Complete and simultaneous removal of ionic silver and silver nanoparticles by using an ionic liquid supported on a magnetic nanoparticle core.

The global pandemic situation due to COVID-19 has given rise to the massive use of disinfectant products, many of them based on silver atoms. After the use of these products, the silver passes into the aqueous effluents, becoming an emerging contaminant in waters. In this work, a novel procedure for the total and simultaneous removal of ionic and nanomeric silver in aqueous samples is introduced, employing magnetic nanoparticles wrapped with an ionic liquid (Fe3O4@IL) as a removal agent. Experimental variables such as pH, contact time, temperature, as well as pollutant and removal agent doses were studied to achieve the total elimination, exhibiting exceptional conditions for the removal of different concentrations of silvers species in water. The approach achieves 100% removal efficiency for the simultaneous removal of both silver species, goal not achieved previously. Also, 100% removal efficiency is reached for the both species separately, since ionic silver is adsorbed onto the Fe3O4, while nanomeric silver is extracted in the IL. Particularly, for concentrations within the range 50-200 µg L-1, total removal efficiency was reached for a wide range of temperatures and a pH range 7-9, achieved in just 15 min, for all cases. Additionally, the doses of Fe3O4@IL employed to remove all concentrations of silver were 13.7 mg. Characterization of Fe3O4@IL surfaces before and after the process was performed by means of Field Effect Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy. Fe3O4@IL was recycled by employing 100 µL of 1% HNO3 solution, allowing its use for 10 additional silver removal cycles without loss of efficiency. The study of adsorption kinetics and equilibrium isotherms reveal a Freundlich-type adsorption, which suggests affinity between sites in the complex surface of Fe3O4@IL, and Elovich kinetics, indicative of chemisorption onto a heterogeneous surface, while the temperature shows no effect on the results.

Head-space gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry for the assessment of the contamination of mayonnaise by yeasts.

Head-space (HS) gas chromatography (GC) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) is proposed for the assessment of the contamination of mayonnaise as an alternative to plate counting, which is the technique commonly used for evaluating microbial contamination. More specifically, this method was applied in the detection of Candida metapsilosis and Zygosaccharomyces bailii, both of great importance in term of food spoilage since they are resistant to many of the common methods of food preservation. Different chemometric models were investigated using the data obtained by GC-MS (m/z profile, area of the chromatographic peaks and entire chromatographic profile), in order to obtain the highest classification success. The best results were obtained using the chromatographic profile (success rate of 92%). Contaminated samples could also be classified according to the concentration of yeast, obtaining a success rate of 87.5%. Finally, a chemometric model was constructed in an attempt to differentiate between strains.

A simple device for headspace sorptive extraction prior to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis.

A device for headspace sorptive extraction (HSSE) combined with gas chromatography separation and mass spectrometry detection (GC-MS) is presented. The gadget is based on a simple magnetic disk that permits the stir bar to be placed at the top of the sample vial. The complete surface of the coated stir bar is exposed to the headspace atmosphere, and the movement of the bar caused by the magnetic stirrer in the liquid sample facilitates the sorption process. The final consequence is increased sensitivity and repeatability when compared with a glass-made comercial device for the same purpose. Successful determination of ten chlorobenzenes in waters testifies the good performance of the new device.

In situ ionic liquid dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the determination of organophosphorus pesticides.

Nine organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) were determined in environmental waters from different origins using in situ ionic liquid dispersive liquid microextraction (IL-DLLME). This preconcentration technique was coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using microvial insert thermal desorption, an approach that uses a thermal desorption injector as sample introduction system. The parameters affecting both the microextraction and sample injection steps were optimized. The proposed method showed good precision, with RSD values ranging from 4.1 to 9.7%, accuracy with recoveries in the 85-118% range, and sensitivity with DLs ranging from 5 to 16 ng L-1.

