Recent developments in the application of cloud point extraction as procedure for speciation of trace elements

Abstract

This review addresses the use of cloud point extraction as a separation and pre-concentration method aiming at the speciation of metals and metalloids by spectroanalytical techniques. The principles, advantages and limitations of this technique are presented for a better understanding of its potential. The main strategies for using cloud point extraction in carrying out speciation analysis are discussed. To illustrate its applicability in the development of analytical methodologies aimed at speciation, some works found in the specialized literature are commented, highlighting their contribution to the theme. Finally, future trends for the development in this field (such as speciation of anionic species, cloud point micro extraction, speciation of nanoparticles, among others) is presented and discussed.

Keywords:

• Speciation analysis
• cloud point extraction
• spectroanalytical techniques
• non-chromatographic speciation
• trace elements

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado da Bahia (FAPESB), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnológico (CNPq) and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) for providing grants and fellowships and for financial support.

Additional information

Funding

The authors of this review acknowledge that this study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil (CAPES) - Finance Code 001 and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) – (Process 431491/2016-0 and Process 304582/2018-2).