Simple procedure to eliminate concentrated sodium bicarbonate and carbonate with reusable strong cation-exchange cartridges for ion chromatographic analysis of formate and oxalate

A straightforward method with strong cation-exchange cartridges to eliminat e bicarbonate and carbonate interference in IC analysis of trace formate an d oxalate is described. The recoveries and detection limits for formate and oxalate were 101+/-4% and 1.6 mu M, 87+/-2% and 0.8 mu M, respectively, an d independent of individual cartridges, pH and concentrations of interferin g ions in the matrix. The cartridges were regenerated with 100 mM Na2CO3, 5 0 mM H2SO4 and water, and reused for at least 50 times. This method was app lied to quantification of radiolysis products of gamma-ray-irradiated bicar bonate and carbonate aqueous solutions with ion chromatography. (C) 1998 El sevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.