Simultaneous determination of anions and cations in rain water by single column ion-exclusion-cation-exchange chromatography

A simple, selective and sensitive method was investigated for simultaneous determination of anions (SO₄^2-, Cl^-, NO₃^-, F^-) and cations (Na⁺, NH₄⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺) by single-column ion-exclusion-cation-exchange chromatography with conductometric detection. DL-malic acid-methanol-water was used as an eluent. The effect of DL-malic acid concentration, methanol concentration, flow-rate of eluent and temperature on the retention time was studied. The anions and cations in rainwater in some districts in Shanghai were analyzed by this method. Comparing with other analytical methods, it was satisfied.