Hyphenated Methods for Speciation Analysis

Abstract

Speciation analysis, understood as research into various element forms, is gaining importance in environmental protection, biochemistry, geology, medicine, pharmacy, and food quality control. It is popular because what frequently determines the toxicological properties of a compound or element is not its total content. In many cases, it is the presence of its various forms. Studying low analyte concentrations, particularly in complex matrix samples, requires meticulous and sophisticated analytical techniques. The latest trends embrace the so-called hyphenated methods, which combine different separation and detection methods. The following article describes the role and importance of hyphenated methods in speciation analyses of selected elements.