Sample preparation in ion-chromatography

Ion-chromatography, a relatively new technique in analytical chemistry, has already shown great promise toward solving complex trace analysis problems, in particular the speciation and quantitation of anions. It is especially attractive to the field of microanalysis. The method of sample preparation, however, is crucial in order to realize this capacity. Existing microanalytical methods nearly always must be modified to be compatible with ion-chrornatography, and often, more extensive sample cleanup is required than is needed for "single species" methods. These considerations have been applied to the determination of chloride and bromide in waste oil, and to the analysis of oyster tissue. Pretreatment with polystyrene resin and ion-exchange resin is discussed.