Sensitivity and Selectivity Enhancement in Perchlorate Anion Quantitation Using Complexation-Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

The general nature and analytical chemistry of perchlorate have been reviewed elsewhere.^1–3 By its very existence this volume affirms the importance of having analytical chemistry tools capable of measuring low concentrations of perchlorate in water and other matrices. Other chapters delve into the toxicology⁴ or regulatory and occurrence aspects.⁵ The reader should refer to those for more information. The need for confirmatory techniques and methods of chemical analysis will exist whenever regulation occurs. Although we can expect ion chromatography to dominate drinking water monitoring for perchlorate, Chromatographic and electrophoretic retention times are not unique to a particular analyte. Consequently, there is a need for robust, rugged methods using alternate techniques, such as mass spectrometry.

This work was presented at the 218th national meeting of the American Chemical Society as part of the Environmental Division symposium Perchlorate in the Environment, held August 22–24, 1999, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

This material is the work product of United States government employees engaged in their official duties. As such, it is in the public domain and exempt from copyright restrictions.