmium(II), chromium(III), copper(II), and lead(II) in natural waters and urine by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The adsorbent showed a high sorption affinity for the metal ions at pH values from 5.0 to 6.0. The retained analytes were efficiently eluted by 1.5 mol/L HNO3. The effect of chemical and hydrodynamic parameters such as pH, selection of eluent (type, volume and concentration), and sample/eluent flow rates were studied, providing optimum conditions for the analysis of real samples. For a preconcentration time of 120 sec, the sampling frequency was 22/h and the enhancement factors were 105, 49, 106, and 98 for cadmium(II), chromium(III), copper(II), and lead(II), respectively. The detection limits were between 0.1 and 1.6 mg/L, while the precision was less than 3.3% as the relative standard deviation for all metal ions. The accuracy of the method was evaluated by the analysis of certified reference materials and fortified environmental and biological samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-solidified floating organic drop microextraction was used for the preconcentration and determination of Cd(II) and Pb(II). The procedure employed 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol as a chelating agent, 1-undecanol as the extractant solvent, and methanol as the dispersive solvent. Factors influencing the recovery of Cd(II) and Pb(II) such as the pH, volume of extractant, volume of ligand, volume of dispersant, and stirring time were optimized by Plackett Burman design. In order to complete the optimization, a central 23+star orthogonal composite design was applied. The limits of detection for Cd(II) and Pb(II) were 0.15 and 0.52 μg L−1. The validation of the procedure was evaluated by the analysis of TMDA 70 Fortified Water and NCSDC–73349 Bush Branches certified reference materials. The determined values were in good agreement with the certified values. The single-solidified floating organic drop microextraction method was employed for the determination of cadmium and lead in water, vegetables, and fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The goal of the present study was to establish the best procedure for the extraction of metals from medicinal plants. Wet ashing, dry ashing, and microwave digestion methods were applied with different mixtures of nitric and hydrochloric acids usingMalva sylvestris L.andPistacia lentiscusleaves collected from two sites in Algeria. Cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, and zinc were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. There were significant differences in the metal concentrations extracted by the methods. The highest efficiency from the leaves were obtained using a dry ashing method using 4:1 HNO3:HCl (v:v), and this approach was considered to be the optimum procedure. However, the wet and microwave digestion methods were suitable for this extraction but with reduced digestion efficiency. The extraction method has a significant influence on the measured metal concentrations, which emphasizes the need to choose the optimum procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A separation and preconcentration method has been established based on solid phase extraction of Fe(III), Cu(II) and Pb(II) as their 2-(5-Bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-diethylamino-phenol (5-Br-PADAP) chelates adsorbed on polyhydroxybutyrate-b-polydimethyl siloxane. Several analytical conditions including pH, amount of (5-Br-PADAP), eluent type and volume, sample volume, and flow rates were investigated. The effects of foreign ions on the recovery of the analytes were also studied. The detection limits for Cu(II), Fe(III), and Pb(II) were 1.9, 2.2, and 2.5 µg per liter, respectively. Enrichment factors for Cu(II), Fe(III), and Pb(II) were 150, 200, and 80, respectively. The adsorption capacity of the polymer for Cu(II) and Pb(II) studied was 10.2 and 17.2 milligrams per gram respectively. Relative standard deviation was 4%. Standard Reference Material (SRM 1577B Bovine liver), International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA 336 Lichen), and Certified Reference Waters for Trace Elements (TMDA 51.3 Fortified lake water) were used for the validation of the method. Optimized procedure was applied for the determination of analyte elements in various cosmetic products, hair brilliantine and gel, water, soil, and food samples from Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Organo-modified montmorillonite (O-MMT) was detected in various water-ethanol solutions by using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, based on the simultaneous elemental analysis of silicon (Si) and aluminium (Al). The quantification limits of the method were 0.03 mg L–1for Si and 0.01 mg L–1for Al, but can be improved to 8 μg L–1for Si and 3 μg L–1by using the concentration function of the instrument. A stability test of O-MMT in suspension was conducted by considering the solvent type (i.e., water and/or ethanol) and a surfactant. A good dispersion of O-MMT was achieved in suspensions with water and ethanol at 1:2 (v/v) or with pure ethanol, while the addition of a surfactant improved the dispersion of O-MMT in water. The Si and Al concentrations in the suspensions