Liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Many elements are essential for human health, while others can be toxic.
• Elemental form significantly influences the behavior and impact of metals and metalloids.
• Accurate risk-benefit assessment requires complete elemental characterization, including oxidation state and chemical associations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the principles, development, and applications of Liquid Chromatography-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS) for elemental speciation.
• To discuss various LC separation techniques and their coupling considerations with ICP-MS.
• To present recent applications of LC-ICP-MS in environmental, biological, and clinical sample analysis.

Main Methods:

• Elemental speciation analysis.
• Coupling of separation techniques with element-specific detectors.
• Liquid Chromatography (LC) coupled with Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Main Results:

• LC-ICP-MS is a versatile, robust, sensitive, and multi-elemental technique highly favored for elemental speciation.
• Various LC separation mechanisms can be effectively coupled with ICP-MS.
• LC-ICP-MS has demonstrated broad applicability in analyzing environmental, biological, and clinical samples.

Conclusions:

• Elemental speciation is vital for understanding element behavior and impact.
• LC-ICP-MS is a powerful and widely adopted technique for elemental speciation studies.
• The review highlights the technique's utility and diverse applications across various scientific fields.