Inorganic and organic arsenic analysis
ALS offer analysis of inorganic and organic arsenic compounds by IC-HG-ICPMS. Samples are analyzed by ion chromatography with post column hydride generation and detection by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The use of hydride generation provides significantly improved sensitivity and thus better reporting limits (LOQ). ALS has analytical methods for testing for inorganic arsenic compounds for a variety of sample types:
- Fresh water
- Marine water
- Soil, sludge and sediment
- Urine
- Biota
Read our informational leaflet
ALS offers analytical packages including the main inorganic and organic arsenic species found below. The individual species reported will depend on the sample matrix.
- Analysis of arsenite (As III)
- Analysis of arsenate (As V)
- Analysis of monomethylarsonate MMA (V)
- Analysis of dimethylarsinate DMA (V)
About inorganic arsenic
Arsenic occurs in organic and inorganic forms. Organic arsenic, the predominant form present in seafood, is not particularly harmful. Inorganic arsenic however is highly toxic and long-term exposure may cause skin lesions or cancer. For this reason, arsenic speciation analysis is relevant as the total arsenic concentration not necessarily reflect the exposure to toxic, inorganic arsenic. The main exposure sources to inorganic arsenic include contaminated water, food, industrial pollution or the smoking of tobacco.
Contaminated groundwater is a problem in many countries. Not only will this affect people drinking contaminated water but it will also lead to elevated concentrations in irrigated plants and food crops which in turn may be consumed by humans.