were correlated with O-MMT concentrations. The Si and Al contents in the O-MMT were determined by using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry to be 22% ± 1.1% and 9.3% ± 0.5% wt/wt, respectively, which was in agreement with values obtained by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry method performed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Migration studies of trace metals were carried out on coated chickpea cans marketed in Lebanon. Four elements – iron (Fe), tin (Sn), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) – were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) after microwave digestion. Over 3 months, three different storage temperatures (5°C, room temperature and 40°C) were tested. In all cases, the migration of Fe reached a plateau after around 50 days of storage, while the migration of Pb was slow till 50 days, then it increased rapidly. Cd and Sn levels did not increase. Moreover, no effect of temperature was observed in the case of Fe, whereas Pb levels showed slower migration in cans stored at 5°C. Comparing cans from different chickpea brands (Lebanese and foreign) showed that the characteristics of the container have an effect on metal release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trace amounts of Fe3+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Co2+and Zn2+ions were efficiently enriched following complexation with silica-gel chemically functionalized with 2-((3-silylpropylimino)methyl)-5-bromophenol. The enriched metal ions efficiently eluted with 6 mL of 4.0 mol L−1nitric acid and their metal contents were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The influences of the analytical parameters and experimental variables on the recoveries of the metal ions under study were investigated and optimized. The method has high sorption preconcentration efficiency even in the presence of various interfering ions. At optimum values of all variables the method is applicable for analysis of real samples with recoveries in the range of 95 to 105% with RSD lower than 4.2% and detection limits between 1.4 and 2.8 µg L−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes chemically functionalized with 2-((3-silylpropylimino) methyl) phenol (SPIMP-MWCNT) and successfully applied for the solid phase extraction (SPE) of some metal ions in food samples. The influences of the analytical parameters including pH, amounts of solid phase, eluent conditions (type, volume and concentrations), sample volume and interference of some metal ions on the recoveries of ions Cu2+, Pb2+, Fe2+, Ni2+and Zn2+ion were investigated. The metal ions retained on SPIMP-MWCNT was eluted using 6 mL of 4 mol L−1HNO3solution and their content was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) with recoveries more than 95% and relative standard deviations (n = 5) between 2.4–3.4% for both reproducibility and repeatability. The detection limit of this metal ions was between 1.0–2.6 ng mL−1(3Sb,n = 10) and their preconcentration factor was 100, while their loading capacity was above 32.9 mg g−1of SPIMP-MWCNT. The proposed method was successfully applied for the preconcentration and determination of analytes in different samples. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Optical analytical atomic spectrometry includes the techniques of atomic emission, atomic absorption, and atomic fluorescence. In this review, developments in these techniques are reviewed from January 2011 through June 2012, including a summary of applications in various areas of science. The goal is to summarize the most significant recent developments in optical atomic spectrometry. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of this study was to analyse nickel content in foods and beverages most commonly consumed by the Canary Island people to determine the dietary intake of this metal throughout the Canary Islands as a whole and in each of the seven islands. A total of 440 samples were analysed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Nickel concentrations ranged between 2.348 ± 1.716 mg/kg in nuts and 0.002 ± 0.002 mg/l in water. Estimated total intake of nickel was 0.093 mg/day for the Canary population, which is far below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) established for adults. Gran Canaria turned out to be the island with the highest nickel intake. Differential analysis of nickel intake by age and sex of the Canary Island community showed that values were below the UL in children as well as in adults. These outcomes were compared with data from other populations at the national and international levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2002 and 2005 the moss biomonitoring technique was applied to air pollution studies in the Republic of Macedonia in the framework of the International Cooperative Programme on Effects of Air Pollution on Natural Vegetation and Crops under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE-ICP Vegetation) Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP). In August 2005 samples of the terrestrial mosses Homolothecium lutescens and Hypnum cupressiforme were collected at 72 sites evenly distributed over the territory of the country, in accordance with the