Two new separation schemes for the group isolation of rare earth elements (REE) from biological and other matrices and their determination by ICP-MS, NAA and chromatographic methods

Rare earth elements (REEs), i.e. Sc, Y, La and the lanthanides, constitute an interesting group of 17 elements of extremely similar chemical properties that make their separation and analytical determination diffi cult. One of the lanthanides – promethium – has no stable isotope and does not occur naturally. REEs are elements of steadily growing importance in science and in various branches of technology. They are used as catalysts, components of alloys, for the production of phosphors for colour TVs, in electronics, lasers, superconductors, permanent magnets, etc. [1–3]. Studying the distribution of REEs in rocks, sediments and meteorites is important for the theoretical interpretation of geological processes [4]. Over the last three decades there has been an increasing interest in the role of REEs in the Life Sciences, because they were used in agriculture to increase crop production and improve animal husbandry [5, 6]. Some workers suggested that REEs which enter plants may subsequently via the food chain be ingested by animals and humans and participate in cellular processes, e.g. by replacing certain biometals like calcium in organic molecules Two new separation schemes for the group isolation of rare earth elements (REE) from biological and other matrices and their determination by ICP-MS, NAA and chromatographic methods Rajmund S. Dybczyński, Zbigniew Samczyński, Iwona Bartosiewicz, Krzysztof Kulisa, Halina Polkowska-Motrenko, Marta Pyszynska, Iga Zuba