Various cationic species of Hg (Hg2+, MeHg+, EtHg+, and PhHg+) and Pb (Pb2+, (Me)3Pb+, and (Et)3Pb+) are separated as Ion pairs by reversed-phase liquid chromatography. Lead Is detected at =0.2 pg and Hg at ~7 pg by Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. A direct Injection nebulizer minimizes band broadening and yields good sensitivity by Injecting all the sample Into the plasma. Chromatographic conditions such as mobile-phase composition and the compound used for Ion pairing are selected based on the mutual requirements of chromatographic performance and detection sensitivity. The Inorganic lone Pb2+ and Hg2+ can be monitored directly In human urine by simply diluting and Injecting the liquid sample. The organolead and organomercury Ions were not concentrated enough to be seen directly In urine, but good separations were obtained when these compounds were spiked Into the sample.
gle-column approach (29) and in a column-switching approach (30).
ACKNOWLEDGMENTWe thank L. Bowers and P. Froehlich for helpful discussions and perspective, as well as C. Galgano and J. Newman for their assistance with the preparation of the manuscript.
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