Analytical
Chemistry Division
Commission on Microchemical Techniques and Trace Analysis
Chemistry and the Environment Division
Commission on Fundamental Environmental Chemistry
Chemistry and Human Health Division
Commission on Toxicology
IUPAC Guidelines for Terms Related
to Chemical Speciation and Fractionation of Trace Elements: Definitions,
Structural Aspects, and Methodological Approaches
The effect of trace elements in living systems, in food, and in the
environment depends on the chemical form in which the element enters
the system and the final form in which it is present. It is necessary
to determine the various forms in which the trace element is present
to meet pressing occupational, environmental, regulatory, and economic
needs for understanding mobility, bioavailability, storage, retention,
and toxicity. In an attempt to end the present confusion regarding the
usage of the term speciation, three IUPAC Commissions collaborated to
evaluate this issue. This paper presents definitions for the concepts
related to speciation of trace elements, more particularly speciation
analysis and species in chemistry. A categorization of species is proposed
according to the isotopic composition of the element, its oxidation
state, the inorganic compounds and organic complexes of which the trace
element forms a part, and its occurrence as an organometallic compound
or as a macromolecular complex. A general outline is given of the analytical
methods used in speciation analysis, including (with definition) fractionation.
An outline of methodology of dynamic metal speciation analysis and of
methodological approaches available for speciation analysis is also
presented.
Comments by 29 February 2000
To Dr. Rita Cornelis
Instituut voor Nucleaire Wetenschappen
Faculteit van de Wetenschappen
Rijksuniversiteit-Gent Proeftuinstraat 86
B-9000 Gent, Belgium
Tel.: +32-9-264-66-26
Fax: +32-9-264-66-99
E-mail: [email protected]
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