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 (Tb3+) complex has been developed for the rapid detection of Tb3+ 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 Tb3+ 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 Tb3+. 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 Tb3+ in a range of 5.0x10(-6) M-3.0x10(-5) M. The sensor was used for the detection of Tb3+ 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 8.0x10(-6) M-4.0 x10(-5) M. Moreover, the method was successfully extended for the detection of TBZ in juice samples.