INVESTIGATION OF CHELATING DYE IMPREGNATED RESINS FOR THE ION CHROMATOGRAPHIC DETERMINATION OF TRACE METALS

Abstract

A high-performance chelation ion chromatography (HPCIC) system using chelating dye impregnated resins for the determination of trace metals in various complex matrices is described. The parameters involved in the production of dye impregnated chelating columns have been identified and optimised, A range of chelating dyes have been impregnated successfully into high-performance substrates, producing a number of chelating columns capable of both metal preconcentration and separations. Each of the chelating columns produced exhibited unique chelating properties. These columns have been classified in terms of metal retention characteristics, separation capability and efficiency, dye loading and column capacities. A number of the above dye impregnated chelating columns have been employed successfully for the determination of trace metals in various sample types. This includes the determination of transition and heavy metals in seawater at low ug dm'^ levels, the determination of aluminium in seawater, the determination of alkaline earth metals in oil-well brines and the determination of barium and strontium in calcium containing matrices such as mineral waters and milk powder.