Application Finder

The study of adverse effects of air pollution requires semi-continuous, rapid and accurate measurements of inorganic species in aerosols and their gas phase components in ambient air. The most promising instruments, often referred to as steam collecting devices, are the Particle-Into-Liquid-Sampler (PILS) coupled to wet-chemical analyzers such as a cation and/or anion chromatograph (IC) and the Monitoring instrument for AeRosols and GAses (MARGA) with two integrated ICs. Both instruments comprise gas denuders, a condensation particle growth sampler as well as pump and control devices. While PILS uses two consecutive fixed denuders and a downstream growth chamber, the MARGA system is composed of a Wet Rotating Denuder (WRD) and a Steam-Jet Aerosol Collector (SJAC). Although the aerosol samplers of PILS and MARGA use different assemblies, both apply the technique of growing aerosol particles into droplets in a supersaturated water vapor environment. Previously mixed with carrier water, the collected droplets are continuously fed into sample loops or preconcentration columns for on-line IC analysis. While PILS has been designed to sample aerosols only, MARGA additionally determines water-soluble gases. Compared to the classical denuders, which remove gases from the air sample upstream of the growth chamber, MARGA collects the gaseous species in a WRD for on-line analysis. In contrast to the gases, aerosols have low diffusion speeds and thus neither dissolve in the PILS denuders nor in the WRD. Proper selection of the ion chromatographic conditions of PILS-IC allows a precise determination, within 4 to 5 minutes, of seven major inorganic species (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, NO3- and SO4 2-) in fine aerosol particles. With longer analysis times (10-15 minutes) even airborne low-molecular-weight organic acids, such as acetate, formate and oxalate can be analyzed. MARGA additionally facilitates the simultaneous determination of HCl, HNO3, HNO2, SO2 and NH3.PILS and MARGA provide semi-continuous, long-term stand-alone measurements (1 week) and can measure particulate pollutants in the ng/m3 range.

This work was carried out with a Metrosep C 2 - 150 separation column, the following eluent parameters being investigated: nitric, tartaric, citric and oxalic acid concentration and concentration of the complexing anion of dipicolinic acid (DPA). The aim was to determine the effect of these parameters plus that of the column temperature on the retention times of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, ammonium and amines using ion exchange chromatography with non-suppressed conductivity detection. Due to similar affinities for the ion exchange column, transition metals are difficult to separate with the classical nitric, tartaric, citric and oxalic acid eluents. Partial complexation with the dipicolinate ligand significantly shortens the retention times and improves the separation efficiency. However, too strong complexation results in a rapid passage through the column and thus in a complete loss of separation. Apart from a change in the elution order of magnesium and calcium at high DPA concentrations, other non-amine cations are only slightly affected by the eluent composition. Irrespective of the tartaric acid and nitric acid concentration in the eluent, an increase in column temperature shortens the retention times and slightly improves the peak symmetries of organic amine cations, particularly in the case of the trimethylamine cation. In contrast, an increase in column temperature in the presence of DPA concentrations exceeding 0.02 mmol/L increases the retention time of the transition metals. Depending on the separation problem, variation of the pH value, the use of a complexing agent and/or an increase in column temperature are powerful tools for broadening the scope of cation chromatography.

Comparative measurements show that the new Metrosep C 4 cation column has even better separation characteristics than the previous Metrosep C 2 and Metrosep Cation 1-2 column types. The Metrosep C 4 column has a clearly improved peak shape which leads to a better separation of the individual peaks. Using Metrosep C 4 the number of theoretical plates per meter was noticeably higher than that obtained on the Metrosep C 2 or C 1-2 column. Additionally for standard cations transition metals and amines, the Metrosep C 4 column shows better results with respect to peak shape, peak height, resolution and asymmetry factor. The clearly improved resolution of the C 4 column with its narrow and high peaks achieves baseline separation for six standard and six transition metal cations. Analysis times and peak areas obtained with the C 4 column are in the same range as those obtained with its predecessors.As a result of the latest production methods and materials, the promising Metrosep C 4 column excels by an outstanding separation performance for complex mixtures comprising standard cations, transition metal cations and amines.

