ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Multivariate analysis of smart ferrofluid based liquid phase microextraction for the determination of fluoroquinolones in environmental water samples

Rania Edrees Adam Mohammad, Mazidatulakmam Miskam, Shehu Sa’ad Abdullahi, Abdullahi Haruna Birniwa, Haruna Musa, Suwaibatu Mamman, and Mohammed Eltaib Abdallah Mohammed

Faculty of Education Sciences Department, Open University of Sudan, Khartoum, Sudan

E-mail: rania.mohea@gmail.com

Received: 3 July 2025  Accepted: 7 September 2025

Abstract:

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) like ofloxacin (OFL) persist as hazardous water contaminants, driving antibiotic resistance and ecological damage, thus demanding advanced monitoring solutions. To address this challenge, we hypothesized that a novel FF-DES@GOFe₃O₄ composite could enable sensitive, sustainable extraction of OFL via liquid-phase microextraction (LPME). The magnetic sorbent was synthesized and characterized through FT-IR, VSM, and elemental analysis, then optimized using half-fractional factorial design for critical parameters (pH, ferrofluid/solvent volumes, extraction time). The validated method achieved exceptional sensitivity (LOD: 0.006 µg L⁻¹; LOQ: 0.019 µg L⁻¹) across a broad linear range (1–1500 µg L⁻¹, R² = 0.996), with robust recoveries (70.5–110.6%) in environmental waters. These results demonstrate FF-DES@GOFe₃O₄ superior extraction capability and reliability for FQ monitoring, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional methods through its reusable design and minimized solvent consumption. The study establishes a foundation for monitoring emerging contaminants while advancing green analytical chemistry principles.

Keywords: Deep eutectic solvents; Ferrofluid; Ofloxacin; Microextraction; Response surface methodology

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-025-04373-1

Chemical Papers 80 (1) 179–194 (2026)