Determination of amino sugars in environmental samples with high salt content by high performance anion exchange chromatography and pulsed amperometric detection

Amino sugars were determined in natural samples, including seawater, using high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection and a new off-line sample cleanup procedure. Samples were hydrolyzed with 3 M HCl for 5 h (100 degrees C) and neutralized with an ion retardation resin. Before injection, salts and organic contaminants were removed with a strong cation exchanger in the Na+ form. Detection limits for amino sugars were between 1 and 4 nM (signal-to-noise ratio 3), allowing for the first time quantification of amino sugars in seawater without preconcentration. Precision was 2-11% at the 20 nM level. The relatively simple and rapid sample preparation makes it suitable for routine analyses.