Abstract
A novel and simple device that includes a polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) has been prepared and tested for the first time to detect low concentration levels of cadmium in seawater. The ionic liquid trihexyl (tetradecyl) phosphonium chloride (THTDPCl) has been shown to be an effective extractant when incorporated in a PIM that uses cellulose triacetate (CTA) as a polymer. However, it has been reported that the use of a plasticizer is mandatory to ensure an effective transport, which uses both ultrapure water and a nitric acid solution as a stripping phase. A special device incorporating a PIM made of 50% CTA, 40% nitrophenyl octyl ether (as a plasticizer), and 10% THTDPCl, effectively allows the quantitative transport and preconcentration of 10 µg L−1 Cd from seawater samples to a stripping phase consisting of 0.5 M HNO3 solution. This study shows that the efficiency of the PIM system is not affected by high salinity nor the presence of large amounts of other ions, and can thus facilitate Cd monitoring in seawater samples.
Highlights
The release of different pollutants into the environment, which has increased noticeably as a result of industrialization, is having an alarming effect on its quality
This study shows that the efficiency of the polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) system is not affected by high salinity nor the presence of large amounts of other ions, and can facilitate Cd monitoring in seawater samples
We have developed a PIM incorporating ionic liquid (IL) trihexyl phosphonium chloride (THTDPCl) for the transport of Cd ions in a high chloride medium and have presented the results obtained using a PIM-device for the preconcentration of Cd from seawater samples
Summary
The release of different pollutants into the environment, which has increased noticeably as a result of industrialization, is having an alarming effect on its quality. Heavy metals are the most important of these pollutants due to their non-biodegradability. What is of most concern about this metal is its capacity for bioaccumulation. Cd in water is due nearly exclusively to industrial discharges (e.g., from electroplating, paint-making, the manufacture of plastics, etc.) and landfill leachates. High metal accumulation by organisms, and their consumption in the food chain, is a cause of major health problems and it is known that the marine food chain is seriously affected by Cd in seawater [1]. The accurate determination of this metal in seawater systems is receiving significant attention
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
