Speciation of Trace Metals by Ion Chromatography with Element Selective Detectors

The work described in this paper is based on the development and application of direct current plasma atomic emission spectrometry as an element selective method of detection for ion chromatographic separations. The capability of dc plasma atomic emission to detect all chromatographic effluents containing a targeted element avoids measurement problems inherent in universal detectors. In this way, measurement sensitivity can be improved and, most important, element speciation can be considerably facilitated. This method was applied to the study of the solution chemistry of several elements and the transformations that element species undergo as solution conditions change.