Optimization of Arsenic Speciation Conditions in Plant Material by HPLC‐ICPOES

Abstract

Instrument and extraction methods have been investigated and optimized for arsenic speciation in Chinese Brake ferns (Pteris vittata) by high‐performance liquid chromatography–inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry system components and parameters. The optimum chromatographic conditions were determined to be 30 mM NH₄H₂PO₄ (pH=6) buffer, 1 mL/min flow rate, and 10% methanol. The limits of detection for this method were approximately 80 ng As(III) and 60 ng As(V) per gram of dried fern material. The optimum solvent for extracting arsenic from lyophilized fern material was 50% methanol.

Keywords:

• Arsenic
• high‐performance liquid chromatography–inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry
• plant

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge and thank the National Science Foundation (Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement Grant, award DUE‐0410461).

Notes

The authors were invited to contribute this paper to a special issue of the journal entitled “Undergraduate Research and Education in Spectroscopy.” This special issue was organized by Associate Editor David J. Butcher, Professor of Chemistry at Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, North Carolina, USA.