RESUMO
Quantification and identification of metal ions has gained interest in drinking water and environmental analyses. We have developed a novel label array method for the quantification and identification of metal ions in drinking water. This simple ready-to-go method is based on the nonspecific interactions of multiple unstable lanthanide chelates and nonantenna ligands with sample leading to a luminescence signal profile, unique to the sample components. The limit of detection at ppb concentration level and average coefficient of variation of 10% were achieved with the developed label array. The identification of 15 different metal ions including different oxidation states Cr(3+)/Cr(6+), Cu(+)/Cu(2+), Fe(2+)/Fe(3+), and Pb(2+)/Pb(4+) was demonstrated. Moreover, a binary mixture of Cu(2+) and Fe(3+) and ternary mixture of Cd(2+), Ni(2+), and Pb(2+) were measured and individual ions were distinguished.