Table 5 Advantages and drawbacks of Cu(II) detection methods
Analytical Method | Advantages | Disadvantages | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
Atomic absorption spectrometry | High selectivity Provides reliable and accurate outcomes Fast and straightforward | Equipment and operating costs are relatively high It requires well-trained and experienced staff It requires preparation standards for the calibration It cannot be used to determine the isotope or the oxidation state | Zhang et al. (2020) |
ICP-OES | Multielement technique Fast and straightforward Low sample volume | Equipment and operating costs are relatively high It requires well-trained and experienced staff It requires preparation standards for the calibration It cannot determine the isotope or the oxidation state | |
ICP-MS | low detection limits High resolution and tandem mass spectrometry Multielement technique Low sample volume | Equipment and operating costs are relatively high It requires well-trained and experienced staff It requires preparation standards for the calibration It requires Interference control | Balcaen et al. (2015), Poirier et al. (2016), Wilschefski and Baxter (2019) |
Spectrophotometric | Simplicity Low cost Availability It is a precise, accurate and sensitive technique when appropriate chromogenic reagents are available | It is time-consuming A large volume of organic solvent is required | |
Sensors | Fast and real-time measurements with high sensitivity and specificity Possibility of continuous (online) analysis Easy to operate and economically affordable | Some sensors may have a short lifetime and are susceptible to damage and break Special calibration and cleaning solutions may be needed Qualified and skilled operators are required to prepare samples and deal with the complex analytical method | Hung et al. (2021) |
Voltammetric | Cheap cost Easy fabrication Excellent electrochemical properties Rapid determination of Cu(II) ions and other heavy metals Agreement with the results from ICP-MS | A susceptible method is affected by pH, humidity, and temperature, leading to a variation in results Produce large volumes of waste hazards Requires indicator for the reaction to occur | Zhuang et al. (2011) |
Chromatography | Small sample volume High selectivity in samples with complex matrix It uses chemicals that are inexpensive, safe, and environmentally friendly | Equipment and operating costs are relatively high It requires well-trained and experienced staff It requires preparation standards for the calibration An error occurs due to overload of sample High operational pressure required to attain efficient separation A relatively long time of analysis |