COVID-19 is characterized by diverse clinical outcomes that include asymptomatic to mild manifestations or severe disease and death. Infection by SARS-CoV-2 activates inflammatory and metabolic responses that drive protection or pathology.
Naphthenic acids comprise one of the most toxic compounds
of the
produced water released from offshore oil platforms. Therefore, developing
and applying faster, simpler, and more efficient analytical methods
for analyzing naphthenic acids are urgently needed. Electromembrane
extraction (EME) uses the electrokinetic migration of target ions
through a porous membrane. Herein, the EME method was applied to extract
naphthenic acids from produced water. The EME method was optimized,
and the optimal conditions encompassed decanol as the organic solvent,
the sample with pH 10.0, 5 min of extraction at 200 V, and the ratio
4:1 (borate buffer/matrix, v/v). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
confirmed charged species’ migration from produced water through
the EME. Subsequently, all extracts were analyzed by ultra-high-resolution
mass spectrometry. The EME efficiency was assessed by comparing the
extraction results to the liquid−liquid extraction (LLE) method
results. Analytical results showed good linearity for both solvent
and matrix curves (R
2 > 0.98). Low
detection
limits ranged from 0.10 to 0.13 μg mL–1 and
quantification limits from 0.36 to 0.45 μg mL–1. Precision and accuracy values ranged from −13.3% to 16.5%.
These values fit the proposed method, demonstrating that the EME was
more efficient than LLE in naphthenic acid extraction. The EME method
preferably extracted aromatic compounds with double-bond equivalence
from 6 to 8. The EME coupled with ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry
was demonstrated as a promising analytical approach to naphthenic
acid extraction as an efficient and more environmentally friendly
alternative to conventional extraction methods.
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