Matrix Effects in the Determination of Low Anion Concentrations using Suppressed IC

• Published in: International journal of environmental analytical chemistry 2002-01, Vol.82 (1), p.13-22
• Main Authors: Neele, Jos, Cleven, Rob, Van de Wiel, Henk
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anions; Ion Chromatography; Matrix Effects
• ISSN: 0306-7319; 1029-0397
• DOI: 10.1080/03067310290024058

Concentrations of anions in environmental water samples such as chloride, nitrate and sulphate, may differ orders of magnitude. Conditions have been investigated under which the quality of ion chromatographic data for series of environmental water samples, comprising samples with low anion concentrations, can be affected by the matrix of previous samples in the series. Effects of a high ionic sample matrix on the elution and retention processes of analytes have also been studied by repeated analyses of standards and blanks. The study was performed using a Dionex 2000i chromatograph and an AS4ASC column. Additionally, a Dionex DX500 chromatograph, equipped with a sodium hydroxide eluent generator and a AS15 column, was applied to investigate effects of low anion concentrations in the (bi)carbonate eluent used in the Dionex 2000i system. The effects are explained by distortions of the distribution of anions over eluent and stationary phase. Simultaneous analyses of major and minor components in routine measurements in a single series is still possible using suppressed ion chromatography, even in cases where the matrices are also divergent. Remedial tools to reduce undesired effects are described.