Ion Chromatography

Ion chromatography makes it possible to separate and measure low concentrations of up to 8 or 10 different anions in a single chromatographic run that takes only a few minutes. The method also works well for cations. Alkali metal ions, ammonium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, and a growing list of other metal cations and amine cations can also be rapidly separated and determined in aqueous samples. Ion chromatography is cost-efficient because the equipment is relatively inexpensive, and several ions can be determined in each chromatogram. Although modern ion chromatography is only about 10 years old, it is now being used routinely in a growing number of industries. Many scientific and environmental studies, such as the analysis of a large number of rainwater samples, might not have been feasible before the advent of ion chromatography. James Fritz of Iowa State University discusses the principles of ion exchange, different types of ion chromatographic system, instrumentation, sample pretreatment, and applications.