Determination of organotin compounds in marine mussel samples by using high-performance liquid chromatography-hydride generation inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

Organotin compounds were determined in marine mussel samples using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), with a hydride generation gas-liquid separator inserted between the HPLC column and the ICP-AES detector. A detection limit of 7 ng was obtained for tin. The organotin species were completely separated within 7 minutes. Organometallic compounds were accurately determined in the marine mussel samples. The hydride generator allowed an increase in the sensitivity of the method and used organic solvents in high proportions without extinguishing the plasma torch.