Elemental speciation studies—new directions for trace metal analysis

Elemental speciation is reviewed as a new approach to trace metals analysis. The importance of metal speciation relative to total metal analysis is considered. Various types of chromatographic separation methods using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) detection are discussed. A brief introduction to the instrumental techniques is given, as well a discussion of coupling the instrumentation. Various chromatographies are included with an emphasis on liquid chromatography (LC). Gas chromatography (GC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) are also discussed. Application examples contrast and compare the advantages and disadvantages of ICP- MS with other detection methods. Summary tables are included for two of the LC methods.