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A Study of the Complexation of Mercury(II) with Dicysteinyl Tetrapeptides by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Published on: January 8, 2016
An infrared spectroscopic based method for mercury(II) detection in aqueous solutions
Asela Chandrasoma1, Amer Al Abdel Hamid, Alice E Bruce
1Department of Chemistry, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA.
Analytica Chimica Acta
|May 8, 2012
Summary
A novel solid phase extraction (SPE) method coupled with FTIR spectroscopy offers a new way to detect mercury (Hg(II)) in water. This technique is suitable for on-site field testing, providing a detection limit of 5 ppb.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Mercury (Hg(II)) contamination in water poses significant environmental and health risks.
- Existing laboratory-based detection methods are often time-consuming and not suitable for rapid on-site analysis.
- Development of portable and sensitive methods for Hg(II) detection is crucial for environmental monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the proof of principle for a new on-site detection method for Hg(II) in aqueous samples.
- To evaluate the feasibility of using solid phase extraction (SPE) combined with Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for Hg(II) measurement.
- To identify potential challenges for migrating the method from laboratory to field operation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized solid phase extraction (SPE) material supported on a silicon (Si) wafer.
- Derivatized the SPE material with an acylthiosemicarbazide, which reacts with aqueous Hg(II) to form an oxadiazole ring.
- Monitored the reaction progress using infrared (IR) spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Achieved a method detection limit (MDL) of 5 μg Hg(II)/cm² for the SPE/IR method, translating to 5 ppb in a 1L sample with a 1cm² Si wafer.
- Demonstrated high selectivity for aqueous Hg(II) over various other heavy metal and common metal ions.
- Identified mass transport as a key factor for future field implementation.
Conclusions:
- The developed SPE-FTIR method shows promise for on-site Hg(II) detection in water.
- The system exhibits excellent selectivity, distinguishing Hg(II) from interfering ions.
- Further optimization addressing mass transport is needed for successful field deployment.
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