Simulataneous determination of carboxylic acids and carbonyl compounds in estuaries by HPLC

Summary A method for the determination of 22 low relative molecular mass oxocarboxylic acids and carbonyl compounds in estuarine and marine samples is described. After derivatization of 5 ml samples with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine separation is performed on a RP-18 column by gradient elution and with UV-detection. The detection limit ranges from 17 ngl⁻¹ (glycolaldehyde) to 500 ngl⁻¹ (cyclohexanone). The method was established for routine analysis of samples taken in an estuarine ecosystem but can be used for other aqueous systems as well.