Ultra sensitive quantification of Hg2+  sorption by functionalized nanoparticles using radioactive tracker spectroscopy

Abstract

We present an ultra sensitive method to quantify the uptake of Hg by dithiocarbamate functionalized magnetic nanoparticles using radioactive tracker spectroscopy. We show a lower limit of detection of about 10fg L −1 , much lower than any other known techniques used to determine the uptake of Hg (about 10 4 more sensitive), without the need of digesting or processing the sorption agent. Such high sensitivity enables the characterization of Functionalized Nanoparticles as Hg sorbents in natural waters, where the low Hg concentration is very difficult to detect using current analytical methods such as absorption/fluorometry methods (namely Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption/fluorescence Spectroscopy). Radioactive Trackers also give the ability to track the sorbed element, allowing the reconstruction of the path made by the sorbed element during the uptake process, unveiling further information about the impact of toxic metals in the environment and living beings.

Exploiting Radioactive Isotopes: from Pollutant Tracking to Solid State Studies Using a Combined Ab Initio and PAC Approach

“…Figure presents all the results regarding the Hg sorption efficiency for each MNP, measured using the radioactive trackers spectroscopy. Figure clearly shows that the DTC functionalized MNP present a much higher Hg uptake than their silica coated counterpart (on average by a factor of almost 4 times . These results are in quite good agreement from previous studies of the same MNP using CVAFS , …”

“…As pioneered by Hevesy more than 100 years ago, it is possible to exploit the tracer character of the radioactive isotopes to track these ''probes'' in space and in time. Knowing that, we developed an ultrasensitive method to quantify the Hg sorption by MNP using radioactive tracking spectroscopy …”

“…Schematic representation of the experimental procedure adopted to perform the quantification of the Hg sorption by the MNP. Adapted from ref . with permission of Elsevier.…”

“…Spectral distribution for the first and second measurements of the procedure illustrated in Figure . Adapted from ref . with permission of Elsevier.…”

“…In the following manuscript we will make a review of the use of radioactive isotopes as local probes for solid state physics, and nanotechnology studies, with a particular emphasis on hyperfine interactions, where CICECO team has promoted and participated within the international collaboration at ISOLDE (Isotope mass Separator On‐Line facility) in CERN, a laboratory dedicated to the production of radioactive isotopes…”