Environmental applications of arsenic speciation using atomic spectrometry detection

The speciation of arsenic is of considerable importance because of the considerable variation in toxicity based on the chemical species present. The combination of a separations technique with atomic spectrometry detection provides a convenient and sensitive technique for arsenic speciation. In this article, recent literature reviews are discussed, followed by discussions of the environmental chemistry and toxicity of this element. Instrumentation for these techniques is reviewed, including chromatography systems, atomic detectors, and accessories for sample preparation. The conclusion is a review of some relevant applications of arsenic speciation.