Determination of inorganic Sb(V) and methylantimony species by HPLC with hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometric detection

An on-line method for the separation and analysis of Sb(V) and Me3Sb in the presence of Sb(III) in liquid samples is described. Inorganic and organic antimony species were separated using anion-exchange high-performance liqui d chromatography (HPLC) coupled with hydride generation-atomic fluorescence detection (HG-AFS). Optimum conditions for the separation of antimony spec ies by HPLC and the hydride generation conditions for the determination by HG-AFS were established. Matrix interference of the chromatographic determi nation was studied in relation to MgSO4 and NaCl. The method developed was applied to the separation and determination of antimony species in spiked a nd natural water samples. The suitability of the method for analysis in mic robial growth media and physiological studies involving methylantimony spec ies is discussed.