Speciation developments, trends

Trends in mass spectrometry focus on the improvement of instrumentation, of several techniques in order to minimize sample volume, to improve sensitivity and to reduce detection limits. This is combined with increasing the speed of several analyses, with automation of analytical procedures and subsequently reducing the price of analysis. A minimizing of sample volumes means a reduction of waste volume with the aim of developing green chemistry . Furthermore, new analytical techniques involve a development of quantification procedures to improve the accuracy and precision of analytical data. Special attention in future will be given to the development of hyphenated mass spectrometric techniques for speciation analysis and of surface analytical techniques with improved lateral resolution in the nm scale range. 

This second edition retains the structure of the first edition. It aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current science of speciation, covering relevant methodological, analytical and modelling aspects as well as giving an overview of recent work on speciation in various spheres. It is divided into two parts, the first dealing with the more methodological aspects and the second with specific compartments of the environment, with the speciation of radionuclides, and presents a review of current trends and developments. 

In each chapter of Part II, the current state-of-the-art of speciation in the subject area is discussed, important examples and particular methodological aspects are presented, and the needs for further development or research are indicated. A final chapter gives an overview of trends and recent developments in speciation science. 

The various strategies and methodologies for element speciation are discussed in depth in the first part of this book, Techniques for Speciation . This chapter deals with current trends and recent developments in techniques and with recent examples of their application in different compartments of the environment. It also presents recent studies on the speciation of a group of biologically important elements. 

As before, the book is broadly divided into two parts, the first dealing with methodology, including the use of quality control, and the second outlining speciation in various compartments of the environment. The final chapter summarises recent developments and trends. 

The evolution and trends in elemental speciation have recently been assessed [386-388]. Speciation is essential in many developing areas, including biomedical, food, environmental, industrial processes, and industrial hygiene. Among the elements for which species determination can be necessary are Al, As, Br, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, I, P, Pb, Pt, Se, Sb, Sn, and the actinides [386]. 

Schroeder WH (1989) Developments in the speciation of mercury in natural waters. Trends in Analytical Chemistry 8 339-342. 

Chapter 12 on Separation of DNA/RNA highlights a trend in IC toward a greater emphasis on analytical separations of bio ions. Sample pretreatment is discussed in Chapter 13. Chapter 14 on Method Development and VaUdation includes tips for selecting appropriate conditions for an IC analysis, and this final chapter covers chemical speciation. 

Finally, recent trends and developments in speciation analysis using collision and reaction cell ICP-MS and multicollector-ICP-MS (MC-ICP-MS) will be discussed. This new instrumentation opens up more possibilities in speciation analysis, be it for the measurement of elements traditionally not attempted with ICP-MS or for element isotopes traditionally ruled out due to molecular interference, like Fe or °Se, as well as opening up new opportunities in the determination of precise isotope ratios in species. 

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