Preconcentration and separation of haloacetic acids by ion chromatography

A comparative study was made of the chromatographic behaviour of five haloa cetic acids (mono-, dibromoacetic and mono-, di-, trichloroacetic acids). T he techniques investigated included reversed-phase ion interaction chromato graphy with UV detection, suppressed and non-suppressed anion-exchange chro matography. The systems are discussed studying the retention as a function of the mobile phase parameters and the stationary phases used (LiChrospher 100 RP-18, IonPac AS9, AS10 and AS11). A preconcentration step, performed o n different substrates, namely LiChrolut-EN and activated vegetal carbon, h as been optimized in order to reduce the method detection limits. Results o btained for drinking water samples are shown. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V . All rights reserved.