sampling strategy of the European moss survey programme. A total of 41 elements (Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Mo, Cd, Sb, I, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy Hf, Ta, W, Hg, Pb, Th, and U) were determined by instrumental epithermal neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry. Principal component analysis was used to identify and characterize different pollution sources. Distributional maps were prepared to point out the regions most affected by pollution and to relate this to known sources of contamination. A few areas, as in 2002, are experiencing particular environmental stress: Veles, Skopje, Tetovo, Radoviš and Kavadarci-Negotino, whereas the agricultural regions in the south, south-west, and south-east show median European values for most elements of mainly pollution origin. A significant increase in the content of Ni is noticed in the 2005 moss survey compared with 2002, due to the increased production of the ferro-nickel smelter in Kavadarci. A higher content of Cd, Hg, and Pb in 2005 relative to 2002 can be explained by pollution from the lead-zinc smelter in Veles, as well as the pollution that comes from the open slag waste dump of this smelter. Protection activities on the dump of slag from the former ferrochromium smelter located near Tetovo resulted in a lower content of Cr in the 2005 moss survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmed gilthead sea bream ( Sparus aurata), European sea bass ( Dicentrarchus labrax), rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss) and turbot ( Psetta maxima) produced in Portugal were analysed in order to characterize their elemental composition. Atomic absorption (flame and cold vapour) and molecular absorption spectrometry techniques were used to determine all the studied elements. Similar patterns of macro, trace and ultra trace elements were observed for all fish species. The main elements were potassium (K), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca), followed by zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn) and nickel (Ni). Cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) concentrations, obtained in this study, allow concluding that these species do not present a hazard for human consumption. In addition, they contain almost all essential elements at concentrations sufficient to suit the dietary reference intake. Nevertheless, P. maxima nutritious trace element content is relatively low compared with the other three species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) method was developed for the determination of cadmium (Cd) in brown rice and spinach. The method involves extraction with 1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl), followed by a selective pre-concentration by solid-phase extraction (SPE). The pH of the loading sample solution was adjusted to 4.0 for the brown rice and to 5.0 for the spinach. The masking agents, tartrate and citrate, were required for the spinach before pH adjustment. The SPE step achieved a 20-fold enrichment of the sample solution. The limits of quantification (LOQs) were 0.0054 mg kg−1 for the brown rice and 0.0022 mg kg−1 for the spinach, being more sensitive than those of AOAC Official method 999.10. A single-laboratory validation was performed by testing spiked samples at 0.04 and 0.08 mg kg−1 for the brown rice, and 0.02 and 0.04 mg kg−1 for the spinach. The average recoveries were 93.3–96.9% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 4.1–8.2% for brown rice, and 90.5–91.9% with RSDs of 5.8–10.0% for spinach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: As an extended discussion of Part I, this review provides a survey of the literature about the elemental and speciation analysis of hydride-forming and non-hydride-forming elements in real samples by using hydride generation–analytical atomic spectrometry based on the recently developed technique summarized in Part I, with emphasis on the sample pretreatment methods and interference elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

For the first time the moss biomonitoring technique and two complementary analytical techniques − neutron activation analyses (NAA) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) − were applied to study multi-element atmospheric deposition in the Republic of Croatia. Moss samples were collected during the summer of 2006 from 98 sites evenly distributed over the country. Sampling was performed in accordance with the LRTAP Convention - ICP Vegetation protocol and sampling strategy of the European Programme on Biomonitoring of Heavy Metal Atmospheric Deposition. Conventional and epithermal NAA and AAS made it possible to determine concentrations of 41 elements including key toxic metals such as Pb, Cd, Hg, and Cu. Factor analysis (Principal component analysis with varimax rotation) was applied to distinguish elements mainly of anthropogenic origin from those predominantly originating from natural sources. Geographical distribution maps of the elements over the sampled territory were constructed using GIS technology. For the elements included in the European programme, the median values for Croatia were generally around the average median values observed in Europe. The Adriatic