Chapter 16 HPLC-ICP-MS screening for forensic applications

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses high performance liquid chromatography–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (HPLC–ICP–MS) screening for forensic applications. There is a wide range of substances, or toxins, that pose a threat to human safety. These toxins exist in the environment both naturally and man-made. Some man-made toxins are designed with destructive applications in mind (anthrax, chemical-warfare agents), others designed with good intentions are toxic to humans (pesticides), while more are byproducts from industry/manufacturing (lead from fossil fuels). Regardless of their route to the environment and consequently to humans, scientific methods for the detection of these compounds are of great importance. These methods need to be applicable in a variety of sample matrices, including environmental (water, soil, air, etc.), foods and beverages, and biological samples (hair, blood, urine, etc.). Because of the large variety of sample types, methods should be selective and able to resolve analytes from possible interferences. HPLC–ICP–MS can be applied to a large number of sample types while analyzing for numerous elements. There are several important factors to consider when choosing the speciation method. Sample preparation is crucial, as preserving the native form of the species must be balanced with extraction efficiency.