Evaluation of complexing agents in the gel electro-membrane extraction: An efficient approach for the quantification of zinc (II) ions in water samples

In this work, gel electro-membrane extraction (G-EME) combined with flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) was used for the determination of zinc ions (Zn2+) in water samples. For the first time, the effect of the presence of three types of complexing agents such as phenanthroline (Phen), crown ethers (12C4, 15C5, 18C6), and ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) on the extraction efficiency of zinc ions was studied. In addition, the electroendosmosis (EEO) flow as an unwanted actuator was monitored in the presence and absence of complexing agents. By applying 50 V electrical potential across the membrane, the positive charged Zn2+ ions were migrated from a donor phase (pH 5.0) through the agarose gel membrane (pH 5.0, containing a complexing agent) into the acceptor phase (pH 3.0). The obtained results showed that the highest extraction recoveries were obtained when crown ethers, especially 1% (w/v) 18C6 was added to the gel membrane. In addition, EEO flow was decreased in the presence of all complexing agents (except EDTA), probably due to the increase in electrical resistance. Using the optimum conditions, the limit of detection (LOD), the limit of quantification (LOQ), and extraction recovery% (ER%) were 5.0 μg L−1, 15.0 μg L−1, and 92.5%, respectively. In the end, the applicability of the developed approach was successfully evaluated to determine Zn2+ in tap, mineral, and river water samples. [Display omitted] •The effect of complexing agents on EEO flow was for the first time studied in detail.•State-of-the-art to use agarose as green biopolymer is presented.•An agarose membrane enriched with 1% crown ether was used to diminish EEO power.•Key aspects on extraction efficiency of zinc ions are discussed.•Suggested workflow exhibits easiness in performance and is strongly eco-friendly.