Combination of Extraction Techniques and Spectrometric Methods Used for Separation, Preconcentration and Quantification of Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to show the possibility to combine extraction techniques with commonly available spectrometric methods for selective separation, preconcentration and quantification of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the presence of their ionic species and other co-existing substances in real complex matrices. Herein, various modifications of liquid-liquid extraction (including cloud point extraction) and solid-phase extraction (including magnetic solid-phase extraction) are presented. Achieved results such as high extraction recoveries, acceptable precisions and low limits of detection lead to the conclusion that the procedures developed have a great analytical potential for reliable quantification of ultratrace AgNPs in various complex matrices. This conclusion was confirmed by analysis of real water samples (such as tap, lake, river, spring, sea, treated and untreated wastewaters), lixiviates obtained from sticking plasters and cleaning cloths, and commercially available antibacterial products (such as gels and sprays).