Trace element determination using mass spectrometry coupled detection methods

About half a century ago, trace elements in the environment were restricted at upper parts per billion levels due to limited information on their toxicological effects on humans and other organisms in the environment. In this present day, stricter restrictions are being enforced by several regulatory authorities to curb the continuous release of trace elements into the environment through anthropogenic activities that have resulted from the demand to meet the global population increase. The severity of health disorders related to trace elemental exposure from different sources and doses seem to overshadow their relevance for several biological functions. Thus, toxicological studies that elucidate the harmful effects of chemicals and help regulators to set limits of restriction require very sensitive analytical instruments that offer selectivity and specificity for accurate and precise determinations. Mass spectrometry is a unique technique that suits the purpose of identifying, confirming and quantifying elements that emanate from various chemical species. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is a superior analytical technique used for the simultaneous determination of trace elements in various samples. This superior technique is further augmented by solid phase and liquid phase microextraction methods, which help separate trace elements from complex matrices into clean, readable and enriched forms for the instrument.