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Ion Chromatography

Ion chromatography is used for water chemistry analysis, among other analyses. Ion chromatograms are able detect and measure concentrations of major anions, such as fluoride, bromide, chloride, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, and sulfate, as well as major cations such as lithium, sodium, ammonium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in the parts-per-billion (ppb) range. Concentrations of organic acids and amines can also be measured through ion chromatography.

How Does Ion Chromatography Work?

Ion chromatography, a form of liquid chromatography, measures concentrations of ionic species by separating them based on their interaction with a chromatographic column stationary phase. Ionic species separate differently, depending on species type and size. Sample solutions pass through a pressurized chromatographic column where ions are retained by column constituents due to ionic interactions. As an ion extraction liquid, known as eluent, runs through the column, the retained ions begin separating from the column and eventually reach the detector where it produces a change in the signal which is represented by a peak in the chromatogram. Ions of interest can be identified, based on their retention time and quantitated, based on the detector’s response and standards to those ions.

Applications

Some typical applications of ion chromatography include:
  • Drinking water analysis for pollution and other constituents
  • Determination of water chemistries in aquatic ecosystems
  • Analysis of residual limits in pharmaceuticals 
  • Determination of additives and components in foods and beverages
  • Isolation of select proteins
  • Trace anions in organic solvents
  • Determination of ammonium, amines and other ions in industrial wastewater
  • Trace ion analysis in electronics

Impact Analytical currently has a Dionex ICS-1600 ion chromatograph, equipped with an electrolytic suppressor and a conductivity detector for the reduction of eluent background noise and increased sensitivity for analytes of interest. Our system provides fast and reliable analyses of common inorganic anions and cations.

  • Acetate
  • Butyrate
  • Citrate
  • Formate
  • Glycolate
  • Maleate
  • Malonate
  • Oxalate
  • Weak Organic Acids
  • Many Others

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