Speciation of magnesium in rat plasma using capillary electrophoresis-inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry

A new method for speciation analysis of magnesium species and quantification of free magnesium concentrations in rat plasma was developed by on-line coupling of CE with inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Baseline separation of seven magnesium species was achieved by using a 120 cm (100 microm internal diameter) fused-silica capillary, a 20 kV separation voltage and a solution of 50 mmol/L NaAc-HAc (pH 5.5) as electrolyte buffer. CE-ICP-AES analysis of a rat plasma sample showed the presence of seven magnesium species, one of which was identified as free Mg2+ ion by spiking a Mg2+ standard; the migration time of the Mg2+ peak in the standard and the spiked sample matched with each other. One protein-bound magnesium species in rat plasma is associated with albumin, and the other three species are combined with globulin. The concentration of free magnesium in the plasma was 14.0 mg/L. The other six magnesium species were estimated to be 4-15 mg/L. RSDs of migration time and peak area for the magnesium species from ten replicates were less than 5%. The developed method was also applied to speciation analysis of magnesium species in spiked plasma samples. The recoveries of the free magnesium species in four samples ranged from 95.8 to 103.8%.     

Interface for capillary electrophoresis coupled with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry.

A modified concentric nebulizer was used as the interface to couple capillary electrophoresis (CE) to inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The CE capillary replaces the central tube of the concentric nebulizer. The tip of the nebulizer tapers slowly to allow uncertainty in the position of the capillary. A platinum wire was inserted into the CE capillary to provide electrical connection to the CE power supply. pH changes inside the capillary due to electrolysis of the background buffer electrolyte was small and has minimal effects on the CE separation. The peak broadening effects due to the nebulizing gas flow, however, were significant. Resolution decreases quickly when the flow-rate of the carrier gas increases. Sample stacking technique was used to improve the resolution of species of opposite charge, e.g., Cr(VI) vs. Cr(III) ions. Detection limit of Cr based on peak area is approximately 10 ppb for the CE-ICP-AES system.     

Iodine speciation in biological samples by capillary electrophoresis-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

A hyphenation of capillary electrophoresis (CE) to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed for the speciation of iodine. The separation method used a buffer sandwich of phosphate (pH 2.3), NaOH, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and borate buffer (pH 8.3) for stacking, aiming at sufficient separation of iodide, iodate, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These four iodine species were separated within 15 min and subsequently detected during a pressure-driven detection step (baseline-separated) at 19.5, 29.1, 36.6 and 42.2 s. The detection limits were determined at 0.08 microg I/L (iodide), 0.3 microg I/L (iodate), 3.5 microg I/L (thyroxine) and 2.5 microg I/L (triiodothyronine). This method was applied on iodine speciation in human serum ("healthy" and after thyroid gland operation) and urine. The serum from the healthy person contained iodide (13 microg I/L), T4 (61 microg I/L) and T3 (7.5 microg I/L), whereas the serum from the thyroid-operated person lacked T3. As no "free" I-hormones are known in serum, the role of the thyroid hormone binding globulin (TBG) was investigated. We found that spiked T4 or T3 immediately bound to TBG. Investigations on human urine showed only a peak for iodide.     

Metal speciation using capillary electrophoresis--inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and polytetrafluoroethylene capillaries

A capillary electrophoresis--inductively coupled plasma atomic-emission spectrometry (CE-ICP-AES) system using a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) capillary has been developed. The CE-ICP interface was a modified concentric nebulizer. The PTFE capillary (50 microm internal diameter) was used as the central capillary of the nebulizer. Using the PTFE capillaries, the solution flow rate induced by the carrier gas flow was smaller than that of glass capillary. Solution flow was mainly induced by the CE electric field. Baseline separation of Ba2+/Mg2+ ion pair using simple buffer solution of 0.014 M sodium acetate was reported. Separation and correlation of metal species in metallothioneins (MT-1 and MT-2 in MT) of rabbit liver using the CE-ICP system were also discussed.     

