High-performance liquid chromatography with hydride generation/atomic absorption spectrometry for the determination of arsenic species with application to some water samples

High-performance liquid chromatography (h.p.l.c.) is used for separation of arsenite, arsenate, monomethylarsinate (MMA) and dimethylarsonate (DMA) followed by continuous sodium tetrahydroborate reduction and atomic absorption spectrometric detection. Sample preconcentration, offering improved detection limits for the individual species and the removal of matrix interferences, is achieved with a pellicular anion-exchange column. The arsenic species are then separated on a strong anion-exchange column placed in series with the preconcentration column. Detection limits of 2 ng (as arsenic) for arsenite, arsenate and MMA, and 1 ng for DMA. Results for arsenic species in soil waters and commercial bottle waters are given.