Determination of free Zn2+ concentration in synthetic and natural samples with AGNES (Absence of Gradients and Nernstian Equilibrium Stripping) and DMT (Donnan Membrane Technique)

The determination of free Zn2+ ion concentration is a key in the study of environmental systems like river water and soils, due to its impact on bioavailability and toxicity. AGNES (Absence of Gradients and Nernstian Equilibrium Stripping) and DMT (Donnan Membrane Technique) are emerging techniques suited for the determination of free heavy metal concentrations, especially in the case of Zn2+, given that there is no commercial Ion Selective Electrode. In this work, both techniques have been applied to synthetic samples (containing Zn and NTA) and natural samples (Rhine river water and soils), showing good agreement. pH fluctuations in DMT and N2/CO2 purging system used in AGNES did not affect considerably the measurements done in Rhine river water and soil samples. Results of DMT in situ of Rhine river water are comparable to those of AGNES in the lab. The comparison of this work provides a cross-validation for both techniques.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► DMT (Donnan Membrane Technique) and AGNES (Absence of Gradients and Nernstian Equilibrium Stripping) are compared. ► DMT and AGNES directly measure free Zn concentrations in aqueous solutions. ► Zn + NTA, Rhine river water and soil extracts were analyzed with both techniques. ► Free Zn concentrations measured by DMT and AGNES are similar