Common anions
Fluoride, chloride, nitrate, sulfate, phosphate and more.
Useful forDrinking water, groundwater, effluentsChromatography & Separation
Ion Chromatography
Separation and quantification of anions and cations
Ion chromatography separates and quantifies dissolved ions such as chloride, nitrate, sulfate, sodium and ammonium. It is a standard method for common anions and cations in water and aqueous extracts.
1 test optionCommon anions & cationsSub-mg/L detection limitsTypical turnaround 4–6 working days
Ion Chromatography measurement principleIllustrative
01 / Overview
What is Ion Chromatography?
In ion chromatography an eluent carries the sample through an ion-exchange column, where ions are held back to different extents and leave at different times. A suppressor lowers the background conductivity of the eluent, and a conductivity detector measures each ion as it elutes.
IC quantifies several ions in one injection, including species such as nitrate, sulfate, phosphate and ammonium that elemental methods cannot tell apart. For total metal content, ICP-OES or ICP-MS is usually the better choice.
02 / How it works
How it works
- 01
Sample is filtered
Aqueous samples are filtered and diluted into the working range.
- 02
Ions are separated
Eluent carries the sample through an ion-exchange column; each ion leaves at its own time.
- 03
Background is suppressed
A suppressor exchanges eluent ions so analyte ions stand out in conductivity.
- 04
Peaks give concentrations
Peak areas are compared with standards to give each ion in mg/L.
03 / What it measures
What it measures
Common cations
Sodium, potassium, ammonium, calcium and magnesium.
Useful forWater, soil extracts, fertilisersNutrients in water
Nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and ammonium levels.
Useful forEnvironmental and agricultural waterIonic impurities
Trace ions in chemicals, process water and extracts.
Useful forChemicals, pharma, high-purity waterOrganic acid anions
Acetate, formate, oxalate and similar anions.
Useful forFermentation broths, foods, process liquors04 / Test options
Choose the Ion Chromatography options you need
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05 / Sample requirements
Sample requirements
- Accepted forms
- Water, effluents and aqueous extracts; solids after leaching, by discussion
- Quantity
- 20–50 mL of liquid per sample
- Container
- Clean plastic (PP or HDPE) bottles with tight caps
- Ions
- List the anions or cations needed and their expected range
- Storage
- Keep cool (around 4 °C); nitrite and phosphate should be analysed promptly
- Clean plastic bottles, filled and tightly capped
- Keep samples chilled and send them promptly
- Mention high salt, acid or organic content in the matrix
- No acid or chemical preservatives unless the lab advises
- No oily or particle-laden samples without discussing first
Hazardous or air-sensitive samples: mention it in your request, and attach the MSDS if you have one.
06 / Results & turnaround
Results & turnaround
What you receive
- Chromatogram for each sample
- Concentration of each requested ion (mg/L)
- Retention times and peak areas
- Calibration and check-standard details
- Report PDF
Turnaround & pricing
Typically 4–6 working days after samples reach the lab.
Price confirmed in your quotation, depending on user type, options and number of samples.
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