Sulfate analysis in pore water by radio-ion chromatography employing 5-sulfoisophthalic acid as a novel eluent

The chromatographic properties of a new eluent, 5-sulfoisophthalic acid, in indirect photometric chromatography is described. Detection limits below 50 pmol were obtained for sulfate pore-water analysis of freshwater sediments. The small injection volumes (20 μl) reduced column head contamination and the pH 4 of the buffer improves column stability without system-peak formation. Bacterial sulfate reducing activities in freshwater sediments could well be followed by high-pressure liquid chromatography with indirect photometric detection in conjunction with off-line scintillation counting.