Characterization of dissolved tannins and their metal-ion complexes by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Electrospray mass spectrometry was used to characterize metal-complexing li gands derived from tannic acid, a component of natural dissolved organic ma tter. Complexes formed by tannin ligands with copper and other biogeochemic ally important metals were identified from the mass-to-charge ratios of the corresponding deprotonated molecular ions, allowing stoichiometry and meta l oxidation state to be determined. Ligand ion intensities were proportiona l to tannic acid concentration, with detection limits on the order of 5 nM for individual compounds in 50:50 water/acetonitrile. The relative abundanc e of free ligand and complex ions indicated the degree of complexation unde r different solution conditions (metal concentration, pH, ionic strength). Using tandem mass spectrometry, the structure and principal copper binding site for one of the tannins were also determined, providing unique informat ion with regard to metal complexation by these polyfunctional ligands. The technique can be combined with high performance liquid chromatography for o n-line separation of dissolved organic compounds. Results demonstrate the p otential of this approach for characterizing the different classes of metal -complexing ligands found in natural waters. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.