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Electrochemically controlled liquid-liquid microextraction: an innovative methodology for heavy metal extraction from
Andrea Marco1, Miguel Ángel Aguirre1, César Quijada2
1Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Food Science and University Institute of Materials (IUMA), University of Alicante, Spain.
Analytica Chimica Acta
|September 29, 2025
Summary
A new green extraction method efficiently removes toxic metals from tea using electrochemically assisted microextraction and a eutectic solvent. This sustainable technique offers high recovery and low detection limits for safer food analysis.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Food Science
Background:
- Growing concern over toxic metal contamination in food necessitates sustainable and non-toxic sample preparation.
- Conventional methods often use hazardous solvents and lack sensitivity for trace metal extraction.
- There is a demand for eco-friendly analytical methods for complex matrices like tea.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an efficient and environmentally friendly method for extracting metals from tea samples.
- To utilize electrochemically assisted microextraction combined with a eutectic mixture as an extractant.
- To address the need for improved trace metal analysis in food safety.
Main Methods:
- Developed an electrochemically enhanced liquid-liquid microextraction technique.
- Employed a green eutectic mixture (menthol:decanoic acid) and a conductive ionic liquid.
- Optimized extraction conditions using a design of experiments approach.
Main Results:
- Achieved excellent linearity, repeatability, and low limits of detection for Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn (0.2-2.8 μg/kg).
- Demonstrated near 100% recovery from real and certified tea samples with minimal matrix effects.
- Confirmed that infused samples did not exceed maximum permissible metal limits.
Conclusions:
- The proposed method is a significant advancement in sustainable analytical chemistry.
- It enables efficient metal extraction from tea without toxic solvents.
- Presents a viable alternative for routine metal analysis in food safety monitoring.
