The Challenging Role of Chromatography in Environmental Problems

This review details the contribution of ion chromatography (IC) to environmental analysis. With reference to the problems usually encountered in environmental analysis (low concentrations to be detected and matrix interference), applications of IC in the analysis of inorganic cations in water and in the analysis of the platinum group elements (PGEs) in air particulate matter, and the advantages of this technique over more traditionally accepted analytical techniques will be discussed. Other current environmental topics, for example the occurrence of haloacetic acids (HAAs) in drinking water, will be covered, highlighting the importance of IC as an emerging powerful tool for monitoring HAAs, recognized also by the EPA that recently adopted it in a regulated method (Method 557).