Glyoxal and methylglyoxal as urinary markers of diabetes. Determination using a dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction procedure combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Glyoxal (GO) and methylglyoxal (MGO) are α-oxoaldehydes that can be used as urinary diabetes markers. In this study, their levels were measured using a sample preparation procedure based on salting-out assisted liquid-liquid extraction (SALLE) and dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The effect of the derivatization reaction with 2,3-diaminonaphthalene, the addition of acetonitrile and sodium chloride to urine, and the DLLME step using the acetonitrile extract as dispersant solvent and carbon tetrachloride as extractant solvent were carefully optimized. Quantification was performed by the internal standard method, using 5-bromo-2-chloroanisole. The intraday and interday precisions were lower than 6%. Limits of detection were 0.12 and 0.06ngmL-1, and enrichment factors 140 and 130 for GO and MGO, respectively. The concentrations of these α-oxoaldehydes in urine were between 0.9 and 35.8ngg-1 levels (creatinine adjusted). A statistical comparison of the analyte contents of urine samples from non-diabetic and diabetic patients pointed to significant differences (P=0.046, 24 subjects investigated), particularly regarding MGO, which was higher in diabetic patients. The novelty of this study compared with previous procedures lies in the treatment of the urine sample by SALLE based on the addition of acetonitrile and sodium chloride to the urine. The DLLME procedure is performed with a sedimented drop of the extractant solvent, without a surfactant reagent, and using acetonitrile as dispersant solvent. Separation of the analytes was performed using GC-MS detection, being the analytes unequivocal identified. The proposed procedure is the first microextraction method applied to the analysis of urine samples from diabetic and non-diabetic patients that allows a clear differentiation between both groups using a simple analysis.

Direct sample introduction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the determination of haloanisole compounds in cork stoppers.

A solventless analytical method is proposed for analyzing the compounds responsible for cork taint in cork stoppers. Direct sample introduction (DSI) is evaluated as a sample introduction system for the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) determination of four haloanisoles (HAs) in cork samples. Several parameters affecting the DSI step, including desorption temperature and time, gas flow rate and other focusing parameters, were optimized using univariate and multivariate approaches. The proposed method shows high sensitivity and minimises sample handling, with detection limits of 1.6-2.6ngg-1, depending on the compound. The suitability of the optimized procedure as a screening method was evaluated by obtaining decision limits (CCα) and detection capabilities (CCß) for each analyte, which were found to be in 6.9-11.8 and 8.7-14.8ngg-1, respectively, depending on the compound. Twenty-four cork samples were analysed, and 2,4,6-trichloroanisole was found in four of them at levels between 12.6 and 53ngg-1.

Cloud point extraction and gas chromatography with direct microvial insert thermal desorption for the determination of haloanisoles in alcoholic beverages.

A sensitive analytical procedure for the determination of four haloanisoles (2,4,6 trichloroanisole, 2,4,6-tribromoanisole, 2,3,4,6-tetrachloroanisole and pentachloroanisole) related with cork taint defects in wines, in different types of alcoholic beverages has been developed. The analytes were extracted from the matrix samples by cloud point extraction (CPE) using Triton X-114 heated to 75°C, and the surfactant rich phase was separated by centrifugation. By means of direct microvial insert thermal desorption, 20µL of the CPE obtained extract was submitted to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The parameters affecting the CPE and microvial insert thermal desorption were optimized. Quantification was carried by matrix-matched calibration using an internal standard. Detection limits ranged between 12.9 and 20.8ngL(-1), depending on the compound, for beer and wine samples, whereas for whiskies values in the 46.3-48ngL(-1) range were obtained, since these samples were diluted for analysis. Recoveries for alcoholic beverages were in the 89-111% range, depending on the analyte and the sample.

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction for the determination of nitrophenols in soils by microvial insert large volume injection-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

A rapid and sensitive procedure for the determination of six NPs in soils by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is proposed. Ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) is used for NP extraction from soil matrices to an organic solvent, while the environmentally friendly technique dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) is used for the preconcentration of the resulting UAE extracts. NPs were derivatized by applying an "in-situ" acetylation procedure, before being injected into the GC-MS system using microvial insert large volume injection (LVI). Several parameters affecting UAE, DLLME, derivatization and injection steps were investigated. The optimized procedure provided recoveries of 86-111% from spiked samples. Precision values of the procedure (expressed as relative standard deviation, RSD) lower than 12%, and limits of quantification ranging from 1.3 to 2.6ngg(-1), depending on the compound, were obtained. Twenty soil samples, obtained from military, industrial and agricultural areas, were analyzed by the proposed method. Two of the analytes were quantified in two of the samples obtained from industrial areas, at concentrations in the 4.8-9.6ngg(-1) range.

