Analysis for the stability of platinum‐containing species in soil samples using capillary electrophoresis interfaced on‐line with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract

Abstract Online interfacing of capillary electrophoresis (CE) with inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) has been accomplished using a laboratory‐made nebulizer. The high resolution of CE is used for the separations of Pt species of standard solutions and real samples, followed by ICP‐MS for element‐specific detection within 12 min. The samples are analyzed immediately after sample preparation or after 2–4 h of aging in order to elucidate undesired species transformations which may occur before analysis. The method was proven not to impair the species during the analytical procedure while being a necessary prerequisite to judge time‐dependent species transformations. Quality control aspects concerning species stability during the analytical procedure and stability of electrical current during nebulization were studied. A possibly interfering suction flow was estimated and found to be negligible. The results will serve as a basis for quality assurance in future investigations about Pt speciation in soil.