Determination of cadmium and lead species and phytochelatins in pea (Pisum sativum) by HPLC–ICP-MS and HPLC–ESI-MSn

An analytical approach based on hyphenated techniques was used for studying the speciation of cadmium and lead in Pisum sativum. Proper preservation conditions were employed to avoid the oxidation of –SH groups and corresponding decomposition of metal-binding complexes. SEC column was washed with 5 mM beta-mercaptoethanol and then samples were analysed using ICP-MS as a detector. Results showed that cadmium is the inhibitor of lead uptake. HPLC–ESI-MSn assays revealed fragmentation pathways of phytochelatins.