The synthesis of various volatile and thermally stable derivatives of metals ions has permitted the use of conventional mass spectrometry for trace metal analysis. This paper reviews the development of the field using electron impact and chemical ionization mass spectrometry. This latter methodology produces simple mass spectra that enable complex mixtures to be analyzed. In addition the use of...

It is well-documented that organic compounds form strong complexes with most metals in aquatic systems, and that seawater is a complex medium which contains a large variety of organic and inorganic ligands, including colloidal matter. We suggest that most trace metals are complexed in seawater and that some inorganic metals complexes are either labile or not stable. In contrast, metal-organic c...

Freshwaters are recognized as dynamic systems that may be far-removed from equilibrium. A kinetic approach using the competing ligand exchange method with Chelex 100 as the competing ligand and inductively coupled plasmamass spectrometry to measure the dissociation kinetics was used to investigate the chemical speciation of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) in model sol...

To date, no experimental data has been reported for the metallome of hyperthermophilic microorganisms although their metal requirements for growth are known to be unique. Here, experiments were conducted to determine (i) cellular trace metal concentrations of the hyperthermophilic Archaea Methanococcus jannaschii and Pyrococcus furiosus, and (ii) a first estimate of the metallome for these hype...

Trace metals in the aquatic environment are generally concentrated o n solid geochemical phases which eventually become incorporated into estuarin e and marine sediments . The mechanism of trace metal concentration is believe d to be adsorption with various geochemical phases such as hydrous metal oxides , clays, and organic matter . Metals in estuarine or marine sediments can thu s be expected...

Concentrations of trace metal pollutants are frequently reported from intertidal sediments (e.g. Bryan and Langston, 1992; French, 1993; Lindsay and Bell, 1997; Pirrie et al., 1997, 2000) and as these areas are often sites of intense human and animal activity, the level of contaminants are of particular interest with respect to environmental health (Rae, 1997; Clark, 1997). When trace metals ar...

A number of considerations suggest that trace element disturbances might occur in dialysed patients. These must at least in part be ascribed to the dialysis treatment itself during which these constituents may either be transferred to or removed from the patient. Tap water must be considered as the main source of dialysate trace metal contamination. These can adequately be removed during water ...