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Updated: May 17, 2026
11:18
A Practical Guide on Coupling a Scanning Mobility Sizer and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (SMPS-ICPMS)
Published on: July 11, 2017
A comprehensive and suitable method for determining major ions from atmospheric particulate matter matrices
José S S Domingos1, Ana Carla D Regis, João V S Santos
1Universidade Federal da Bahia, Instituto de Química, 40170-290, Campus de Ondina, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
Journal of Chromatography. A
|November 3, 2012
Summary
This study introduces a fast ion chromatography method for analyzing multiple ions in airborne particles. The technique accurately quantifies various anions and cations in particulate matter samples.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Atmospheric Science
Background:
- Particulate matter (PM) contains various ions crucial for air quality and ecosystem health.
- Simultaneous analysis of diverse ions in PM is challenging, requiring efficient methodologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a single-run analytical method for quantifying multiple inorganic, monocarboxylate, dicarboxylate, and tricarboxylate anions, along with crustal cations in airborne particles.
- To establish a cost-effective and reliable method for ion analysis in PM samples, including those from remote locations.
Main Methods:
- Ion chromatography with conductivity detection was optimized for simultaneous anion and cation analysis.
- Specific eluent gradients and flow rates were determined for optimal separation and quantification.
- Method validation included assessment of limits of detection (LOD), quantification (LOQ), and recovery rates.
Main Results:
- Simultaneous quantification of 11 anions and 6 cations in airborne particles was achieved in a single run.
- Achieved LODs ranged from 3.0 to 130 µgm⁻³, and LOQs were between 10 and 400 µgm⁻³.
- Recovery rates varied from 89% for Ca²⁺ to 120% for Li⁺, demonstrating method reliability.
Conclusions:
- The developed ion chromatography method is comprehensive, simple, cheap, and reliable for analyzing a wide spectrum of ions in PM samples.
- This method is suitable for studying ions in particulate matter from various environments, including pristine ecosystems.
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