Analysis of heavy metals in atmospheric particulate by ion chromatography

Cu, Ni, Zn, Co, Fe+2, Mn, Cd, Fe+3 and Pb are easily separated and detected in isocratic mode by ion chromatography with post-column derivatization us ing a bifunctional ion-exchange column and an eluent formed by oxalic acid (28 nM) and sodium nitrate (250 mM). The separation is optimised by using a suggested sample solution containing a given concentration of chloride. De tection limits were 10-15 ppb for all the metals except for cadmium and lea d, for which detection limits of 30 and 60 ppb were found, respectively. Th e method was tested on an atmospheric particulate certified sample. The mea sured values were in good agreement with certified values. Real samples of atmospheric particulate from industrial and urban sites were analysed and t he results are discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserve d.