High resolution sector field ICP-MS and multicollector ICP-MS as tools for trace metal speciation in environmental studies: a review

Abstract

Metal speciation provides improved information on the fate, uptake, beneficial or toxic aspects and, finally, translocation of metal between the different compartments of the environment. Speciation has therefore become an important topic of present-day analytical research. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) is the detection technique of choice for different separation modes, and their hyphenation allows the performance of metal speciation on a routine basis. Sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–SFMS) presents good detection capability and resolving power which results in important features for challenging applications, such as speciation analysis. Further, isotope ratio precision at the molecular level will certainly promote new information both with regard to chemical reactivity and traceability of reaction pathways. Multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) now offers such potential, and hence allows new scientific grounds to be investigated. An overview of the new directions that speciation should take and the potential and limits of ICP-SFMS and MC-ICP-MS in this domain will be discussed.