A sensitive technique for speciation and quantification of Cr(III), Cr(VI), and total chromium has been developed using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) combined with direct injection nebulization (DIN) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A characterization and optimization of a microcolumn specifically designed for chromium speciation has been conducted. The direct injection nebulizer (DIN) was optimized to produce the best possible sensitivity for the system. Parameters affecting the column component of the system such as sample pH, eluent strength, sample size, flow, and pressure characteristics were studied in addition to optimal DIN-ICP-MS parameters. The detec-ACKNOWLEDGMENT Many thanks to Lian Shan Liu, George Wood, and other staff of the Laboratory Services Branch of Ministry of the Environment and Energy for their invaluable help in making this publication possible.
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