coastline of Croatia may be considered as an environmentally pristine area. This study was conducted in order to provide a reliable assessment of air quality throughout Croatia and to produce information needed for better identification of pollution sources and improving the potential for assessing environmental and health risks in Croatia associated with toxic metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Hydride generation is the most popular and widely used chemical vapor generation technique and is interesting to analytical chemists as an effective sample introduction method, especially for elemental determination and speciation analysis by analytical atomic spectrometry. The present review provides a literature survey on the hydride generation technique coupled to analytical atomic spectrometry during the past several years, covering the literature on both tetrahydroborate-based hydride generation and non-tetrahydroborate-based hydride generation techniques. Development of other related methods coupled to hydride generation for better analytical performance of analytical atomic spectrometry is included as well. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Cadmium has attracted global research interest due to its toxicity, metallomics, and contents in biological samples. From a toxicological and biological point of view, analytical methods for determination of Cd in biological samples are of key importance to subsequent studies. In 2006 we presented a comprehensive review on determination of Cd in biological samples. Since publication of the last review, great progress has been made in this area; for instance, in vivo intracellular imaging of Cd2+, evaluation of in vivo cytoxicity of Cd-based semiconductor quantum dots, and new research progress in Cd-related metallomics. Accordingly, in this review we further summarize the research progress related to Cd determination in biological samples, with a total of 224 references in the period 2006 to 2011. The main contents of this review include toxicity of Cd, biological sample types and sample pretreatment strategies, preconcentration of Cd from biological samples, analytical methods for Cd determination, Cd speciation, bio-imaging of Cd in living cells, and chemical evaluation of the toxicity of Cd-containing quantum dots in biological tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Unmodified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were demonstrated as hydrophobic sorbent material for flow injection on-line microcolumn preconcentration coupled with flame atomic absorption spectrometry for cadmium determination in natural water samples. The method was based on on-line chelate complex formation between the analyte with sodium diethyldithiocarbamate and retention onto the surface of MWCNTs. Quantitative elution of the analyte was achieved with methanol which was whereupon delivered to the FAAS nebulizer for atomization and measurement. The microcolumn was packed with a mixture of MWCNTs and silica beads in order to minimize the generated back-pressure in the flow system which arises from the nano dimensions of MWCNTs. All factors affecting the performance of the proposed method were studied thoroughly. For a 180 s preconcentration time the enhancement factor was 54, the detection limit (3s) was 0.24 µg L−1, and the precision as relative standard deviation at a 5.0 µg L−1 Cd(II) concentration level was 3.2%. The method was applied to the analysis of environmental water samples and the accuracy evaluated via certified reference material and recovery experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A comprehensive understanding of the uptake, tolerance, and transport of heavy metals by plants will be essential for the development of phytoremediation technologies. In the present paper, we investigated accumulation, tissue and intracellular localization, and toxic effects of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) in three aquatic macrophytes (the angiosperms Lemna minor and Elodea canadensis, and the moss Leptodictyum riparium). We also tested and compared their capacity to absorb heavy metal from water under laboratory conditions. Our data showed that all the three species examined could be considered good bioaccumulators for the heavy metals tested. L. riparium was the most resistant species and the most effective in accumulating Cu, Zn, and Pb, whereas L. minor was the most effective in accumulating Cd. Cd was the most toxic metal, followed by Pb, Cu, and Zn. At the ultrastructural level, sublethal concentrations of the heavy metals tested caused induced cell plasmolysis and alterations of the chloroplast arrangement. Heavy metal removal experiments revealed that the three macrophytes showed excellent performance in removing the selected metals from the solutions in which they are maintained, thus suggesting that they could be considered good candidates for wastewaters remediation purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The analytical conditions that enable the determination of traffic related platinum group elements (PGEs) in roadside grass using microwave digestion and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry were evaluated as an alternative to the biomonitoring