Measurement and Results - Separating nitrite and sulfate in waste water by ion chromatography (IC)

Separation of nitrite and sulfate is usually not a problem when running clean samples, so you will want to make sure that any separation issues are not due to the IC instrument. Run a nitrite and sulfate standard in DI water to make sure that you are getting good separation. If the separation is poor then try lowering the flow rate or eluent concentration to improve resolution. Make sure to extend your run time after changing your method. If changing the method does not improve separation then the column may be contaminated. Check your column manual for cleanup procedures. Check your PEEK tubing connections if you see tailing in your peaks. Try rerunning the waste water sample once you get good separation in a clean matrix. If the sample still has poor separation try changing the injection volume by either changing the sample loop or diluting your sample. Your sample may be overloading the column causing poor separation.