There is a concerted effort by regulatory bodies, such as the EPA to reduce the exposure of environmental contaminants, such as inorganic anions to humans and the environment.
Achieving lower analytical detection limits of hazardous compounds in environmental matrices such as water, soils and sediments allows regulatory bodies to make better informed decisions on the degree of contamination of an environmental system as well as the remedial actions required to limit adverse health and environmental effects.
Mass spectrometry provides the tool to achieve lower detection limits and greater selectivity when compared to conductivity and UV detectors.