Flow injection on-line sorption preconcentration and separation coupled with atomic (mass) spectrometry for trace element (speciation) analysis

Flow injection (FI) on - line sorption separation and preconcentration coup led with atomic (mass) spectrometry using knotted reactors (KRs) for trace element (speciation) analysis is discussed. Compared with FI on - line C-18 column preconcentration systems, the KR sorption system permits use of hig her sample loading rates to achieve higher concentration efficiencies due t o low hydrodynamic impedance in the KR. Moreover, the KR allows the analysi s to be conducted at low cost, owing to the long lifetime of the KR and its ease of construction with no need for packing materials, offering a good a lternative to conventional C-18 column preconcentration systems.