Optimization of the arsenazo-III method for the determination of uranium in water and plant samples

• Published in: Talanta (Oxford) Vol. 115; pp. 751 - 754
• Main Authors: Jauberty, Loïc, Drogat, Nicolas, Decossas, Jean-Louis, Delpech, Vincent, Gloaguen, Vincent, Sol, Vincent
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 15.10.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Acidic oxides; Arsenazo; Arsenazo III - chemistry; Ascorbic acid; Ascorbic Acid - chemistry; Chelating Agents - chemistry; Chemical Sciences; Colorimetric; Complexation; Environmental Pollutants - analysis; Mineralization; Optimization; Organic chemistry; Photometry; Photometry - methods; Plant Bark - chemistry; Plant samples; Pseudotsuga - chemistry; Radioisotopes; Radiometry; Spectroscopy; Stabilization; Uranium; Uranium - analysis; Waste Water - chemistry; TTA; ppb; Uranium; Ascorbic acid; arsenazo-III; COFRAC; Arsenazo; ppm; Plant samples; Colorimetric; 2,7-bis(2-arsenophenylazo)-1,8-dihydroxynaphthalene-3,6-disulfonic acid disodium salt; French accreditation committee; toluene-saturated 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone; part per billion; part per million
• ISSN: 0039-9140; 1873-3573
• DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2013.06.046

This work reports a reliable, fast and optimized photometric technique based on the specific chemical complexation of uranyl ion with arsenazo-III. In the case of solid samples (plant samples), for which mineralization under acidic and oxidative conditions was used, addition of ascorbic acid led to stabilization of the arsenazo–uranyl complex over time. The results, in total agreement with data obtained from α and γ spectrometries, demonstrate that the present technique is able to precisely quantify uranium in water as well as in plant samples, within the μg/L and mg/g ranges respectively. [Display omitted] •Uranium determination in water and plant samples.•Fast and optimized photometric technique.•Specific chemical complexation of uranyl ions with arsenazo-III.•Stabilization of arsenazo-III–uranyl complex with ascorbic acid for the measurement of uranium in solid samples.