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Published on: January 5, 2017
A new organic carbon detector for size exclusion chromatography
Bradley P Allpike1, Anna Heitz, Cynthia A Joll
1Curtin Water Quality Research Centre, Centre for Applied Organic Geochemistry, Curtin University of Technology, G.P.O. Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia.
A new organic carbon detector (OCD) for size exclusion chromatography (SEC) uses Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for sensitive CO(2) detection. This novel system offers faster analysis of aquatic natural organic matter (NOM) in water samples.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Characterizing aquatic natural organic matter (NOM) is crucial for water quality assessment.
- Conventional organic carbon detectors can be limited by sensitivity or complexity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel organic carbon detector (OCD) for size exclusion chromatography (SEC).
- To apply the OCD for characterizing aquatic NOM in natural and treated potable water.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a UV-persulfate oxidation technique to convert organic carbon to CO(2).
- Employed a sensitive Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy 'lightpipe' detector for CO(2) detection.
- Constructed the OCD system using inexpensive, readily available components with minimized deadvolume.
Main Results:
- The novel OCD system demonstrated effective detection of CO(2) evolved from organic carbon.
- Downscaling the system allowed for smaller sample sizes and shorter analysis times.
- Observed a minor loss in separation efficiency attributed to the smaller column, not system dispersion.
Conclusions:
- The developed OCD system provides a sensitive and cost-effective method for NOM characterization.
- The FTIR lightpipe detector integration offers a novel approach to CO(2) detection in SEC.
- The system enables faster analysis of NOM in water samples while maintaining chromatographic integrity.
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