Waste reduction and improved efficiency by ion chromatographic method modification

The Analytical Development group at the Savannah River Technology Center (SRTC) offers technical support to research programs in the laboratory as well as process control support for the rest of the Savannah River Site. This laboratory recently modified and upgraded their ion chromatography systems and methods to minimize waste generation and radiation exposure to employees. The following changes were made: conversion to a 1-point linear calibration from a 4-point quadratic calibration; replacement of chemical suppression system with an electrochemical suppression system; adjustment of hydroxide-based gradient elution protocol to improve separation of fluoride and formate and shorten experimental run; implementation of carbonate-based isocratic elution protocol; installation of lower capacity ion exchange columns which decrease analysis time by 50%; and adjustment of detector output to achieve a ten-fold increase in sensitivity. The combined changes decreased the analysis time by 90%, decreased the liquid waste generated by the laboratory by 95%, and lowered the detection limits by an order of magnitude