Antimony speciation in environmental samples by interfacing capillary electrophoresis on-line to an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer

Antimony is a widely distributed trace element of ecotoxicological interest . A pathway via bioalkylation of inorganic Sb species is discussed in the l iterature, resulting in organically bound Sb species. Therefore, Sb speciat ion becomes increasingly a matter of interest for risk assessment in the en vironment. This contribution investigates the possibilities of CE on-line h yphenated to ICP-MS for Sb speciation. Two methods are employed, both highl y resolving the species but only one preserving the species stability. The latter used Na2HPO4/NaH2PO4, 20 mM, pH 5.6 as the background electrolyte an d NaOH or acetic acid as stacking electrolyte 1 or stacking electrolyte 2, respectively. Detection limits of 0.1 mu g/l-0.7 mu g/I, depending on speci es, were achieved. When analysing liquid phases from fouling and sewage slu dge up to eight antimony species were detected. Sb (V) as well, as methylat ed Sb species were found. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserve d.