Determination of Trace Anions in Water by Multidimensional Ion Chromatography

Abstract

Selenate, selenite, and arsenate Ions were separated from the major anions chloride, nitrate, and sulfate In drinking water, surface water, and groundwater sources by collecting a selected portion of the Ion chromatogram, after suppression, on a concentrator column and reinjecting at the original chromatographic conditions. Statistical detection limits varied from 0.02 to 1.2 μg of trace element depending on the minor components to be separated and on the water matrix but Independent of Initial sample size from 2 to 10 mL. The maximum reliably separated molar ratio was 1300 for sulfate/selenate In well water. Carbonate-bicarbonate eluent compositions were optimized for each trace Ion. © 1984, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.