An electrolyte system using p-aminobenzoate was developed to determine anions in individual and size-classified rain drops. In comparison with other electrolyte systems it was found to be the most favourable for the analysis of organic acids with low mobility. Using a cationic additive, inorganic anions with high mobility could also be separated. Limits of detection lower than 50 nmol l(-1) are attainable when sample stacking for enrichment is used.