Evaluation of three headspace sorptive extraction coatings for the determination of volatile terpenes in honey using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Headspace sorptive extraction (HSSE) was used to preconcentrate seven monoterpenes (eucalyptol, linalool, menthol, geraniol, carvacrol, thymol and eugenol) for separation by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Three commercially available coatings for the stir bars, namely Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyacrilate (PA) and Ethylene glycol-silicone (EG-Silicone), were tested, and the influential parameters both in the adsorption and the thermal desorption steps were optimized. PDMS provided the best sensitivity for linalool, geraniol, menthol and eucalyptol, whereas EG-Silicone was best for extracting the phenolic monoterpenes studied. Considering the average obtained slopes from all compounds, PDMS pointed as the best option, and the analytical characteristics for the HSSE-TD-GC-MS method using this coating were obtained. Quantification of the samples was carried out by matrix-matched calibration using a synthetic honey. Detection limits ranged between 0.007 and 0.032 ng g(-1), depending on the compound. Twelve honey samples of different floral origins were analyzed using the HSSE-GC-MS method, the analytes being detected at concentrations up to 64 ng g(-1).

Direct sample introduction gas chromatography and mass spectrometry for the determination of phthalate esters in cleaning products.

A method using direct sample introduction (DSI) coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is developed for the determination of six phthalate esters (dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyl, butylbenzyl, diethylhexyl and dioctyl phthalate) in cleaning products. The different variables involved in the DSI step, including venting time and temperature, vaporisation time and temperature, injector heating temperature and gas flow rate and pressure, were evaluated and optimised using Taguchi orthogonal arrays. The proposed method, using calibration against methanolic standards, showed good linearity in the 0.05-15 µg g(-1) range and good repeatability, with RSD values ranging from 3.5% to 5.7%. Quantification limits between 0.010 and 0.041 µg g(-1), depending on the compound, were attained, while recovery assays provided values from 83% to 115%. Twenty-seven cleaning products were analysed using the DSI-GC-MS method, being four phthalates (dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyl and diethylhexyl phthalate) found in fourteen of them at concentration levels in the 0.1-21 µg g(-1) range. Compared with the most common GC injection technique, which uses the split/splitless injector, the proposed DSI procedure provided larger peak areas and lower detection limits, as result of the greater injected volume and reduction in noise.

Use of headspace sorptive extraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the analysis of volatile polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in herbal infusions.

A solvent-free method is described for the determination of 10 volatile polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), considered as priority pollutants by the EU, in different herbal infusions using headspace sorptive extraction (HSSE) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The parameters affecting both the extraction and thermal desorption steps in the HSSE were optimized by means of Plackett-Burman designs. Ten millilitres of the herbal infusion was submitted to the HSSE preconcentration in the presence of salt for 4h at 88 °C. The use of d(10)-phenanthrene as internal standard not only improved the repeatability of the method but allowed quantification of the samples against external aqueous standards. Detection limits ranged between 11 and 26 ng L(-1).

Headspace sorptive extraction for the detection of combustion accelerants in fire debris.

A novel method for separation and identification of ignitable liquid residues in fire debris by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry is presented. Preconcentration of the analytes was carried out using the simple headspace sorptive extraction (HSSE) technique. Polydimethylsiloxane stir bars were used as the enrichment phase, and parameters affecting both the adsorption and desorption stages were carefully optimized. Extraction was carried out at 50°C for 1h. Stir bars were desorbed thermally in the GC injection port, thus avoiding the use of organic solvents. The results for five ignitable liquids, including gasoline and diesel fuel, using HSSE were compared with those obtained with a solid-phase microextraction method, with HSSE appearing as a more sensitive alternative.

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction for the determination of three cytokinin compounds in fruits and vegetables by liquid chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

The paper presents a novel approach for the determination of three cytokinin compounds, thidiazuron (TDZ), 1,3-diphenylurea (1,3-DPU) and forchlorfenuron (CPPU), in fruit and vegetables samples using liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-TOFMS). Analytes were extracted from the sample matrix with ethanol, and the extract, after dilution with water, was submitted to dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME). Once acetonitrile and 1,2-dichloroethane had been selected as extraction and disperser solvents, respectively, the influence of the following experimental parameters was studied using a Plackett-Burman design: volume of extraction and disperser solvents, sample mass and time and speed of centrifugation. The best analytical conditions were 250 µL 1,2-dichloroethane, 1.5 mL acetonitrile, 5 g sample mass, and centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 3 min. The optimized method provided DLs in the range 0.02-0.05 ng g(-1), depending on the compound. Satisfactory recovery values between 89 and 106% were obtained for spiked samples (kiwifruit, watermelon, grape and tomato) in the 0.2-1.0 ng g(-1) concentration range, depending on the compound. None of the target analytes was detected in any of the samples analyzed.

