Simultaneous determination of inorganic anions and cations by capillary electrophoresis with indirect UV detection

The development of a separation system for the simultaneous determination o f inorganic anions and cations, low-molecular-mass organic acids and alipha tic amines by capillary electrophoresis with indirect UV detection using ne w electrolyte systems is described. Different principles of the experimenta l enforcement are compared. The principle of both-side injection was invest igated using two different electrolyte systems. In order to avoid system pe aks caused by the presence of different electrolyte co-ions, the selection of useful electrolyte components is more difficult than the choice of elect rolytes for separate anion or cation analysis and special preparation proce dures are necessary. The applicability of the method is shown by investigat ions of reproducibility, linearity of the calibration and by the analysis o f drinking water including a comparison with results of measurements carrie d out with atomic absorption spectrometry for the cation determination, and ion chromatography for the anion determination. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.