Single-column method of chelation ion chromatography for the analysis of trace metals in complex samples

A single-column chelation ion chromatographic system for the preconcentration and separation of trace transition metals is described. The system includes standard chromatographic equipment with a post-column reagent system based on the reaction with 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol followed by photometric detection at 495 nm. Iminodiacetic acid bonded to 5 mu m silica (Diasorb IDA) was used as a chelating stationary phase. The strong complexing ability in combination with good kinetics of complexation and ion-exchange selectivity of iminodiacetic functional groups allow both preconcentration of Mn, Co, Cd, Zn, Ni and Cu from waters of high salinity and efficient separation with the same column. The retention characteristics of alkaline-earth and transition metal ions on Diasorb IDA silica (250x4 mm I.D.) column was investigated for a variety of eluents including nitric acid, maleic, malonic, citric, dipicolinic, picolinic, tartaric and oxalic acids. The influence of ionic strength on retention of metal ions involving high nitrate and chloride concentrations was also evaluated. The baseline separation of preconcentrated metals was achieved using a three-step gradient elution scheme which involved first, flushing of the column loaded with the sample with 0.5 M KCl-0.5 mM HNO3 for 10 min, followed by 80 mM tartaric acid for 20 min and finally 10 mM picolinic acid for 20 min.