Speciation analysis of antimony in extracts of size-classified volcanic ash by HPLC-ICP-MS

• Published in: Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry Vol. 387; no. 5; pp. 1949 - 1954
• Main Authors: Miravet, R, López-Sánchez, J. F, Rubio, R, Smichowski, P, Polla, G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Berlin/Heidelberg : Springer-Verlag 01.03.2007
• Subjects: Antimony - analysis; Antimony speciation; Chemical Fractionation - methods; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid - methods; Citrate extraction; HPLC-ICP-MS; Particle Size; Particulate Matter - analysis; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization - methods; volcanic ash; Volcanic Eruptions - analysis
• ISSN: 1618-2642; 1618-2650
• DOI: 10.1007/s00216-006-1077-y

Although there is concern about the presence of toxic elements and their species in environmental matrices, for example water, sediment, and soil, speciation analysis of volcanic ash has received little attention. Antimony, in particular, an emerging element of environmental concern, has been less studied than other potentially toxic trace elements. In this context, a study was undertaken to assess the presence of inorganic Sb species in ash emitted from the Copahue volcano (Argentina). Antimony species were extracted from size-classified volcanic ash (<36 μm, 35-45 μm, 45-150 μm, and 150-300 μm) by use of 1 mol L-¹ citrate buffer at pH 5. Antimony(III) and (V) in the extracts were separated and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography combined on-line with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS). Antimony species concentrations (μg g-¹) in the four fractions varied from 0.14 to 0.67 for Sb(III) and from 0.02 to 0.03 for Sb(V). The results reveal, for the first time, the occurrence of both inorganic Sb species in the extractable portion of volcanic ash. Sb(III) was always the predominant species.