MWCNT@TiSiO4 nanocomposite for dispersive solid phase extraction of traces cadmium in food and environmental samples

Abstract

Cadmium contamination presents substantial hazards to both human health and the environment due to its persistent presence in ecosystems and toxic characteristics. It accumulates in soil and water, causing chronic renal and respiratory issues, and carcinogenicity. Effective detection for monitoring the environmental and public health effects of Cd is required. This study addresses a new separation and enrichment method with a novel MWCNT@TiSiO4 nanocomposite synthesized via sol-gel and calcination synthesis techniques. A comprehensive characterization of the nanocomposite was conducted utilizing X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, and Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) techniques. The nano-sorbent was utilized in conjunction with dispersive solid phase extraction (DSPE) to separate and preconcentrate trace amounts of Cd(II) prior to its determination by using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The optimization of analytical parameters, including pH, sample and eluent volumes, sorbent quantities, and eluent composition, was studied. The effect of matrix components was investigated. The method showed a low limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), and relative standard deviation (%RSD) of 0.053 ng mL−1, 0.176 ng mL−1, and 4.6%, respectively. The method was validated by analyzing certified reference materials. The developed methodology was applied to determine Cd(II) levels in water, tobacco, and food samples. The recovery values were quantitative (90–101%). The maximum and minimum concentrations of Cd in food samples were in shrimp (47.87 ng g−1) and lentil (11.25 ng g−1), respectively.