The combination of 850 Professional IC, 858 Professional Sample Processor, Dosino and MagIC NetTM software offers a variety of automated ion chromatographic sample preparation and calibration techniques available as an anion, cation or dual channel system. Calibration is straightforward and requires only one multi-ion standard.Inline calibration allows the calibration of any standard concentration in the ppt range by using one single stable standard solution at the ppb level. By using a preconcentration column and switching the valves one, two or more times different calibration concentrations at the ultra-trace level can be created with unprecedented reproducibility. The inline preconcentration technique uses a pre-concentration column and is ideally suited for trace analysis in complex matrices, especially when combined with matrix elimination. Besides facilitating the preparation of g/L to ng/L calibration graphs Metrohm`s intelligent techniques are capable of logical decision making. While Metrohm`s intelligent Partial Loop technique (MiPT) allows samples with a wide concentration range to be injected without previous manual dilution, the intelligent inline dilution technique, after the first sample injection, compares peak areas, calculates, if necessary, the dilution factor, dilutes and automatically re-injects the sample. The presented inline techniques allow the rationalization of the time-consuming, error-prone and cost-intensive manual preparation of standard solutions. They guarantee that the determined sample concentrations always lie within the calibration range. Higher sample throughputs as well as lower analysis costs and improved data reliability are achieved.

In routine chemical analysis, the predominant challenge involves a higher sample throughput, improved reproducibility, liquid handling flexibility and reduced personnel costs. In response to these requirements, the 872 Extension Module Liquid Handling in combination with the MagIC NetTM software and the well-proven Dosino technology expands the possibilities of inline sample preparation and opens up new fields of application. Among others, the module can be used, together with an optional mixing vessel, for pH adjustments, pre-column derivatizations, or the mixing of solutions.As a representative of an inline sample preparation technique, this poster describes the performance of precise dilutions. By using only one single stable standard solution, multi-point calibration curves can be automatically recorded by diluting a concentrated standard in an external vessel.

The presented IC system with inline sample preparation allows the determination of traces of lithium and sodium (ppt) in the presence of ppm quantities of ammonium and ethanolamine.

This poster presents an approach that couples a Particle-Into-Liquid-Sampler (PILS) to a dual-channel ion chromatograph (IC) for measurement of aerosol anions and cations and a voltammetric measuring stand (VA) to determine the heavy metals. Feasibility of the PILS-IC-VA online system was demonstrated by collecting aerosol samples in Herisau Switzerland, at defined time intervals; air pollution events were simulated by burning lead- and cadmium-coated sparklers.

The potentiometric titration of Kjeldahl nitrogen is one of the most common analytic procedures. It is referenced in numerous standards, ranging from the food and animal feed industries through sewage and waste analysis and all the way to the fertilizer industry. As a rule, the samples are digested with concentrated sulfuric acid with the addition of a catalyst. The ammonium sulfate that is formed is distilled as ammonia in alkali solution, collected in an absorption solution and titrated there.This Bulletin provides a detailed description of potentiometric nitrogen determination following distillation of the digestion solution, followed by a discussion of the possibilities of coulometric titration (without distillation).

Methods are described for the potentiometric analysis of the following bath components:Brass plating bath: copper, zinc, free cyanide, ammonium, carbonate, and sulfite.Bronze plating bath: copper, tin, and free cyanide.

The potassium (or ammonium) ion is precipitated with sodium tetraphenyl borate, and the excess of this reagent back-titrated against the thallous(I) ion, using biamperometric endpoint detection. Ammonium can either be titrated together in an acid solution, or driven off by previous boiling in an alkaline solution. Methods are given for determining potassium in the presence of large excesses of sodium, ammonium, calcium, and magnesium.

Although the known photometric methods for the determination of ammonia/ammonium are accurate, they require a considerable amount of time (Nessler method 30 min, indophenol method 90 min reaction time). A further disadvantage of these methods is that only clear solutions can be measured. Opaque solutions must first be clarified by time-consuming procedures. These problems do not exist with the ion-selective ammonia electrode. Measurements can be easily performed in waste water, liquid fertilizer, and urine as well as in soil extracts. Especially for fresh water and waste water samples several standards, such as ISO 6778, EPA 350.2, EPA 305.3 and ASTM D1426, describe the analysis of ammonium by ion measurement. In this Application Bulletin, the determination according to these standards is described besides the determination of other samples as well as some general tips and tricks on how to handle the ammonia ion selective electrode. Determination of ammonia in ammonium salts, of the nitric acid content in nitrates, and of the nitrogen content of organic compounds with the ion-selective ammonia electrode is based on the principle that the ammonium ion is released as ammonia gas upon addition of excess caustic soda:NH4+ + OH- = NH3 + H2OThe outer membrane of the electrode allows the ammonia to diffuse through. The change in the pH value of the inner electrolyte solution is monitored by a combined glass electrode. If the substance to be measured is not present in the form of an ammonium salt, it must first be converted into one. Organic nitrogen compounds, especially amino compounds are digested according to Kjeldahl by heating with concentrated sulfuric acid. The carbon is oxidized to carbon dioxide in the process while the organic nitrogen is transformed quantitatively into ammonium sulfate.

