Determination of hexafluoroarsenate in industrial process waters by anion-exchange chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (AEC-ICP-MS)

Abstract

We describe the first specific method for the determination of the hexafluoroarsenate ion in waters, involving anion-exchange chromatography coupled to inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The detection limit was estimated to be 6 ng L⁻¹ (as arsenic), and complete separation from all other known inorganic arsenic species and methylated arsenic biocides is accomplished. Hexafluoroarsenate was detected in process water samples from an industrial fluoride-rich environment, where it constituted the vast majority (78–100%) of the total arsenic present. It was not removed from these process waters by iron hydroxide co-precipitation. The analytical and environmental implications of our findings are discussed.