Application of novel praseodymium (III) PVC-membrane electrode for determination of Pr(III) ions in soil and sediment samples

A novel Pr(III) ion-selective polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane sensor, based on N,N-bis(alpha-methylsalicylidene)diethylenetriamine (BMT) as a new ionophore, has been prepared and studied. The electrode showed good selectivity for Pr(III) ion with respect to most common cations, including alkali, alkaline earth, transition, and heavy metal ions. This electrode has a wide linear dynamic range from 1.0 x 10(-6) to 1.0 x 10(-2) M with a Nernstian slope of 19.8 +/- 0.2mV per decade and a low detection limit of 6.5 x 10(-7) M, in the pH range of 3.0-8.4, while response time was rapid (< 15 s). As far as applications of the recommended sensor are concerned, first it was employed as an indicator electrode in the potentiometric titration of Pr(III) ions with EDTA. Second, it was effectively applied to the determination of concentration of Pr(III) ions in soil and sediment samples, and validation with CRMs.