Speciation studies using hyphenated techniques

Separation science enables the speciation of elements.  That is, the determination of different forms of the same element.  For example, arsenic can exist in several forms in environmental samples and since these forms differ in toxicity it is important that they be measured individually.  The best approach is to couple a suitable separation system (for example a gas chromatograph) to a suitably sensitive detection system (such as an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer).  Researchers at the University of Canberra have achieved international prominence in this field, especially for the speciation of selenium and arsenic.

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