A helium inductively coupled plasma for atomic emission spectrometry

An annular helium inductively coupled plasma (He ICP) was generated at atmospheric pressure. No external cooling was used to stabilize the plasma. Aqueous solution was injected into the plasma without any difficulty. Preliminary results revealed that the annular He ICP was capable of exciting elements such as Cl and Br which possess high excitation energies. Atomic emission detection limits for Cl and Br were improved by factors of 63 and 34, respectively, as compared to the results obtained from the argon inductively coupled plasma. The excitation temperature of the annular He ICP (4180 K) was less than that of an Ar ICP (5570 K).     

Capillary electrophoresis-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry interface with minimised dead volume for high separation efficiency

A modified microconcentric nebulizer (MCN-100) has been used to construct an improved interface with minimised liquid and gas phase dead volumes for the coupling of capillary electrophoresis (CE) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A plate number of 3.6 x 10(6) plates m(-1) has been achieved. This is an order of magnitude better than the results previously reported for CE-ICP-MS. The separation efficiency of the system is demonstrated by the baseline separation of eight rare earth metals within a time span of 14.6 s. The system was used to control the purity of vitamin B12 and glutaredoxin 2 from Escherichia coli.     

毛细管电泳-电感耦合等离子体质谱法测定藻类中6种不同形态的砷化合物

建立了一种利用毛细管电泳与电感耦合等离子体质谱联用技术(CE-ICP-MS)分析检测6种不同形态砷化合物的方法。详细研究了缓冲溶液的种类、pH值和浓度,分离电压以及进样时间等因素对6种砷化合物的分离度、灵敏度和重现性等的影响。结果表明,在最佳条件下,三价砷(As3+)、一甲基砷(MMA)、二甲基砷(DMA)、五价砷(As5+)、砷胆碱(AsC)和砷甜菜碱(AsB)6种化合物在25 min内得到完全分离。6次平行测定中,6种砷化合物峰面积的相对标准偏差(RSD)为3%～5%,检出限(以As计)(3倍信噪比)为0.08～0.12 μg/L。应用该方法成功地对海带中6种砷化合物进行了分析,回收率为90%～103%。该方法具有耗时短、灵敏度高、样品消耗量少、稳定性好等优点,可用于藻类样品中不同形态砷化合物的分析。     

Study of the binding equilibrium between Zn(II) and HSA by capillary electrophoresis-inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

A new method has been developed for following the interaction between zinc ion and human serum albumin (HSA) by capillary electrophoresis-inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Under optimized experimental conditions, the detection limit (3σ) for free Zn²⁺ ion was found to be 1.34 μM by running 11 replicates of the reagent blank. The RSD was less than 3% and the recovery was more than 98.13%. The linear range of zinc ion concentration was between 5.1 μM and 0.3 M. The measured Zn(II)-HSA combination values of n₁ and K₁ for primary binding of Zn²⁺ to HSA were 1.09 and 2.29 × 10⁵ L mol⁻¹, respectively. The measured values of n₂ and K₂ for the non-specific binding of Zn²⁺ to HSA were 8.96 and 6.65 × 10³ L mol⁻¹, respectively. This new method allows rapid analysis of a small amount of sample, simple operation, while avoiding long periods of dialysis and eliminating interference from other metal ions. This method provides a reliable and convenient new way for studying interactions between metal ions and biomolecules.     

Modified Babington nebulizer for inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry.

A PTFE Babingtonnebulizer equipped with a hood was investigated for inductively coupled plasma atomicemission spectrometry in conjunction with a PTFE cyclone chamber, in order to nebulize various sample solutions containing high salts, hydrofluoric acid and/or suspended solid. A hood of 3 mmphi (nozzle side) - 5 mmphi (outlet side) and 6 mm in length gave a comparable or higher sensitivity compared to a system with a commercially available concentric nebulizer and a glass cyclone chamber. Moreover, the present nebulizer was fully interchangeable with a concentric one at normal argon pressure, attaining sufficient stability, a short wash-out time and good nebulizing of high matrices solutions. The present system was successfully applied to the determination of trace impurities in highly pure silica powders.     

