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Most modern analytical chemistry is quantitative, and goes further in studying speciation. That is the total amount of an element may be studied in a sample, and the molecules that that element is part of (the species) are also ascertained. This is of particular interest in biological systems. |
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Most modern analytical chemistry is quantitative, however quantitative measurement can be further split into different areas of study. A simple example of quantitative analysis is if a sample is analysed for it's total concentration of a given element. However, this gives no indication of the molecules that this element may be contained in (the species). The study of speciation will investigate what species a given element might be contained within. This is of particular interest in biological systems. The analyst may also perform studies that indicate the type of speciation, for example analysing if the majority of a given element is contained in water soluble compounds. |
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Many techniques are also two or more individual techniques put together. Examples of this include ICP-MS?(Inductively-Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry), where volitalisation? of a sample occurs in the first step, and measuring of the concentration occurs in the second. The first step may also involve a separation technique, such as chromatography, and the second a detection / measuring device. |
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Many techniques are also two or more individual techniques put together. Examples of this include ICP-MS?(Inductively-Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry), where volatilisation? of a sample occurs in the first step, and measuring of the concentration occurs in the second. The first step may also involve a separation technique, such as chromatography, and the second a detection / measuring device. Techniques that involve volatilisation aim to produce free atoms of the elements making up the sample, which can then be measured in concentration by the degree to which they absorb of emit at a characteristic spectral frequency. These methods have the disadvantage of completely destroying the sample, and any species contained within it. These techniques include atomic absorption spectroscopy and ICP-MS?. These techniques can still be used to study speciation, however by the incorporation of a separation stage before volatilisation. |
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