Determination of nickel in human urine by ion chromatography with series bulk acoustic wave detection.

By using ion chromatography with series bulk acoustic wave detection, a method for the determination of nickel at microgram per liter levels in urine has been developed. The highly sensitive response of series bulk acoustic wave (SBAW) detection has been combined with the selectivity of ion chromatography and hence sensitivity and precision have been improved. The detection and determination limits of the method for nickel are 0.4 and 2.0 ng ml(-1), respectively. For the IC analysis, the analytical column is a Shim-pack IC C1 column and the mobile phase is 4.5 mM tartaric acid solution. The method allows the determination of nickel in the presence of some ions commonly co-occurring with it. Urine samples from individuals with no occupational exposure to nickel were analyseded successfully.