title: Element speciation definitions, analytical methodology, and some examples.
abstract: This paper gives definitions related to element speciation and the reasons for the need for speciation. The problems focused on, involve sampling, sample preparation and storage, as well as changes in species information that occur during the use of various separation technologies. However, the potential and advantages of the separation methods in element speciation are also discussed. In addition, problems arising during element detection that are attributable to analytes or mobile-phase composition are outlined, as well as the pronounced advantages of detection by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The combination of the various separation systems with element- or molecule-specific detectors creates problems especially in element speciation. These difficulties are described along with recent developments for overcoming them or for improving their coupling efficiency. Finally, several elements for which the issue of speciation is important are discussed, with examples from some recent publications on arsenic, selenium and iodine speciation.
authors.affiliation: GSF National Research Center for Environment and Health, Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany. bernhard.michalke@gsf.de
authors.forename: Bernhard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Michalke
mesh_terms: D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000032:analysis* / Q000633:toxicity; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity; D011786:Quality Control; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013048:Specimen Handling
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D019216:Metals, Heavy