Analysis of inorganic anions in drainage water and soil solution by single-column ion chromatography

Abstract Single-column ion chromatography (SCIC) for cation determination in drainage water and soil solution was tested. Using a 100-μl sample loop, the SCIC detection limits were 0.04 mg l −1 for Na + , 0.02 mg l −1 for NH 4 -N, 0.06 mg l −1 for K + , 0.05 mg l −1 for Mg 2+ , and 0.085 mg l −1 for Ca 2+ . Results were highly reproducible in wide ranges of concentrations. Results obtained by the SCIC method were compared with those by atomic emission spectrometry (Na + and K + ) and atomic absorption spectrometry (Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ ). Student's t -test and regression analysis showed that corresponding methods agree closely.