Enhanced fluorescence of terbium with thiabendazole and application in determining trace amounts of terbium and thiabendazole.

In this paper, a simple, rapid and sensitive fluorescence method based on the formation of terbium (Tb) complex has been developed for the rapid detection of Tb in water. The fluorescence sensor has been studied by using terbium complexed with thiabendazole (TBZ) while acetonitrile (MeCN) as solvent. The complex was made up of TBZ as small-molecule ligand and Tb as central ion. Fluorescence spectroscopy and UV spectroscopy together were used to study the behavior of the complexation of TBZ-Tb in this medium. Enhancement fluorescence was observed due to the efficient energy transfer process from TBZ to Tb. And the affecting factors of the enhancement fluorescence were also studied in detail. Under optimal conditions, a linear relationship was obtained between the enhanced fluorescence intensity and the concentration of Tb in a range of 5.0×10M-3.0×10M. The sensor was used for the detection of Tb in river water samples, and the result was satisfactory. In the meantime, a linear relationship was also obtained between the enhanced fluorescence intensity and the concentration of TBZ in a range of 8.0×10M-4.0×10M. Moreover, the method was successfully extended for the detection of TBZ in juice samples.