Speciation analysis of selenium in rice samples by using capillary electrophoresis-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

An enzyme-assisted extraction used to extract all species of selenium in rice sample and a sensitive analytical method for the determination of ultratrace Se(VI), Se(IV), SeCys₂ (selenocystine) and SeMet (selenomethionine) with capillary electrophoresis-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were firstly described in this study. The extraction method is simple, effective and can be used to extract trace selenium compounds in rice with high extraction efficiency and no altering its species. The analytical method has a detection limit of 0.1-0.9 ng Se/mL, and can be used to determine trace Se(VI), Se(IV), SeCys₂ and SeMet in rice directly without any derivatization and pre-concentration. With the help of above methods, we have successfully determined Se(VI), Se(IV), SeCys₂ and SeMet in selenium-enriched rice within 18 min with a recovery of 90-103% and a RSD (relative standard deviation, n = 6) of 3-7%. Our results indicated that selenium-enriched rice contained only one species of selenium, SeMet, and its concentration is in range of 0.136-0.143 μg Se/g dried weight. The proposed method providing a realistic approach for the nutritional and toxical evaluation of different selenium compounds in nutritional supplements.     

Analysis of ultratrace triorganotin compounds in aquatic organisms by using capillary electrophoresis-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

A microwave-assisted extraction used to extract trace triorganotin from aquatic organisms and a sensitive analytical method for the determination of ultratrace triorganotin (namely trimethyltin, triethyltin, tripropyltin and tributyltin) with capillary electrophoresis-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were firstly described in this study. The extraction method is simple, effective and can be used to extract trace triorganotin in aquatic organisms within several min. The analytical method has a much lower detection limit of 0.2-0.7 ng Sn/mL for triorganotin compounds, and can be used to determine trace triorganotin in aquatic organisms directly without any derivatization and preconcentration. Using above methods, we have successfully determined trimethyltin, triethyltin, tripropyltin and tributyltin in dried Mya arenaria Linnaeus and Corbicula fluminea within 17 min with a recovery of 93-104% and a RSD (relative standard deviation, n = 6) of 2-5%. Our results showed that dried M. arenaria Linnaeus contained an extremely high tributyltin of 5.1 μg Sn/g dried weight, indicating that it may be a good biomarker for the organotin pollution in ocean.     

Complexation of europium and uranium by humic acids analyzed by capillary electrophoresis-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Investigations of the mobility of radioactive and nonradioactive substances in the environment are important tasks for the development of a future disposal in deep geological formations. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) can play an important role in the mobilization of metal ions due to complexation. In this study, we investigate the complexation behavior of humic acid (HA) as a model substance for DOM and its influence on the migration of europium as homologue for the actinide americium and uranium as the principal component of nuclear fuel. As speciation technique, capillary electrophoresis (CE) was hyphenated with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). For the study, 0.5 mg·L?1 of the metals and 25 mg·L?1 of (purified Aldrich) HA and an aqueous solution sodium-perchlorate with an ionic strength of 10 mM at pH 5 were used. CE-ICP-MS clearly shows the different speciation of the triple positively charged europium and the double positively charged uranyl cation with HA.     

