Ion chromatography of nitrite and carbonate in inorganic matrices on an octadecyl—poly(vinyl alcohol) gel column using acidic eluents

Low levels of carbonate and nitrite contained in inorganic matrices were determined by ion chromatography on an Asahipak ODP-50 poly(vinyl alcohol) gel-based reversed-phase column. With an acidic mobile phase, inorganic matrix anions and cations eluted near the void volume of the column, whereas carbonate and nitrite were retained and separated completely from the matrix ions. After the separation column, the peak response was enhanced using a cation-exchange hollow fibre and 25 mM sodium sulphate or alkaline enhancers. Sea-water samples can be applied directly for the determination of carbonate and added nitrite at ppm levels. The maximum sample volume that can be loaded on the column without peak deformation depended on the pH of the sample solution and the sulphuric acid concentration in the eluent. A 50 μl sea-water sample was applicable with a 2.5 mM acid eluent.