Shortening Run Times for Perchlorate Determination in Drinking Water Using Refinements in Ion Chromatography

Drinking Water
Poster Presentation

Prepared by C. Fisher1, J. Hu2, J. Rohrer2, C. Shevlin1
1 - Thermo Fisher Scientific, 490 Lakeside Dr., Sunnyvale, California, 94085, United States
2 - Thermo Fisher Scientific, 1214 Oakmead Parkway, Sunnyvale, CA, 94085, United States


Contact Information: [email protected]; 14084814208


ABSTRACT

Perchlorate is widely used as the oxidizing component in solid propellants for rockets, munitions, and fireworks. An unfortunate consequence of this production has been perchlorate contamination of soil, groundwater, and drinking water, leading to adverse health effects. In high doses perchlorate can disrupt thyroid function and hormone production, and therefore negatively impact the growth and development of fetuses and children and the healthy metabolism in adults. To minimize these adverse effects, several US states have established health-based goals or advisory levels for perchlorate in drinking water. A commonly used method for determination of perchlorate in drinking water is United States Environmental Protection Agency Method 314.0, which uses ion chromatography (IC) with suppressed conductivity detection. The work presented here will demonstrate the determination of perchlorate in drinking water at parts per billion levels using a high resolution and high capacity, small particle (4 µm) separation column that reduces analysis time per injection by three minutes, increasing throughput by 20%. Data was collected using an innovative new IC system that features enhancements that automate operation and increase component accessibility, decreasing analyst hands on time, while increasing reproducibility.