Stir bar sorptive extraction with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the determination of resveratrol, piceatannol and oxyresveratrol isomers in wines.

A simple and highly sensitive procedure based on stir bar sorptive extraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry by means of a thermal desorption unit (SBSE-TD-GC-MS) has been optimized for the determination of cis/trans isomers of resveratrol, piceatannol and oxyresveratrol in wine samples. Quantification of the cis-isomers was carried out by generating the standards from the corresponding trans-species once they had been preconcentrated on the SBSE extracting phase. The optimization of the acetylation derivatization, SBSE extraction and thermal desorption steps was investigated using Plackett-Burman designs, taking into account the high number of variables to be considered. The use of bisphenol F as internal standard allowed quantification of the samples against aqueous standards. Repeatability, expressed as relative standard deviation of 10 successive analyses was between 5% and 9%, confirming the high precision attained under the optimized conditions. Satisfactory recovery values of between 79% and 109% were obtained for spiked samples in the 0.2-1.0 µgL(-1) concentration range, depending on the compound. The main compound determined in the analyzed samples was trans-resveratrol, with concentrations in the range of 3-230 µgL(-1), depending on the type of wine.

Headspace sorptive extraction for the analysis of organotin compounds using thermal desorption and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry.

A method based on headspace sorptive extraction (HSSE) in combination with thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) has been developed for the simultaneous determination of six organotin compounds (OTCs), corresponding to mono- and di-substituted methyltin, butyltin and octyltin species. Several parameters affecting both the headspace extraction and thermal desorption steps were carefully optimized using multivariate designs. Analytes were derivatized by in situ ethylation with sodium tetraethylborate. The optimized method was applied to the analysis of water samples of different origins, as well as to checking the migration of the studied compounds from commercially available plastic containers to the adequate liquid simulant. Quantification was carried out against aqueous calibration curves using diphenyltin as internal standard, providing detection limits of between 1.7 and 7.0 ng(Sn) L(-1), depending on the compound, and repeatabilities lower than 10% in terms of relative standard deviation. The applicability of the method was assessed by means of recovery studies and satisfactory values for all compounds were attained. The release of OTCs from the tested packages to the liquid simulant was confirmed, concentrations as high as 2.4 µg(Sn) L(-1) being found for dioctyltin. Even though the proposed method was developed for organotin halides, its application to an organotin ester shows its suitability for determining these compounds in migration assays.

Stir bar sorptive extraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the determination of bisphenols in canned beverages and filling liquids of canned vegetables.

This paper describes a method for the simultaneous determination of bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol Z (BPZ) and biphenol (BP), using stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) in combination with thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). Several parameters affecting both extraction and thermal desorption of the SBSE stages were carefully optimized by multivariate designs. SBSE was performed with two derivatization procedures, in situ acetylation and in tube silylation, and the results were compared with those obtained when the analytes were not derivatized. The proposed method, determining the analytes as acyl derivatives, was applied to analyze commercially canned beverages, as well as the filling liquids of canned vegetables, providing detection limits of between 4.7 and 12.5 ng L⁻¹, depending on the compound. The intraday and interday precisions were lower than 6% in terms of relative standard deviation. Recovery studies at two concentration levels, 0.1 and 1 µg L⁻¹, were performed providing recoveries in the 86-122% range. The samples analyzed contained higher concentrations of BPA than of the other analytes.