Carbon-related matrix effects in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

In Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES), it has been observed that the emission intensity of some atomic lines is enhanced or depressed by the presence of carbon in the matrix. The goal of this work was to investigate the origin and magnitude of the carbon-related matrix effects in ICP-AES. To this end, the influence of the carbon concentration and source (i.e. glycerol, citric acid and potassium hydrogen phthalate), the experimental conditions and sample introduction system on the aerosol characteristics and transport, plasma excitation conditions and the emission intensity of several atomic and ionic lines of a total of 15 elements has been studied. Results indicate that carbon related matrix effects do not depend on the carbon source and they become more severe when the amount of carbon loaded into the plasma increases, i.e., when using: (i) carbon concentrations higher than 5 g L^− 1; (ii) high sample uptake rates; and (iii) efficient sample introduction systems. Thus, when introducing carbon into the plasma, the emission intensity of atomic lines with excitation energies below 6 eV is depressed (up to 15%) whereas the emission intensity of atomic lines of higher excitation energies (i.e. As and Se) are enhanced (up to 30%). The emission intensity of the ionic lines is not affected by the presence of carbon. The origin of the carbon-related interferences on the emission intensity of atomic lines is related to changes in the line excitation mechanism since the carbon containing solutions show the same aerosol characteristics and transport efficiencies as the corresponding aqueous solutions. Based on the previous findings, a calibration approach for the accurate determination of Se in a Se-enriched yeast certified material (SELM-1) has been proposed.     

Quality of calibration in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

Calibration is a crucial step during the whole analytical process. A procedure is suggested to assess the quality of linear regression used for the calibration graph, based on the use of confidence limits for the concentration, as the regression coefficient is not appropriate for this purpose. This procedure has been applied to inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. It indicates that the use of only three standards should be discouraged because of unacceptably high confidence limits for the concentration. Moreover, use of weighted regression is more adequate in performing the least squares method and provides more constant confidence limits over the concentration range used to construct the calibration graph. This procedure could be easily added to any commercially available ICP system software.     

Particle sample introduction system for inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry

Development and characterization of a new, relatively inexpensive, computer-controlled, particle sample introduction (PSI) system for programmable delivery of small amounts of diluted powdered samples into an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) and measurement by atomic emission spectrometry (AES) is described. The PSI was developed for use with non-hygroscopic particles, in particular those with a particle weight in the ng range (i.e., with a diameter in low μm-range) and for solids that can be converted to a powder (i.e., a collection of particles). In this first report on PSI–ICP–AES, linearity of calibration curves and plasma loading concerns were addressed using three modes of operation. In the first mode, the PSI operated similar to a nebulizer and it delivered to the plasma for a period of 5–10 s a relatively constant amount of particles diluted with graphite. In the second mode, the PSI delivered to the plasma a small “puff” of a diluted sample, thus generating a transient, time-domain signal with duration of about a second. In the third mode, an even smaller “puff” was delivered to the plasma and, using high-speed data acquisition (in the kHz range), time-resolved emission signals from individual, μm-diameter and ng-weight particles were observed. Thus, the PSI can also be thought of as a nano-particle (i.e., ng rather than nm) sample introduction system. Similarly, the high-speed, wide-bandwidth single-channel time-resolved data acquisition mode enabled the determination of particle-size distribution. In addition, a dual-channel (or dual-element) mode enabled homogeneity studies on a per-individual-particle basis. In all modes, linear calibration curves were obtained (provided that plasma loading was avoided). Per-cent relative standard deviation ranged between 3.1% and 4.2% for Ni in certified reference materials but was as high as 50% for heterogeneous soil samples. Tungsten emission signals from refractory tungsten carbide powders were enhanced using mixed gases and by modifying the chemical environment of the ICP using SF₆. Furthermore, when coupled with high-speed data acquisition, PSI brought unique capabilities to ICP–AES for homogeneity studies from individual ng-weight particles and for the determination of particle size distributions. Overall, it was concluded that PSI is an attractive alternative to powder sample introduction systems described in the literature.     

