The Use of 2-D IC for the Determination of Haloacetic Acids in Drinking Water - Redux.

Oral Presentation

Prepared by R. Jack
Thermo Fisher Scientific, 1214 Oakmead Parkway, Sunnyvale, CA, 94085, United States


Contact Information: richard.jack@thermofisher.com; 408-481-4227


ABSTRACT

Ion Chromatography (IC) with suppressed conductivity detection has been well accepted as a standard method for routine ion analysis. It provides excellent sensitivity and selectivity. However, in the presence of matrix ions, trace level analysis becomes a challenging task, as the matrix ions may interfere with the analysis of the target analytes due to co-elution or sometimes peak broadening, leading to recovery issues. A commonly used SPE method provides selective removal of some matrix ions, such as silver cartridge for chloride removal, but SPE is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. Recently, a two-dimensional matrix elimination ion chromatography method was introduced. This method utilizes a high capacity 4-mm column for the first dimension analysis to separate the target analytes from the matrix ions. After suppression, the effluent portion containing the analyte is selectively concentrated into a concentrator column and subsequently analyzed in the second dimension using a smaller format column with a different selectivity. This results in enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. The method was successfully applied for the analysis of trace level of perchlorate and bromate in various water matrixes. In this presentation, we will also show the application of this methodology for the analysis of haloacetic acids in drinking water samples.