2019/6/28 · Polytetrafluoroethylene membranes (PTFE) of 0.45 μm porosity (Millipore Phenomenex, USA) were used to filter all solvents used in analytical determinations and samples. Polyethylene volumetric flasks, glassware, vial vials and micropipette tips were washed with tap water, then with deionized water and then immersed in 10% (v/v) HNO 3 solution for 24 h.