Determination of neodymium(III) ions in soil and sediment samples by a novel neodymium(III) sensor based on benzyl bisthiosemicarbazone

The PVC membrane, containing benzyl bisthiosemicarbazone (BTC) as a suitable ionophore, exhibited a Nernstian response for the Nd3+ ions over a wide concentration range between 1.0 × 10−2 and 1 × 10−6 M, with a detection limit of 6.2 × 10−7 M in the pH range of 3.7–8.3. It demonstrated a fast response time (<10 s) and it could be used for at least 7 weeks without any major potential deviation. Furthermore, the electrode revealed high selectivity with respect to all the common alkali, alkaline earth, transition and heavy metal ions, including the members of the lanthanide family other than Nd3+. Concerning its applications, it was effectively employed for the determination of neodymium ions in soil and sediment samples and its validation with CRM.