Trace metals speciation by HPLC with plasma source mass spectrometry detection.

The analysis of environmental and biological samples often requires detection at the parts per billion (ppb) level. Plasma source mass spectrometry has potential as a method for the analysis and speciation of trace elements. This is due to the technique's highly selective nature and excellent sensitivity. In comparison to atomic emission detection, detection limits are usually two to three orders of magnitude lower for plasma MS determinations. Interfacing HPLC with plasma MS provides a means of separation that is necessary for speciation. Speciation involves the determination and quantitation of the various chemical forms of a particular element. A host of HPLC-ICP-MS techniques may be used to obtain this information. This brief report will focus on the most recent work in this area, with emphasis on the work done in our laboratory.