Speciation of tin, lead, mercury, arsenic and selenium compounds by capillary electrophoresis

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) methods published over the period 1992-2000 for the speciation of tin, lead, mercury, selenium and arsenic are reviewed, with emphasis on the determination of the metallorganic species. Analytical conditions and detection techniques suitable for the determination of these species are discussed. The electrolytes covered by the review include both nonmicellar and micellar solutions. Although direct UV detection is still the predominant detection method for speciation by capillary electrophoresis, ICPMS has been gaining in significance because of its sensitivity and selectivity in elemental analysis. Further, ways of increasing the concentration sensitivity are outlined and discussed. Apart from the use of more sensitive detectors, this can be accomplished either by derivatisation of the analytes to form highly absorbing or fluorescent species or thorough leading a higher total amount of the analytes into the capillary. The latter aim can be achieved by preconcentration using solid-phase extraction (SPE), or using various on-capillary stacking methods. Finally, an overview of applications to speciation analysis is presented, organized according to the particular element being determined.