ION CHROMATOGRAPHY
Ion chromatography is used to detect nitrate and fluoride concentrations in Alberta's groundwater, the average concentration was found to be 0.12 and 93.8 mg/l respectively. The source of nitrate in groundwater is typically due to decaying organic matter, such organic matter includes cattle manure. The concentration of nitrate can be correlated to areas with high manure production. The source of fluoride in Alberta's groundwater is mainly from the dissolution of fluorspar and cryolite minerals, as well as phosphatic fertilizers.
ION CHROMATOGRAPHY PROCESS
STEP 1:
Calibrate all equipment prior to the testing. The eluent (mobile phase) is pumped through the column to carry the water sample that is injected into the system.
STEP 3:
The effluent and ion stream then goes through a UV/visible light detector where a chromatogram is produced, plotting conductivity over time. Through this, the concentration can be calculated
STEP 2:
The ions enter the column where they are separated based on their affinity to the ion sites inside the column (stationary phase). Anions will exit the column at different times due to their affinity, and thus, can be separated.
