LC-ICP-MS Method Package for Arsenic Speciation Analysis Type 2

Significance of the Topic

The speciation of arsenic compounds is essential due to the varying toxicity and behavior of different forms. Accurate identification and quantitation support regulatory compliance, environmental risk assessment, and food safety.

Objectives and Study Overview

This whitepaper presents a ready-to-use LC-ICP-MS method package optimized for Shimadzu systems to separate and quantify six arsenic species. The package aims to eliminate method development and enable immediate analysis post-installation.

Methodology

The method uses a Sigma-Aldrich Discovery HS F5 column (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 µm) with a mobile phase of 0.1 % formic acid containing 1 % methanol and 0.025 % tetramethylammonium hydroxide. Analysis is performed at 0.75 mL/min flow rate, 40 °C, with a 10 µL injection. Separation of As(V), As(III), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), arsenobetaine (AsB), and arsenocholine (AsC) is achieved within 10 minutes.

Used Instrumentation

• Shimadzu Nexera™ or Prominence™ inert LC system including Solvent Delivery Unit, Degassing Unit, Autosampler, Column Oven, and System Controller
• Shimadzu ICPMS-2040/2050 Series or ICPMS-2030 Series mass spectrometer
• Sigma-Aldrich Discovery HS F5 analytical column

Main Results and Discussion

The standard chromatogram demonstrates baseline separation of six arsenic species at a 1 µg/L concentration within a 10-minute runtime. The package ensures reproducible retention times and peak shapes under the specified conditions. Data integrity is maintained via LabSolutions™ ICPMS TRM software with optional DB/CS connectivity for centralized data management.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This method package provides preconfigured method files, reducing setup time and eliminating the need for in-house method development. It supports compliance with data integrity regulations and allows networked data handling. The turnkey solution is ideal for environmental monitoring, food safety laboratories, and industrial quality control.

Future Trends and Applications

Advances in hyphenated techniques and enhanced detector sensitivity are expected to extend arsenic speciation analysis to trace-level measurements in complex matrices. Integration with cloud-based platforms and AI-driven data interpretation will streamline workflows, enable real-time decision support, and foster remote collaboration.

Conclusion

The Shimadzu LC-ICP-MS arsenic speciation package delivers a robust, validated, and immediately deployable solution for the separation and quantification of six key arsenic compounds. Its ease of implementation, compliance features, and rapid analysis make it a valuable asset for laboratories requiring reliable arsenic speciation data.