Ion Chromatography : Principles and Applications

Ion chromatography (IC) was first introduced in 1975 for the determination of inorganic anions and cations and water soluble organic acids and bases. Since then, the technique has grown in usage at a phenomenal rate. The growth of IC has been accompanied by a blurring of the original definition of the technique, so that it now embraces a very wide range of separation and detection methods, many of which bear little resemblance to the initial concept of ion-exchange separation coupled with conductivity detection. Ion Chromatography is the first book to provide a comprehensive treatise on all aspects of ion chromatography. Ion-exchange, ion-interaction, ion-exclusion and other pertinent separation modes are included, whilst the detection methods discussed include conductivity, amperometry, potentiometry, spectroscopic methods (both molecular and atomic) and post column reactions. The theoretical background and operating principles of each separation and detection mode are discussed in detail. A unique extensive compilation of practical applications of IC (environmental, industrial, foods and plants, clinical and pharmaceutical, metals and metallurgical solutions, treated waters, etc.) with 1250 literature citations, is presented in tabular form. All relevant details of each application are given to accommodate reproduction of the method in the laboratory without access to the original publication. This truly comprehensive text on ion chromatography should prove to be the standard reference work for researchers and those involved in the use of the subject in practical situations.