The major focus is on reliable identification and accurate quantification of trace element species including nanoparticles in environmental and biological matrices. This is achieved by coupling separation techniques (HPLC, Field flow fractionation) with elemental detection (ICP-MS) and molecular detection (ESI-MS/MS) to obtain a high degree of species information on the basis of independent (orthogonal) methods. Special attention is paid to quality control of sample preparation (extraction), separation and detection for example by using isotope dilution techniques.