Synchronous fluorescence and absorbance dynamic liquid drop sensor for Cr(vi) determination at the femtomole level

A novel synchronous fluorimetric and absorptiometric technique based on dynamic liquid drops coupled with flow injection is described for the determination of chromium(VI) in aqueous solutions. Drops formed continuously at the end of a quartz capillary tube serve as reactor and optical cell. The reaction between chromium(VI) and 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine dichloride (TMB-d) results in a significant decrease in fluorescence and transmitted light intensity, proportional to the logarithm of the concentration of chromium(VI). The transmitted light and fluorescence emission are detected in counter and perpendicular positions of the excitation light by a photomultipler tube and photodiode, respectively. In HCl-NaOAc buffer solution (pH 3.29), the sensor has a wide linear calibration range of 2 x 10(-8)-1 x 10(-4) mol l(-1) chromium(VI) with an absolute mass detection limit of 12.88 fmol.