Elemental species separation and detection
Simply measuring the total amount of an element in a sample does not provide the complete picture. Industries such as pharmaceutical, food, and environmental often measure elements that can exist as multiple molecular forms, or ‘species’, that exhibit different physiochemical properties. Some can be toxic.
To determine a sample’s safety or toxicity, these industries need to identify and quantify the different species of an element that might be present in a sample. The method of choice for speciation analysis is ion chromatography (IC) coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (IC-ICP-MS).
Browse our complete portfolio below, or let one of our experts help you tailor a selection specific to your application and workflow needs.
Featured video
Determining sample safety or toxicity using ion chromatography (IC) coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (IC-ICP-MS).
IC-ICP-MS analyzer for speciation analysis
While total elemental content can be analyzed by ICP-MS, speciation analysis of trace elements is ideally performed by a Thermo Scientific IC-ICP-MS system. The speciation analyzer includes a metal-free IC system with high resolution ion exchange columns and simple online connectivity, together with high sensitivity ICP-MS and integrated software.
Configure the IC system with an ICP-MS system for your budget, throughput, performance, and detection requirements for your application.
Metal-free IC system
Separate individual ionic species without metal contamination.
Software
Control and process data, simplify your workflow and maximize efficiency.
System configurations
| Speciation element | Dionex Integrion HPIC System | Dionex ICS-6000 HPIC System |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenic |  * |  *, ** |
| Bromate | * | |
| Chromium | | |
| Mercury | | |
| Selenium | * | *, ** |
| Suitable | Recommended | |
| *Organic species | **Enhanced optimization |
Which combination of IC and ICP-MS systems are right for you?
Contact us to determine your options.
Example elements and their toxic species
| Arsenic |
|
|---|---|
| Mercury |
|
| Chromium |
|
Other examples of elemental analyses that can benefit from ion chromatographic separation include selenium and lanthanides.
Featured resources
Webinar
Hear why elemental speciation is important, its applications, and the optimal IC-ICP-MS setup for your laboratory.
Applications notebook
Read summaries and download full application notes describing speciation of several different elements in a variety of matrices, from food to pharmaceuticals.