This Bulletin gives a survey of standard methods from the field of water analysis. You will also find the analytical instruments required for the respective determinations and references to the corresponding Metrohm Application Bulletins and Application Notes. The following parameters are dealt with: electrical conductivity, pH value, fluoride, ammonium and Kjeldahl nitrogen, anions and cations by means of ion chromatography, heavy metals by means of voltammetry, chemical oxygen demand (COD), water hardness, free chlorine as well as a few other water constituents.

The two potentiometric titration methods described here allow the determination of the content of commercial betaine solutions. Neither method is suitable for determining the betaine content of formulations. The possibilities and limits of both methods are described and distinctive features and possible sources of interference are mentioned. The Bulletin explains the most important theoretical principles and is intended to help users to develop their own product-specific titration methods.

Determination of sodium, ammonium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in 4% boric acid using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of zinc, lithium, cobalt, sodium, ammonium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, and calcium in power plant feed water stabilized with 7 ppm monoethanolamine using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of lead, zinc, indium, cadmium, cobalt, ammonium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, and calcium using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of sodium, ammonium, methylamine, guanidine (Gu), and aminoguanidine (Agu) in wastewater using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of sodium, ammonium, and potassium in polyethers using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of sodium, ammonium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in betaine using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of sodium, ammonium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in a grapefruit soft drink using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection after advanced dialysis for inline sample preparation.

Determination of sodium, ammonium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in a functional fruit juice using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection after advanced dialysis for inline sample preparation.

Determination of sodium, potassium, DMEA (dimethylethanolamine), calcium, choline, and magnesium in a saline solution using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of ammonium, magnesium, and calcium in a fertilizer using cation chromatography with directconductivity detection.

Determination of trace levels of lithium, sodium, ammonium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium in boiler feed water using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of ammonium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium in a liquid fertilizer using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection..

Determination of betaine in the presence of standard cations in an Echinacea product using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of traces of lithium, sodium, ammonium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in ethanol using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection after Metrohm Inline Matrix Elimination.

Determination of choline in infant milk powder using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection applying Metrohm Inline Dialysis.

Determination of traces of ammonium in the presence of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Long-term determination of standard cations with automatic inline eluent preparation using Dosino and Level Control instruments and cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of lysine as well as sodium, ammonium, potassium, and calcium in bulk lysine using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of sodium, ammonium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium in an ambient aerosol (PM2.5) using aerosol sampling with the PILS (Particle Into Liquid Sampler) and cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Calibration of lithium, sodium, ammonium, zinc, potassium, magnesium, and calcium using the partial loop technique and cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection. This technique allows a calibration range of 1:100 (e.g. 1 μg/L to 100 μg/L corresponding to 2 μL to 200 μL injected volume) out of 1 calibration solution. Applying the full range of partial loop injection to the samples one calibration covers a sample concentration range of 1 to 10'000 e.g. 2 μL of a 10 mg/L solution corresponds to the highest calibration level (100 μg/L) while 200 μL of a 1 μg/L solution corresponds to the lowest calibration level.

Determination of lithium, sodium, ammonium, zinc, potassium, magnesium, and calcium impurities in syringe filters using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of Bethanechol Chloride and HPTA (2-hydroxy-propyl-trimethyl ammonium chloride) besides sodium and calcium using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of lithium, sodium, ammonium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and strontium in brine using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of lithium, sodium, ammonium, potassium, manganese, calcium, magnesium, strontium, and barium using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of lithium, sodium, ammonium, potassium, manganese, calcium, magnesium, strontium, and barium in an offshore effluent using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection.

Determination of lithium, sodium, ammonium, and monoethanolamine (MEA) using cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection and Metrohm Inline Preconcentration and Inline Calibration.

Eluent preparation on demand (EPOD) is the convenient and flexible way of automatic eluent preparation. The 849 Level Control together with an 800 Dosino equipped with a 50 mL dosing unit are used to dilute an eluent concentrate to the required eluent concentration. The use of eluent concentrates is suitable for any eluent. This facilitates unattended operation of the system over several weeks (see AN S-296 for anion eluent preparation).

