New Shimadzu Ion Chromatograph

Innovative New Technology Showcase
Oral Presentation

Prepared by R. Marfil-Vega
Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, 7102 Riverwood Drive, Columbia, MD, 21046, United States


Contact Information: rmmarfilvega@shimadzu.com; (410) 910-0884

ABSTRACT

"Shimadzu Scientific Instruments (SSI) has developed a new ion chromatograph. This instrument is an innovative solution for determining anions in environmental samples with the high performance and ruggedness expected from the most trusted name in liquid chromatography and total organic carbon.
Features of our new ion chromatograph include a built-in electrolytic suppressor with a ruggedness to redefine industry standards. The use of reliable Shimadzu’s pumps, results in dependable and reproducible buffer delivery with minimal baseline pulsation. Additionally, our high-speed autosampler delivers fast, clean sample injections with minimum carryover. Lastly, the small footprint of our ion chromatograph (16.5-inch width) occupies minimal bench space.
We have challenged our instrument for anion analysis included in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method(s) 300 and 300.1, as these tests are regularly run in environmental laboratories of all sizes. These labs require fast turnaround times as the anions in these methods – nitrate, nitrite and ortho-phosphate – have extremely short holding times. Therefore, high performance and system ruggedness is essential.
Linear calibration curves were established from 0.005 to 25 ppm for the anions included in EPA 300.1. All calculated Method Detection Limits were between 1 and 5 ppb for all compounds except for chloride (12.6 ppb). Two high-resolution chromatographic methods were compared – their differences being buffer composition and injection volume (Method A - 5.4 mM sodium carbonate with 10 µl injection vs. Method B - 2.7 mM sodium carbonate/5.1 mM sodium bicarbonate with 50 µl injection). Interestingly, Method B showed better resolution of bromide and chlorate anions even with larger injection volume. Hence, Method B is more suitable for trace chlorate and bromide analysis. Accuracy was evaluated by spiking three different types of water (reagent water, drinking water and bottled water) with fluoride, chloride, nitrate, phosphate and sulfate at 1 ppm. Chlorite, bromate, nitrite, bromide and chlorate were added at 0.2 ppm. Accuracy was within 80 to 105% for all compounds.
The suitability of our new system for analysis of inorganic anions in environmental samples are shown in the results. Moreover, this is only an initial demonstration of the possibilities this instrument brings to the environmental field. Its modular configuration allows for the implementation of various applications with different detectors, including Shimadzu’s ultra-fast mass spectrometers."