Analytical Sciences

On-site Determination of Arsenic, Selenium, and Chromium(VI) in Drinking Water Using a Solid-phase Extraction Disk/Handheld X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer

Kenta HAGIWARA, Yuya KOIKE, Mamoru AIZAWA, and Toshihiro NAKAMURA

Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashimita, Tama, Kawasaki 214-8571, Japan

A rapid, simple technique combining disk solid-phase extraction and handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry was developed for the on-site determination of As, Se, and Cr(VI) in drinking water. For the preconcentration of As, Se, and Cr(VI), a 50-mL aqueous sample was adjusted to pH 4, followed by passage through a Ti-loaded anion-exchange disk (Ti-AED). Both sides of the Ti-AED were coated with an adhesive cellophane tape prior to drying using a cordless hair iron, followed by a handheld XRF measurement. The Ti-AED adsorbed As(III), As(V), Se(IV), Se(VI), and Cr(VI) in water without requiring oxidation and reduction. The detection limits of As, Se, and Cr(VI) were all 1.0 μg L⁻¹. Good recoveries were obtained by measuring certified reference materials, and spiking natural mineral water with As, Se, and Cr(VI). As the proposed method does not require a power supply or toxic reagents in any analytical step, it is suitable for the on-site determination of toxic elements in drinking water.

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