CHROMATOGRAPHY
Detect Cr(VI) before it kills The universal platform for liquid chromatography Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is considered toxic and potentially carcinogenic, thus making it imperative that its concentration in environmental and drinking water should be as low as possible. Hexavalent chromium released into nature ends up in drinking water, causing significant contamination: even minute doses are harmful to the environment and to health. In the environment, chromium is encountered primarily in the two forms Cr(III) and Cr(VI). Whereas Cr(III) compounds pose no major risk (and are essential for humans), hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) is extremely harmful. A strong oxidising agent, Cr(VI) is classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic and damaging to the DNA. Acute chromium(VI) poisoning leads to renal damage. Chronic Cr(VI) exposure can lead to changes in the gastrointestinal tract. If inhaled, it can cause lung cancer.
Because hexavalent chromium dissolves very readily in water, the result is high bioavailability and mobility. Chromium is used in the production of steel (added to give greater hardness and resistance to corrosion), in the electroplating industry (surface treatment by means of chromium plating; passive films by means of chromatisation), in leather production (chrome tanning), and as a pigment in dyes and coatings. Chromium was also used as an impregnating agent for wood. Limestone and clay, the starting materials for cement, also contain chromium in the form of Cr(III), some of which oxidises to Cr(VI) during the production of cement. Metrohm has developed a highly sensitive ion chromatographic method for determining hexavalent chromium that is now part of the latest EPA Method 218.7. The analysis is explained in detail in the IC Application Note U-69, which can be found on the website.
METROHM SA (PTY) LTD Tel: (011) 656 1918 CPT: (021) 852 0213 DBN: (031) 265 0067 Fax: (011) 656 2698 076 643 7113 info@metrohm.co.za www.metrohm.co.za
Maximise the benefits of IC-MS IC-MS is a proven method for the highly sensitive and selective analysis of anions, oxoanions, herbicides and pesticides. Metrohm enhances the benefits of this method by integrating inline sample preparation for more convenience, higher throughput, and better reproducibility of results. The Metrohm IC-MS method is dedicated to developing selective, sensitive, robust and accelerated applications for the detection of ions in matrix-loaded samples (e.g. soil, foodstuffs, biomass, fertilizers, polymers, salts, explosives, pharmaceuticals, plating baths). Only small sample volumes in the µL-range are required and trace detection is possible even in the presence of interfering matrix components. Organic modifiers can be directly added to the eluent (up to 100%) to improve sample evaporation and MS-signals. For ultimate user convenience, the Metrohm IC can be combined with various brands of commercially available MS systems. Automated Metrohm Inline Sample Preparation (MISP) techniques (e.g. Inline Ultrafiltration, Dilution or Dialysis) protect the
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Analytical Reporter | Issue 6 | 2021
column, increase reproducibility of results, and minimise time required in the laboratory. The method was used to determine: • various small ions at trace-level concentrations such as fluoride, chloride, nitrite, bromide, nitrate, phosphate and sulphate • glyphosate and various other herbicides and their residues • perchlorate at ultra-trace levels in various matrices • oxoanions as well as thiosulfate and thiocyanate METROHM SA (PTY) LTD Tel: (011) 656 1918 CPT: (021) 852 0213 DBN: (031) 265 0067 Fax: (011) 656 2698 076 643 7113 info@metrohm.co.za www.metrohm.co.za
The Waters Acquity Premier solution is the next generation in liquid chromatographs that combines the Acquity Premier system with Acquity Premier columns, featuring MaxPeak High Performance Surface (HPS) technology, which vastly improves analytical data quality and eliminates the need for time-consuming and costly passivation. The Acquity Premier solution is designed to alleviate the problem of analyte/metal surface interactions when analysing organic acids, organophosphates, oligonucleotides, phosphopeptides, acidic glycans and phospholipids by reversed phase and hydrophilic interaction chromatography. For these analyses, the Acquity Premier system cuts the time from sample to results, improves analyte recovery and assay-to-assay reproducibility, to give separation scientists greater assurance in the
integrity of their qualitative and quantitative analytical results. MaxPeak HPS technology is a hybrid organic/inorganic surface technology that forms a barrier between the sample and the metal surfaces of both the system and column. By mitigating, or eliminating altogether, non-specific adsorption, the Acquity Premier improves peak shape and reproducibility for even the most challenging metal-sensitive compounds. MICROSEP (PTY) LTD Louis van Huyssteen Tel: (011) 553 2300 Fax: (011) 553 2400 louis.vanhuyssteen@microsep.co.za www.microsep.co.za
Routine anion/cation analysis made simple Metrohm Eco IC – The very best of ion chromatography available for everybody “Everybody should be able to benefit from the power of ion chromatography” - that is the idea of the Metrohm Eco IC. Focusing on the essentials, this new instrument provides the very best of ion chromatography at a very affordable price. Stripped from the ‘bells and whistles’ of sophisticated high-end instrumentation, the Eco IC enables straightforward and robust analysis of anions, cations and polar substances. The Eco IC is the preferred solution for users who: • do routine water analysis and need a dedicated solution • teach ion chromatography in higher education and depend on a simple and robust instrument • prefer an entry-level instrument at an affordable price, which they can upgrade any time to automate their analyses Hence, the Eco IC makes users happy with features that matter most to them, such as the following: • Intuitive, convenient
software (MagIC Net) to control their instrument • Smart system monitoring to safeguard robust operation while generating reliable and reproducible results • Readily available system automation for up to 36 samples • Exceptional Swiss quality backed by unique warranties • Proficient on-site service and support by a large team of METROHM SA (PTY) LTD local, highly Tel: (011) 656 1918 experienced CPT: (021) 852 0213 experts DBN: (031) 265 0067 Fax: (011) 656 2698 076 643 7113 info@metrohm.co.za www.metrohm.co.za
