Optimization of Nanoparticle-based Solid-phase Extraction Method by an Experimental Design for Flow Injection ICP-OES Determination of La(III), Yb(III), Zr(IV) and Y(III) Ions in Water Samples

Nanoscience is one of the most important research and development frontiers in modern since. Magnetic carrier technology (MCT) has become an increasingly popular tool in bioseparations, environmental and material science [1]. A distinct advantage of this technology is that magnetic materials can be readily isolated from sample solutions by the application of an external magnetic field. Generally, most of the dissolved environmental contaminants are nonmagnetic, and thus do not respond to magnetic field. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) possess large surface areas and have superpamagnetic properties. Selective removal of toxic target compounds from complex environmental matrices can be obtained when certain special functional ligands with affinities for target molecules are bound onto these MNPs.The inner transition elements of periodic table including rare earth elements (REEs; lanthanides) and actinides have generally become of great concern owing to their increasing use in industrial products. The main restrictions in determination of these elements in environmental samples come from the high content of the matrix and the extremely low concentration levels in those samples, which are below the detection limits of conventional instrumental techniques. Therefore an efficient separation and preconcentration technique is frequently required for determination of these elements in complex matrices.This work focused on the suitability of a NP-based SPE method for extraction of La(III), Y(III), Yb(III), Zr(IV) and Th(IV) complexes 1-(2-pyridilazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) followed by flow injection ICP-OES determination. The experimental design has been applied to determine the significant variables and to optimize the magnetically NP-based SPE process of the ions