Drinking water analysis is strongly regulated by standards. In this Application Note, the cation determination according to ISO 14911 is shown. The Metrosep C 4 - 150/4.0 is the optimum separation column for this purpose.

Water chemistry of the water-steam cycle is crucial for maintaining plant reliability and for ensuring optimal plant operational conditions. Impurities such as corrosion products in ionic, colloidal, or oxide forms are ubiquitous in feedwater, condensate, and reactor coolant. This application shows the determination of sub-ppb levels of Cu, Ni, Zn and standard cations (e.g., Na+, NH4+, Mg2+, Ca2+) in the water-steam cycle of a BWR.

Water in steel-based cooling systems requires a pH value slightly above 7 to prevent corrosion. Often ammonium or organic amines are applied for pH adjustement. This application shows the separation of typical amines besides inorganic cations. Sample preconcentration applies combined Inline Preconcentration and Matrix Elimination (MiPCT-ME).

The Metrosep C 6 columns have a higher capacity than those of the Metrosep C 4. The present Application Note describes the exceptional separating efficiency for standard cations with the three Metrosep C 6 column lengths available. The outstanding sodium-ammonia separation is particularly noteworthy.

Maritime pore water contains sodium in the percentage range. The analysis of ammonia in this kind of sample requires a high column capacity and an exceptionally good separation of sodium and ammonia. These requirements are completely fulfilled by a 2 µL injection to the high-capacity Metrosep C 6 - 250/4.0 column.

The determination of low ammonium concentrations besides excess sodium is demanding due to the small retention time difference of these two cations. This Application Note shows direct conductivity detection as an ideal means to detect ammonium in a wastewater sample containing 400 mg/L sodium. AN-S-313 shows the analysis of nitrite traces.

Bethanechol is a pharmaceutical compound which is used to treat urinary retention. This API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) can be determined by cation chromatography with direct conductivity detection. A good separation is achieved between bethanechol and its degradation product 2-hydroxy-propyl-trimethyl ammonium (HPTA) and the standard cations. Peak shape and resolution meet the USP requirements for bethanechol.

Sample dilution is a work-intensive routine task in the analysis laboratory. An automatic two-step dilution exponentiates the dilution factor – 1:100 – thus incorporating a dilution factor of 10,000. The intelligent dilution is made possible by MagIC Net, which calculates the essential dilution steps, and by the dosing properties of the 800 Dosino and the Liquid Handling Station. The Application Note shows statistical results of a 1:10,000 dilution.

Cleanliness is indispensable in electronics production. Ionic contaminations in particular lead to a drastic worsening of the quality of the printed circuit boards. The present Application Note describes the determination of cations on printed circuit board surfaces. The intelligent Partial Loop Injection Technique (MiPT) used for this purpose permits the determination of cations and anions in the same sample. The determination of the anions is described in AN-S-317.

Fast IC means short run times on separation columns with a relatively high flow rate and the standard eluent. Here the standard cations are separated within eleven minutes on the Metrosep C 4 - 250/2.0. The sodium and ammonium peaks are separated from one another under these conditions.

Fast IC means short run times on separation columns with a relatively high flow rate. Separation with the Metrosep C 4 - 150/2.0 is even quicker than that in the AN-C-150 at 1.1 mL/min. Here, the standard cations are separated within five minutes. Under the selected conditions, sodium and ammonium are no longer completely separated.

The column stability of the Metrosep C 6 - 250/4.0 was determined in long-term laboratory tests. Two injection series per day were run on each of six days in a row. Each series was comprised of nine tap water injections, three check standard injections and six tap water injections. The IC system was shut down on the seventh day of each series. As a whole, the system ran over 10 weeks and counted a total of 2,150 injections. The results show an outstanding reproducibility and verify the high column stability.

Intelligent Inline Preconcentration with Inline Matrix Elimination (MiPCT-ME) is used for trace determination of the six standard cations in addition to zinc and diethylamine. The analysis is completed within 24 minutes on the Metrosep C 4 - 250/2.0 Microbore column. The recovery rates are in excess of 95%. The detection limits calculated with the MagIC Net software are in the lower ng/L range for a preconcentration volume of 4 mL.

