[Development of Analytical Methods for Trace Elements in Environmental and Biological Samples]

In this laboratory we develop new methodologies or modify conventional analytical methods in order to collect new information about samples. The main theme is to develop analytical methods and to learn “how to measure” environmental and biological samples through experiments. Recent research interest is emphasized on the determination of not only of total concentration of elements but also of their chemical species. Analytical methodologies used for the determination of elemental concentration are inductively coupled plasma - atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), both of which are capable of simultaneous multi-element analysis. On the other hand, for the determination of their chemical species, not only ICP-AES and ICP-MS but also electrospray ionization - mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) are used after separation of chemical species by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Analytical samples of interest include airborne particulate matter, fly ash, motor vehicle exhaust, river water, sea water, sediment, plant and biological samples (blood serum, urine and biological tissues). Size classified airborne particulate matter is collected at the roof of the No.6 building of Chuo University Kasuga Campus (Tokyo) since 1995, for trace elements' monitoring. Recent particular interest is to elucidate chemical species in environmental and biological samples. We are now trying to identify selenium compounds in mouse urine and tissues in cooperation with Juntendo University. In cooperation with several instrumental manufactures such as Hitachi High-Technologies Co. and Yokogawa Analytical Systems Inc., we are also involved in developing new analytical instruments. Several students who graduated from our laboratory now work in these manufacturers. This is the unique features of our laboratory.

A. Transportation of trace elements in environment

1. Determination of toxic trace elements in airborne particulate matter-Sb, Se, Cd, Pb, As, PGE(Pt, Pd, Rh)-

2. Comparison of trace elements in airborne particulate matter collected in urban and rural areas

3. Distribution patern of rare earth elements in airborne particulate matter

4. Correlation of trace elements in airborne particulate matter and fly ash collected at incinerator

5. Correlation of trace elements in airborne particulate matter and motor vehicle exhaust

B. Role of trace elements in biological samples

1. Selenium speciation analysis of urine excreted form mice administed with selenium compounds

C. Development of new analytical methods

1. Interaction between laser and a sample surface with laser ablation ICP-MS

2. Determination of toxic trace elements in dusts on tree leaves by laser ablation ICP-MS

3. Methodology developments of laser ablation ICP-MS coupled with ultrasonic nebulizer

4. Preconcentration of trace elements in river water with use of a HDEHP impregnated porous PTFE filter tube

5. Separation and preconcentration of rare earth elements in river water by fully automated on-line column ICP-MS

6. Determination of gadrinium eluted form a municipal seawage plant by fully automated on-line column ICP-MS

D. Development of new analytical Instruments

1. Evaluation of ICP-MS instrument using ICP-ion trap mass spectrometry

2. Removal of spectral interference using ICP-ion trap mass spectrometry

3. Development and evaluation of an argon low flow torch for ICP-MS instrument

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