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SOLID-PHASE EXTRACTION OF NICKEL (II) ION BY STUDYING THE EFFECTS OF SAMPLE VOLUME ON COATED SILICA GEL AND PRODUCTION OF SCHIFF’S BASE (BHPDE)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Solid-phase extraction (SPE) is a widely used technique in analytical chemistry for sample preparation and purification, particularly in the analysis of trace elements and pollutants. It offers advantages over traditional liquid-liquid extraction methods, including enhanced sensitivity, reduced solvent use, and improved reproducibility (Rocío et al., 2020). In the context of nickel (II) ion extraction, SPE has gained prominence due to the environmental and health concerns associated with nickel contamination (Yadav et al., 2021).

Nickel is a ubiquitous element in the environment, commonly found in soil, water, and air. It is used in various industrial processes, including stainless steel production and electroplating, leading to its widespread release into the environment (Sharma et al., 2022). The accumulation of nickel in the environment can result in serious health issues such as respiratory problems, kidney damage, and cancer (Goh et al., 2023). Thus, effective methods for nickel ion removal and analysis are crucial for environmental monitoring and public health protection.

In recent years, the focus has shifted towards optimizing solid-phase extraction techniques for the effective removal and quantification of nickel ions. One approach involves the use of coated silica gel, which offers a high surface area and improved interaction with metal ions (Li et al., 2019). The efficiency of SPE is influenced by various factors, including the type of coating material, sample volume, and pH conditions (Singh et al., 2021). By studying these parameters, researchers aim to enhance the performance of SPE in nickel ion extraction.

Additionally, the production of Schiff's base compounds, such as BHPDE (benzylidenehydrazinephenol diethyl ether), plays a significant role in analytical chemistry. Schiff's bases are formed through the condensation of an aldehyde or ketone with a primary amine, and they have been used as chelating agents for metal ion extraction and separation (Chen et al., 2023). The development of new Schiff's base compounds and their application in nickel ion extraction can potentially improve the selectivity and efficiency of the SPE process (Zhou et al., 2022).

The impact of sample volume on the extraction efficiency is a critical parameter in SPE. It influences the distribution of analytes between the solid phase and the liquid phase, affecting the overall recovery and sensitivity of the method (Mao et al., 2020). Understanding how sample volume affects the performance of coated silica gel in nickel ion extraction is essential for optimizing the SPE process and ensuring accurate and reliable results.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Nickel contamination in the environment poses significant health risks, necessitating effective extraction and analysis methods. Traditional techniques often face challenges such as low sensitivity, high solvent use, and inconsistent results. Solid-phase extraction (SPE) using coated silica gel offers a promising alternative, but its efficiency is influenced by factors such as sample volume and the type of coating material. Furthermore, the production of Schiff's base compounds like BHPDE has shown potential in enhancing metal ion extraction, yet the optimal conditions for their use in SPE are not well-understood. There is a need to investigate how variations in sample volume affect the efficiency of nickel (II) ion extraction using coated silica gel and to explore the role of Schiff's base compounds in improving extraction performance.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to determine the effects of sample volume on the efficiency of solid-phase extraction of nickel (II) ions using coated silica gel and to explore the production and application of Schiff’s base (BHPDE) in the process.

Specific objectives include:

1.    To evaluate the impact of sample volume on the extraction efficiency of nickel (II) ions using coated silica gel.

2.    To determine the effectiveness of Schiff’s base (BHPDE) as a chelating agent in enhancing the solid-phase extraction of nickel (II) ions.

3.    To find out the optimal conditions for using coated silica gel and Schiff’s base (BHPDE) in the extraction process to maximize recovery and accuracy.

1.4 Research Questions

1.    What is the impact of sample volume on the extraction efficiency of nickel (II) ions using coated silica gel?

2.    What is the effectiveness of Schiff’s base (BHPDE) as a chelating agent in solid-phase extraction of nickel (II) ions?

3.    How does the combination of coated silica gel and Schiff’s base (BHPDE) influence the recovery and accuracy of nickel (II) ion extraction?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it addresses the pressing issue of nickel contamination, which is a major environmental and health concern. By optimizing solid-phase extraction techniques, this research aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of nickel ion detection and removal. Secondly, the study explores the use of Schiff’s base compounds, which could lead to the development of more effective chelating agents for various analytical applications. The findings could benefit environmental monitoring agencies, industrial processes, and public health initiatives by providing a more reliable method for nickel ion extraction and analysis.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The scope of this study is limited to the investigation of solid-phase extraction methods for nickel (II) ions using coated silica gel and Schiff’s base (BHPDE) as a chelating agent. The research focuses on evaluating the effects of sample volume on extraction efficiency and exploring the potential improvements offered by Schiff’s base compounds. The study does not cover other metal ions or alternative extraction methods.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

The study is subject to several limitations. The effectiveness of coated silica gel and Schiff’s base (BHPDE) may vary depending on the specific experimental conditions, which may not be fully replicated in all scenarios. Additionally, the research is limited to laboratory-scale experiments, and the results may not directly translate to field applications without further validation. Variations in sample matrix and interference from other substances may also affect the accuracy of the results.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE): A sample preparation technique that involves the separation of analytes from a liquid sample by adsorbing them onto a solid phase, followed by elution and analysis.

Coated Silica Gel: Silica gel that has been chemically modified with a coating material to enhance its interaction with specific analytes during extraction.

Nickel (II) Ion: A divalent metal ion of nickel, commonly found in environmental pollutants and industrial waste.

Schiff’s Base: A class of compounds formed by the reaction of an aldehyde or ketone with a primary amine, used as chelating agents in analytical chemistry.

BHPDE: Benzylidenehydrazinephenol diethyl ether, a specific Schiff’s base compound used in this study for nickel ion extraction.