RSM-Optimized Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction for High-Efficiency Recovery of Pb, Cd, and As in Complex Systems

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Green Chemistry

Background:

• Toxic trace metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic) pose significant human health risks as environmental contaminants.
• Accurate and swift analytical methods are crucial for monitoring these metals in various matrices.
• Existing methods may involve harsh conditions, high reagent consumption, or complex procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a green, process-intensified ultrasonic extraction method for toxic trace metals (Pb, Cd, As).
• To efficiently recover and determine these metals from diverse complex matrices.
• To validate the method using response surface methodology and apply it to real-world samples.

Main Methods:

• Ultrasonic-assisted extraction utilizing cavitation for enhanced metal desorption and mass transfer.
• Response surface methodology (central composite design) to optimize nitric acid concentration, ultrasonic time, and acid volume.
• Determination of metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS).

Main Results:

• Optimized conditions (0.68 M HNO3, 11 min, 32 mL) yielded high experimental recoveries (95-99%) for Pb, Cd, and As.
• The method demonstrated low matrix effects and acceptable uncertainty (5.60-10.36%).
• Successful application to diverse matrices (herbal materials, cosmetics, beverages, wastewater) with consistent performance.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasonic processing offers a rapid, low-reagent, and environmentally responsible extraction strategy for toxic trace metals.
• The developed method provides a practical platform for toxicological monitoring and safety assessment.
• This approach supports efficient contaminant surveillance in natural and industrial products.