Cloud point extraction utilizable for separation and preconcentration of (ultra)trace elements in biological fluids before their determination by spectrometric methods: a brief review

Abstract

This review summarizes and discusses applications related to the determination of (ultra)trace elements in biological fluids using cloud point extraction as sample pretreatment technique. Biological fluids, such as urine, whole blood, serum or plasma, are the most often analyzed biological materials in these applications. Spectrometric methods, such as flame atomic absorption spectrometry, electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, are commonly used for quantification of elements preconcentrated by the extraction technique. Optimized extraction procedures lead to the high extraction recoveries of the target analytes. High enrichment factors achieved lead to the lowering of quantification limits. All these achievements illustrate the great potential of extractions for reliable quantification of (ultra)trace elements in complex biological matrix what is documented in this review of a number of works published on this topic.