Enhanced mercury detection through ultrasound-assisted liquid–liquid microextraction and digital image colorimetry using hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents
摘要
This study aims to develop a novel ultrasound-assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (USA-DLLME) technique for the preconcentration of mercury ions (Hg(II)) combined with digital image colorimetry (DIC). A hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed of choline chloride and phenol was applied as the extracting phase. DIC was conducted by displacing Hg(II) with Cu(II) in the chelate of diethyldithiocarbamate, leading to a color change from brownish to colorless. Digital images of the DES phase were captured using an Android mobile phone and analyzed by the Color Grab application for colorimetric assessment. The important parameters influencing extraction efficiency were investigated using a one-variable-at-a-time approach. The method validation showed a linear dynamic range of 10–300 ng mL−1 (R2 = 0.991), with limits of detection and quantification of 2.9 ng mL−1 and 9.8 ng mL−1, respectively. The intra-day and inter-day precisions were 6.4% and 8.2%, respectively. The developed USA-DLLME-DIC method was employed to determine Hg(II) in mineral, tap, and river water samples, yielding relative recoveries of 98.7–110%. Adhering to the concept of white analytical chemistry, the USA-DLLME method demonstrated a whiteness score of 73.5%, showcasing its potential for sustainable environmental monitoring.
Graphical abstract