Biogenic amines and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) are indicators for the quality of grape fermentation. The consumption of amine-rich wines often leads to headaches, which is why the amine concentrations in wine must be monitored. This Application Note describes the determination of trimethylamine N-oxide, putrescine, cadaverine and histamine, in addition to various standard cations, with the aid of the Metrosep C 6 - 100/4.0 column and subsequent direct conductivity detection.

Ammonia is present in tobacco – either naturally or added – and is realesed during smoking. Ammonia increases the appeal of smoking, and is therefore considered to increase the addictive potential. The determination of ammonium in tobacco is performed by acid extraction and ion chromatographic separation followed by non-suppressed conductivity detection.

Tobacco additives may contain cations like ammonium (see AN-C-168) as well as other cations as counter ions of organic acids. These additives include components to retain moisture and flavor of the tobacco. Ammonium is added to increase the appeal of smoking, and is therefore considered to increase the addictive potential. The determination of cations in tobacco additives is performed by ion chromatographic separation followed by non-suppressed conductivity detection.

N-methyldiethanolamine and piperazine are used in scrubber solutions, e.g., in the natural gas process. Testing this type of samples by ion chromatography requires a good resolution and the separation of amines from standard cations. The separation is achieved on a Metrosep C 4 - 150/4.0 column applying direct conductivity detection.

Cation content in snow is greatly dependent on sampling site. Samples from remote areas are expected to exhibit lower cation concentrations. This application shows the analysis of a snow sample from an open field in an agricultural zone. Separation is performed on a microbore Metrosep C 6 - 100/2.0 column with direct conductivity detection. The relatively high ammonia content can be explained by animal husbandry in the vicinity of the sampling site.

Cation content in snow is greatly dependent on sampling site. Roadside samples are likely to exhibit a high sodium content caused by the use of road salt. This application shows the analysis of a snow sample from a roadside. Separation is performed on a microbore Metrosep C 6 - 250/2.0 column with direct conductivity detection. The 250 mm column was selected due to the large difference in concentrations between sodium and ammonia. This condition enables a baseline separation of the two cations.

Potassium bitartrate for pharmaceutical use must comply with USP requirements. The actual monograph (USP 42) uses a colorimetric method for the determination of ammonium impurities. Ion chromatography allows the measurement in a single determination under the same conditions used for the potassium assay (see AN-C-181). In the course of the USP monograph modernization, this ion chromatographic approach makes this type of analysis even easier.

Lanthanum (La) is a transition metal which oxidizes easily in air to lanthanum(III) oxide. This oxide, as well as salts resulting from its dissolution in acid and recrystallization, is a component of different catalysts. Here, a lanthanum(III) acetate solution prepared by dissolution of lanthanum(III) oxide in acetic acid, has to be tested for a sodium contamination. The high concentration of La3+ is complexed by the dipicolinic acid in the eluent and forms anionic complexes. These complexes are eluted in the front and therefore do not interfere with the sodium impurity as well as other cations such as ammonium and calcium.

Wastewaters often contain high loads of sodium, making the determination of minor cations quite a challenge. In the present wastewater study, the determination of lithium, ammonium, zinc, strontium, and barium is requested. If the sodium concentration exceeds 2 g/L, this negatively influences the peak shape of closely eluting peaks. Applying a appropriate dilution factor to the sample enables the quantification of minor cations. Therefore zinc and barium can be properly quantified with a dilution ratio of 1:2, while lithium and ammonium require minimum dilution factors of at least 1:10 and 1:100, respectively.

Harmful industrial flue gases like H2S and CO2 cause corrosion of pipes and damage the environment. Adding the correct amount of amines in scrubber solutions, e.g. ethanolamines and methylamines, will neutralize these gases («gas sweetening»). Non-suppressed cation analysis with direct conductivity detection is a straightforward and robust technique for the quantification of monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), monomethylamine (MMA), dimethylamine (DMA), and trimethylamine (TMA) via ion chromatography. Thanks to the high capacity of the Metrosep C 6 column, large volumes can be injected without compromising the peak shapes. The analytical technique can be used at laboratory scale but also for process analysis.

Microbore ion chromatography offers better sensitivity, shorter retention times, and consumes less eluent, increasing sample throughput and reducing running costs.

Cation chromatography with sequential suppression enables the determination of cations in their hydrogen carbonate form. The eluent – usually nitric acid – is converted into carbonic acid. Following its decomposition into carbon dioxide and water, the former is continuously removed by the CO2 suppressor. The reduction of baseline noise thus achieved permits the lowering of the detection limits and improves reproducibility, even at very low cation concentrations. This Note shows the reproducibilities determined for cation concentrations of 10 µg/L.

