Speciation analysis of chromium by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with hydraulic high pressure nebulization

Abstract

The speciation analysis of Cr was studied using hydraulic high pressure nebulization in combination with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Ion-pair chromatography with tetrabutylammonium acetate as the ion-pairing reagent and 25% methanol in the eluent was applied for the separation of Cr^III and Cr^VI. Interferences from carbon could be reduced by the addition of oxygen to the aerosol gas. With careful optimization of the operating conditions, a procedure has been established that results in detection limits of down to 1 ng ml^–1 for the Cr species.