Ion Chromatography, Working and Applications

Ion chromatography is an analytical technique used to separate and analyze ions in a solution, widely applied in water quality testing, environment, and research.

Table of Contents

Context: Scientists at the University of Tasmania, Australia, have developed a portable ion chromatograph (Aquamonitrix).

What is Chromatography?

Chromatography is a separation technique used to separate the components of a mixture based on their movement through a medium.

How it works

Mixture (sample) is dissolved in a “mobile phase” (liquid or gas).
Passed through a “stationary phase” (solid surface or column).
Different components move at different speeds → get separated.

Applications

Used in

forensics,
pharmaceuticals,
food safety,
water testing, and
chemical analysis.

What is Ion Chromatography (IC)?

A special type of chromatography designed to separate and measure ions (charged particles) in a solution.

How it works

Sample solution passes through a column filled with material that interacts with ions.
Different ions (anions or cations) are separated based on how strongly they interact with the column.
A detector (like UV absorbance) identifies and measures them.

Uses

Detecting pollutants (nitrate, nitrite, fluoride, sulfate, chloride).
Monitoring drinking water safety, soil chemistry, industrial processes, and environmental pollution.