Determination of trace amounts of metalloprotein species in marine mussel samples by high-performance liquid chromatography with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometric detection

Samples containing metalloproteins have previously been analysed on Sephadex gel-permeation macrocolumns with fraction collection and subsequent determination of the metal content by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. In this study, high-performance liquid cromatography has been directly coupled to inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry for trace organometallic studies. The eluates from the gel-permeation columns are directly aspirated into the r.f. plasma torch after fixing the monochromator at a specific wavelength. Before atomic emission spectrometric analysis, the eluates pass through an ultraviolet detector in order to provide reference spectra. Data are presented concerning the evaluation of the zinc, copper and cadmium thionein contents of different tissues from marine mussels. Lamellibranch molluscs are often utilized as biological indicators in monitoring programmes. A comparison of the sulphur and metallic chromatograms shows the relationships between the whole group of sulphur-rich proteins and the metallothioneins.