of traffic related PGEs and Pb levels in urban areas. To optimize the analytical conditions and account for matrix effects that could import error in the analysis, method optimization was based on matrix simulation through analyte recovery from spiked unpolluted samples against a matrix blank. A mixture of nitric and hydrofluoric acid under progressively increasing microwave irradiation was optimized to afford the quantitative extraction of platinum group elements from plant matrix. Due to the low levels of platinum group elements in real samples, preconcentration was accomplished using sample evaporation followed by dissolution in dilute nitric acid prior to deliverance to the atomic detector. Quantitation limits below 1 ng g−1 for Pd and Rh and lower than 2 ng g−1 for Pt, were accomplished, enabling the monitoring of platinum group elements bioaccumulation in roadside grass with satisfactory recoveries, as determined from the analysis of spiked samples. The results from method application in an annual monitoring survey of PGEs and Pb levels in urban flora and other roadside media are presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of selenium supplementation on the progress of naphthalene cataract. Materials and Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups as follows: normal control, naphthalene control and selenium-supplemented groups (Selenium I, II and III, which were orally administrated with selenium at doses of 0.0104 mg/kg, 0.0208 mg/kg and 0.0416 mg/kg, respectively). All the intervention groups were orally administered with 10% naphthalene solution for 5 weeks. The lens density of each group was determined by photography. Moreover, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in the lens, erythrocyte and plasma was investigated. In addition, lens glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydroxyl radical levels were evaluated. Selenium level in aqueous humor was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: The maximum, mean and minimum densities of lens opacities were lower in Selenium group II and III than those in naphthalene group. The maximum density of the lens increased more slowly in Selenium group I than that in naphthalene controls. In selenium-supplemented groups, blood and lens GPx activities as well as aqueous humor selenium level increased significantly. Selenium supplementation also significantly ameliorated the decrease in GSH level and increase in MDA and hydroxyl radical levels in the lens of naphthalene-treated rats. Conclusions: Selenium supplementation could slow the development of naphthalene cataract possibly by attenuating the oxidative stress in the lens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The method to visualize two-dimensional (2D) distributions of heavy metals in refuse-derived fuel (RDF) combustion flame by using 2D atomic absorption spectrometry (2D-AAS) was studied. In-situ monitoring of the heavy metal vaporization was performed to gather useful information on the reduction of their emissions. The RDF sample was burned on a burner with an O2/N2 gas mixture being supplied from the bottom. Easily vaporized metals such as mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) present in the RDF flame were measured by 2D-AAS. In order to measure the atomic absorption of lead (Pb), a sub-burner supplying O2 was placed in the RDF flame. O2 reacts with unburned gases in the RDF flame, increasing the flame temperature locally. Consequently, atomic absorption of Pb became measurable, and its 2D profiles were obtained by mapping. In addition, quantitative analyses of Hg and Cd contained in the RDF were made using the standard addition method without any pretreatments. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The purpose of this paper is to present a procedure for the simultaneous determination of metalloids: arsenic, antimony, and selenium. Hydride generation was provided in a reaction vessel connected with the atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) in a fast sequential mode. Two different types of water samples were used while developing the application: seawater and groundwater. The methodology of liquid samples analysis was developed with detection limits of 0.05, 0.03, and 0.06 ng · mL-1 for arsenic, antimony, and selenium, respectively, in 10 mL samples. This methodology was used to determine arsenic, antimony, and selenium in natural water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soils around automobile repair workshops were analyzed for physicochemical, elemental, and hydrocarbon contents with a notion to assess the contamination level of the soils via petrochemicals mishandling. The soils were collected using standard analytical procedures, while their elemental contents were determined using bulk scientific atomic absorption spectrometry/atomic emission spectrometry techniques. Total petroleum hydrocarbons, which are known to be potential carcinogens and physicochemical parameters-pH, Cl-, CO32-, electrical conductivity, and organic matter contents-were determined using standard analytical techniques. Ten elements-Mn, Zn, K, Na, Cu, Fe, Ni, Cr, V, and Pb-were analyzed and detected and their concentrations, the enrichment factors, Pollution Index, and