Research Article
Determination of As, Hg, Pb and Zr in Pyrotechnic Compositions by ICP-OES
Yang Lin,
Chen Jie*,
Zeng Xu,
Zhu Yuping
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
48-52
Received:
4 June 2025
Accepted:
20 June 2025
Published:
18 July 2025
Abstract: Fireworks produce spectacular visual effects through the combustion and explosion of pyrotechnic compositions, which are made up of oxidizers, fuels, colorants and binders. To improve safety and environmental protection, the Chinese national standard GB 10631-2013 prohibits the use of arsenic, mercury compounds and zirconium powder in pyrotechnic compositions of all firework products, and lead compounds in specific categories. Currently, the testing methods in GB/T 21242 are qualitative and often suffer from matrix interference. This study aims to establish an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) method for the rapid and accurate quantitative detection of prohibited components in pyrotechnic compositions, as the application of ICP-OES in fireworks quality control has not been explored previously. The research successfully developed an ICP-OES method. Analytical-grade reagents and standard solutions were used, and the ICP-OES operating conditions were optimized. Specific analytical lines (As 189.042 nm, Hg 194.227 nm, Pb 220.353 nm, Zr 343.823 nm) were selected to avoid interference. Different sample preparation methods were applied to effect charge and bursting charge. The calibration curves showed good linearity (correlation coefficients ≥ 0.9990), with low detection limits (0.013-0.031 μg/mL). Interference analysis confirmed negligible inter-element and matrix interference. Precision tests showed relative standard deviations of 1.64% -2.71%, and accuracy tests had recovery rates of 98.5% -101%. The established ICP-OES method enables the simultaneous determination of arsenic, lead, mercury, and zirconium in pretreated pyrotechnic compositions. With its simplicity, rapidity, low detection limits, and high precision and accuracy, this method provides a reliable approach for the quantitative analysis of prohibited components in fireworks, contributing to the quality control of fireworks products.
Abstract: Fireworks produce spectacular visual effects through the combustion and explosion of pyrotechnic compositions, which are made up of oxidizers, fuels, colorants and binders. To improve safety and environmental protection, the Chinese national standard GB 10631-2013 prohibits the use of arsenic, mercury compounds and zirconium powder in pyrotechnic c...
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Research Article
Green Synthesis of Magnetite: Characterization and Comparison with Conventional Chemical Methods
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
53-63
Received:
17 June 2025
Accepted:
2 July 2025
Published:
23 July 2025
Abstract: Iron oxide nanomaterials have gained scientific focus for environmental remediation. This study aimed to compare the structural properties of magnetite using chemical and green synthesis methods, applying XRD, FT-IR, SEM, EDS, TGA, DLS, and zeta potential characterization techniques. The XRD analysis showed that the average particle size of chemical and green-synthesized magnetite was 11nm and 8.4nm, respectively. FT-IR analysis of green-synthesized magnetite showed the shifting of stretching vibration of C=O and C-O in green-synthesized magnetite from 1646 cm-¹ to 1644 cm-1 and 1052 cm-1 to 1065 cm-1 after capping with leaf extract SEM images of green-synthesized magnetite was found to have some extent of aggregation due to the capping and stabilizing action of (e.g., polyphenols, flavonoids), present in leaf extract influence the nucleation and growth process during synthesis. The bio-organic matrix likely leads to steric hindrance and variation in crystal growth, resulting in less-defined shapes and reduced aggregation compactness. The EDS spectrum of green synthesized confirmed the existence of biomolecules (C). The hydrodynamic diameters were 150nm for green-synthesized and 158nm for chemically synthesized magnetite, while zeta potential was found to be -50 mV and -47 mV, respectively. This study demonstrated improved crystallinity and enhanced stability of green-synthesized magnetite compared to chemically synthesized magnetite. Therefore, the environmentally sustainable green synthesis method offers a promising alternative to the synthesis of magnetite for environmental applications.
Abstract: Iron oxide nanomaterials have gained scientific focus for environmental remediation. This study aimed to compare the structural properties of magnetite using chemical and green synthesis methods, applying XRD, FT-IR, SEM, EDS, TGA, DLS, and zeta potential characterization techniques. The XRD analysis showed that the average particle size of chemica...
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