Green Method for the Selective Electromembrane Extraction of Parabens and Fluoroquinolones in the Presence of NSAIDs by Using Biopolymeric Chitosan Films

Abstract

A chitosan biopolymeric membrane was successfully used as a support in a green electromembrane extraction procedure for the simultaneous and selective extraction of seven parabens and three fluoroquinolones in the presence of three non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The optimal experimental conditions (10 mL donor phase and 50 μL acceptor phase, pH 10 in both phases; 80 V of applied voltage during 15 min of extraction time) were determined, providing high enrichment factors for six of the studied parabens (EF ≥ 90) and the three fluoroquinolones (EF ≥ 50). Wide linear concentration ranges (0.5–500 μg L−1), good linearity (>97%), low limits of detection (0.2–1.1 μg L−1), and good repeatability (relative standard deviation values 4–10%) were achieved. The proposed method was successfully applied for the extraction of the target analytes from different kinds of water samples (river, lake, and swimming pool). The usage of a chitosan membrane in the extraction process presents many advantages, as it is a biodegradable and versatile support, offering a good alternative to commercial plastic materials commonly used in this methodology and these procedures.

Environmental Applications of Electromembrane Extraction: A Review

“…Another recent development in EME environmental applications is the application of green biodegradable membranes instead of classic SLMs. Materials derived from biopolymers (such as agarose or chitosan) are biodegradable and sustainable materials and have recently gained a lot of attention in EME [ 14 , 17 , 18 ]. These materials, which are obtained from natural resources, are environmentally friendly, and have low economic costs.…”

“…Roman-Hidalgo et al [ 18 ] successfully extracted seven p-hydroxybenzoates and three fluoroquinolones simultaneously and selectively in a green electro-membrane extraction process using chitosan biopolymer membranes as the carrier. In this process, 10 mL of donor phase and 50 µL of acceptor phase were used, and the pH of both phases was 10.…”

Composite Anion Exchange Membranes Based on Quaternary Ammonium-Functionalized Polystyrene and Cerium(IV) Phosphate with Improved Monovalent-Ion Selectivity and Antifouling Properties

“…Advanced techniques involving membrane technologies form the basis of many industrial processes [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. The increase in production volumes is accompanied by increasing industrial waste, leading to environmental pollution.…”

Chitosan Biomaterials: Advances and Challenges

“…Chitosan is a natural polymer, obtained via the deacetylation of chitin. It is biodegradable, biocompatible [1,2], bioabsorbable, and non-toxic [3].…”