Geoaccumulation Index values were established. The concentrations of K, Mn, V, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Cu were higher in the oil-contaminated soils than those of other Nigerian soils, while the values of the physicochemical parameters (CO32-, Cl-, and electrical conductivity) followed the same trend. The results of the Geoaccumulation Index indicated that the soils were very heavily polluted with all the metals (Geoaccumulation Index values > 5), except V (4 < Igeo < 5) which heavily polluted and Pb (2 < Igeo < 3) which moderately polluted the soils. These results were corroborated by their values, which were excessive when compared with their tolerable limits. The total petroleum hydrocarbons of the soils were detected at high levels when compared with studies of similar settings. The overall results showed that the soils of the area were highly contaminated and might be detrimental to living existence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bis(3-aminopropyl)amine bonded silica gel (BAPA-SG) was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy, and tested for adsorption, preconcentration, and recovery of Pd(II) ions. The effective parameters on the preconcentration of Pd(II) ions such as pH, volume, and flow rate of the Pd(II) solution, and the type and volume of eluent solution, and also matrix ions such as alkaline and heavy metals were investigated. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry was used for the determination of Pd(II) concentration. The modified silica gel could adsorb Pd(II) ions quantitatively from the solutions up to 400 mL at pH 1.0 by the flow rate of 5 mL/min. The retained Pd(II) ions could be easily eluted by using 5 mL of 1% (m/v) thiourea in 1.0 M HCl solution. The recovery of Pd(II) ions was 95 ± 2% at 95% confidence level. The analytical detection limit of Pd was found to be 0.36 µg L−1 at the preconcentration factor of 80. Selective adsorption of Pd(II) ions over some base metal ions was also investigated. The developed method was applied to spent auto catalyst for palladium recovery, and a certified ore sample for the determination of palladium content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive and efficient method for preconcentration of trace amounts of some metal ions such as Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, Cr3+, and Fe3+ ions based on modification of sodium-dodecyl-sulphate (SDS) coated alumina with 1-(6-(-(2-hydroxynaphthalen-1-yl) methyleneamino) hexylimino) methyl) naphthalen-2-ol (HNMAHN) is reported. The method is based on the uptake of these ions following their chelation with HNMAHN and their recovery using a suitable eluent. The influence of parameters such as pH, concentration of ligand and amount of coated alumina, SDS concentration, eluent (type and concentrations), and elution volume on metal ion recoveries are investigated. The preconcentration factor is 150 (10 mL elution volume) for a 1500 mL sample volume. The method has been successfully applied for extraction and determination of these ions content in some real samples. Extraction efficiency is generally >95% with low relative standard deviations between 1.8% and 2.4 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a solid phase extraction method has been developed using a column filled with double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWNT) for preconcentration-separation of gold(III) ions prior to their flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination. Gold(III) ions were quantitatively recovered on DWNT in 1.0 mol L-1 HCl. The influences of the analytical conditions including eluent type, sample volume, etc. on the recoveries of gold(III) ions were examined. The effects of concomitant ions were also investigated. The detection limits for gold(III) based on 3σ was calculated as 1.5 µg L-1. The procedure presented in this paper was applied to the gold content of a number of water, geological and anodic slime samples with successful results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple speciation, separation and enrichment method has been developed for the determination of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) ions in different samples by ion-pair solvent extraction with a β-diketone ligand, 2-(4-methoxybenzoyl)-N'-benzylidene-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-N-phenyl-propono hydrazide (MBMP). Cr(III) was separated from Cr(VI) as Cr(III)-(MBMP)-perchlorate ternary ion-pair complex. The influences of various analytical parameters including pH, amount of reagent, shaking time, sample volume and ionic strength on the recovery of Cr(III) and/or Cr(VI) were investigated. Total chromium was obtained after reducing Cr(VI) to Cr(III) with NH2OH · HCl. Recoveries were found to be higher than 95% and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was less than 2%. The method detection limit based on 3σ criterion for Cr(III) was found to be 0.32 µg L-1. The formed ternary ion-pair complex, Cr(III) : MBMP : 2ClO4, has a molar ratio of 1 : 1 : 2. The developed method has been applied successfully to the speciation of chromium in various natural water, soil, sediment and hair samples with satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]