Determination of non-metallic elements by capacitively coupled helium microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry with capillary gas chromatography

A capacitively coupled microwave helium plasma with a tubular tantalum electrode was evaluated as an element selective detector for gas chromatography (GC). The end of a 10-m bonded fused capillary column was directly inserted into the tubular electrode without any switching system. A heated copper tube was used to house the part of the GC column that protruded from the oven. The optimisation of operating parameters, line selection, background emission and horizontal and vertical observation position is described. Analytical figures of merit including sensitivity, reproducibility, signal to background ratio, selectivity, dynamic range and limit of detection (LOD), were evaluated for carbon, hydrogen, chlorine and bromine emission. Limits of detection in the low ng range (20 pmol) were obtained for halogenated compounds using carbon emission, whereas LODs in the 0.1 micrograms range (2 nmol) were obtained using chlorine or bromine emission lines.     

Complexation studies with lanthanides and humic acid analyzed by ultrafiltration and capillary electrophoresis-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

For the long-term storage of radioactive waste, detailed information about geo-chemical behavior of radioactive and toxic metal ions under environmental conditions is necessary. Humic acid (HA) can play an important role in the immobilisation or mobilisation of metal ions due to complexation and colloid formation. Therefore, we investigate the complexation behavior of HA and its influence on the migration or retardation of selected lanthanides (europium and gadolinium as homologues of the actinides americium and curium). Two independent speciation techniques, ultrafiltration and capillary electrophoresis coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (CE-ICP-MS) have been compared for the study of Eu and Gd interaction with (purified Aldrich) HA. The degree of complexation of Eu and Gd in 25 mg l(-1) Aldrich HA solutions was determined with a broad range of metal loading (Eu and Gd total concentration between 10(-6) and 10(-4) mol l(-1)), ionic strength of 10 mM (NaClO4) and different pH-values. From the CE-ICP-MS electropherograms, additional information on the charge of the Eu species was obtained by the use of 1-bromopropane as neutral marker. To detect HA in the ICP-MS and separate between HA complexed and non complexed metal ions in the CE-ICP-MS, we have halogenated the HA with iodine as ICP-MS marker.     

Determination of fission products in nuclear samples by capillary electrophoresis-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (CE-ICP-MS)

Determination of fission products and of their isotopic composition is of high importance for the characterisation and complete inventory of nuclear fuels. Radiometric and mass spectrometric methods, which are currently used, enable only an incomplete determination of the fission products. Radiometric methods cannot be applied to all fission products and mass spectrometric methods are hindered by the existence of isobaric interferences, therefore a previous chemical separation is required before mass spectrometric analysis. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) has been coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (both ICP-QMS and ICP-SFMS). Typical detection limits of 6 ng/mL and 4 pg/mL for caesium as well as 8 ng/mL and 7 pg/mL for lanthanides have been obtained by CE-ICP-QMS and CE-ICP-SFMS, respectively. In addition to these very low detection limits, the procedures present the advantages to be fast (6 min for caesium and 13 min for lanthanides, respectively), to require a low microliter range sample volume and a nanoliter range injection volume. The radiation dose for the personnel as well as the volume of nuclear liquid wastes generated during the measurements are consequently reduced.The procedures have been applied to nuclear samples from PUREX process and leachates from MOX fuels.     

Microwave desolvation for acid sample introduction in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

This study deals with the behaviour of a microwave desolvation system (MWDS) with acid solutions in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Hydrochloric, nitric, sulphuric and perchloric acids at different concentrations (up to 0.6 mol l⁻¹) have been tested. Sample uptake rate (Q_l) was also varied. The parameters evaluated for each variable were analyte and solvent transport rates and emission intensity. The combination of low acid concentrations (0.05–0.1 mol l⁻¹) and low liquid flows (0.4 ml min⁻¹) leads to the highest analyte transport rate and emission signal and to the lowest solvent transport rate. For Q_l higher than 1.9 ml min⁻¹, the use of an impact bead is advisable. Among the acids tested, sulphuric and perchloric acids give rise to higher emission intensities than hydrochloric acid and nitric acid. Nonetheless, the limits of detection (LODs) obtained with the MWDS are about the same magnitude irrespective of the solution employed. The LODs reached when using the MWDS are similar to those obtained with a desolvation system based on infrared heating of the aerosol.