Analysis of anions in drinking water by capillary ion electrophoresis

Capillary ion electrophoresis (CIE) (Waters' trade name: Capillary Ion Analysis, CIA) is a capillary electrophoretic technique which is optimized for the rapid analysis of low-molecular-mass inorganic and organic ions. An electroosmotic flow modifier (OFM) was added to the chromate electrolyte and a negative power supply was used. Indirect UV detection at 254 nm was used throughout. Analysis of anions in a variety of drinking water samples was done. Anion analysis using this technique is rapid (less than 5.5 min), with little sample preparation required. Comparison of anion amounts found using CIA and conventional suppressed ion chromatography (IC) was done with good correlation between the two techniques.