Determination of alkylphenols and phthalate esters in vegetables and migration studies from their packages by means of stir bar sorptive extraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

This paper describes a method for the determination of three alkylphenols (APs), 4-tert-octylphenol (tOP), 4-n-octylphenol (OP) and 4-nonylphenol (NP), and six phthalate esters (PEs), dimethylphthalate (DMP), diethylphthalate (DEP), di-n-butylphthalate (DBP), n-butylbenzylphthalate (BBP), di-2-ethylhexylphthalate (DEHP) and di-n-octylphthalate (DOP), in vegetables using stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) in combination with thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). Ultrasonic radiation was used to extract the analytes from the solid food matrix, and the extract obtained was preconcentrated by SBSE. The different parameters affecting both stages were carefully optimized. The method was applied to analyze commercial vegetables, in the form of plastic packed salads and canned greens, as well as the corresponding filling liquids of the canned food. Quantification of the samples was carried out against aqueous standards using an internal standard (anthracene). The analysis of a 2 g vegetable sample provided detection limits between 12.7 and 105.8 pg g⁻¹ for OP and DEHP, respectively. Migration studies from the plastic packages of the vegetables samples analyzed were carried out. DEP, DBP and DEHP were found to have migrated from the bags to the simulant and the same compounds were quantified in lettuce, corn salad, arugula, parsley and chard, at concentration levels in the 8-51 ng g⁻¹ range. However, OP and NP were found in only two vegetable samples and one filling liquid, but neither was detected in any package. The proposed method provided recoveries of 83-118%.

Comparison of two derivatization-based methods for solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometric determination of bisphenol A, bisphenol S and biphenol migrated from food cans.

An environmentally friendly sample pretreatment system based on solid-phase microextraction (SPME) for the sensitive determination of bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS) and biphenol (BP) is described. Two derivatisation reactions to obtain volatile derivatives are compared. Derivatisation with acetic anhydride (AA) was performed in situ in a 5-mM Na(2)CO(3)/NaHCO(3) buffer solution and analytes were extracted by direct immersion (DI) using a PA fibre (85 microm) at 90 degrees C for 40 min with stirring at 1,500 rpm. For derivatisation with bis-(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA), the analytes were first extracted by DI using the PA fibre at 70 degrees C for 40 min with stirring at 500 rpm. The fibre was then removed, dried in a nitrogen stream for 2 min and introduced into the headspace of BSTFA at 50 degrees C for 30 s. After derivatisation, the analytes were desorbed in the injection port of the GC in the splitless mode at 280 degrees C for 4 min. The separation was carried out by coupling gas chromatography with mass spectrometry in the selected ion monitoring mode, GC-MS(SIM). The method allowed the determination of the migrating levels of bisphenols found in food cans, and it was validated for linearity, detection and quantitation limits, selectivity, accuracy and precision. Detection limits ranged from 3 to 16 pg mL(-1), depending on the compound, at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. Recoveries obtained for spiked samples were satisfactory for all compounds. Levels of BPA were higher than those of BPS and the lowest contents were found for BP.

Liquid-phase microextraction with solidification of the organic floating drop for the preconcentration and determination of mercury traces by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry.

A procedure for the determination of traces of mercury by liquid-phase microextraction based on solidification of a floating organic droplet for separation and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry for final measurement has been developed. For this purpose, 50 microL of pre-heated (50 degrees C) undecanoic acid (UA), are added to 25 mL of aqueous sample solution at pH 5. The mixture, maintained at 50 degrees C, is stirred for 10 min using a high stirring rate in order to fragment the UA drop into droplets, thus favoring the extraction process. Next, the vial is immersed in an ice bath, which results in the solidification of the UA drop that is easily separated. Injection into the atomizer is carried out after gentle heating. The pyrolytic atomizers are coated with electrolytically reduced palladium that acts as an effective chemical modifier for more than 500 firings. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limit was 70 ng L(-1) mercury with an enrichment factor of 430. The relative standard deviation of the measurements was in the 2.1-3.5% range. Recovery studies applied to the determination of mercuric ions in bottled and tap water samples were in the 92-104% range.

Evaluation of solid-phase microextraction conditions for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in aquatic species using gas chromatography.

This paper describes a headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) procedure coupled to gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (GC-MS) for the determination of eight PAHs in aquatic species. The influence of various parameters on the PAH extraction efficiency was carefully examined. At 75 degrees C and for an extraction time of 60 min, a polydimethylsiloxane-divinylbenzene (PDMS/DVB) fiber coating was found to be most suitable. Under the optimized conditions, detection limits ranged from 8 to 450 pg g(-1), depending on the compound and the sample matrix. The repeatability varied between 7 and 15% (RSD). Accuracy was tested using the NIST SRM 1974b reference material. The method was successfully applied to different samples, and the studied PAHs were detected in several of the samples.