Ammonium determination after sequential suppression frequently exhibits non-linear calibration curves. The reason for this is the ammonium hydroxide that arises and that is present in a form characterized by low dissociation. The sequential cation suppression forms the more highly dissociated ammonium hydrogen carbonate. Ammonium and the other standard cations exhibit linear calibration curves (R > 0.9997).

This Application Note shows the selectivity of the Metrosep C Supp 1 - 250/4.0 column for alkyl and ethanol amines in addition to standard cations under isocratic conditions. Quantification takes place using conductivity detection following sequential suppression.

Lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) is used as an electrolyte in rechargeable batteries. Its high solubility in non-polar solvents and its non-coordinating character in particular make lithium hexafluorophosphate the ideal salt for use in lithium-ion cells. This Application describes the determination of cation traces in LiPF6 with conductivity detection following sequential suppression.

Biogenic amines are released during the winemaking process. In wine, they are present as odorless salts. However, in the mouth their flavor is partially liberated, influencing the appearance for the wine taste. Besides this, biogenic amines have been related to lack of hygiene or poor manufacturing practices. The biogenic amines are determined applying suppressed cation chromatography.

Acidic solutions used as scrubber solutions for ammonium typically have a pH of 2 or lower. This pH value is too low for silica based IC columns typically applied in direct conductivity detection of cations. The Metrosep C Supp 2 - 250/4.0 is polymer based and allows injecting low pH samples. An acidified drinking water sample spiked with ammonium is analyzed. The results indicate that such acidic solutions can be analyzed with conductivity detection after sequential cation suppression.

Cation analysis by IC in wastewater is a proven method. Limiting factor is often the Na/NH4 separation. High sodium concentrations may make ammonium determination impossible due to peak overlapping. The use of sequential suppression and a Dose-in gradient improve the Na/NH4 separation and enables determination of low ammonium concentrations.

Determination of trace levels of cations and amines in hydrogen peroxide is important in quality determination of high-grade semiconductor chemicals. In particular, some manufactures look for 1 ppb trimethylamine or less in hydrogen peroxide samples. Ion chromatography after MiPCT-ME* with conductivity detection after sequential cation suppression is applied.

Ion chromatography (IC) provides an automated, fast, and sensitive solution to accurately quantify cationic and anionic components including acetate simultaneously. This comprehensive approach makes IC an economic alternative to traditional techniques for the quality control of pharmaceutical solutions like haemodialysis concentrates. Ease-of use, accuracy, and the high-throughput of IC increase productivity and comply with the demands of modern routine and research labs.

Advances in polymeric membranes and screen-printed technologies have enabled miniaturized, portable potentiometric sensors ideal for point-of-care analysis.

Differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) is used to monitor gaseous and volatile species during electrochemical reactions in situ.

Determination of ammonium ions in ammonium salts and mixtures containing ammonium ion.

Results from three separate single endpoint titrations are used to calculate the results. The mixture of H2SO4, HF, and NH4F/HF contains H+ from H2SO4, HF, and NH4F/HF, SO42- from H2SO4, and F- from HF and NH4F/HF. Analysis of total H+ («total acids») by NaOH titration, F- by titrating with Al(NO3)3 («total fluoride») and SO42- by titrating with BaCl2 provides the information required to determine the composition of the mixture.

A direct thermometric titration (TET) with 2 mol/L NaOH is used to determine the HF, NH4F, and maleic acid (C4H4O4) contents of acid cleaning solutions. Three endpoints (EPs) are obtained, which may be assigned as follows:EP1: C4H4O4 (pKa1 = 1.9), HF (pKa = 3.17)EP2: C4H4O4 (pKa2 = 6.07)EP2: NH4F (pKa = 8.2)The HF content is determined by subtracting the difference (EP2-EP1) from EP1.

Fertilizers are applied in the agricultural sector to provide more essential nutrients to growing plants. The so-called «NPK» fertilizers provide such nutrients to plants with its three main components (N – nitrogen, P – phosphorous, K – potassium). In fertilizers, nitrogen is mainly provided in three forms: as ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), ammonia (NH3), and urea (H2NCONH2). Determination of the individual nitrogen-contributing components is often laborious work. Thermometric titration offers the possibility to rapidly determine the amount of ammoniacal nitrogen and urea nitrogen in a single titration using sodium hypochlorite as titrant.

Determination of ammonia (ammonium) in distilled water by direct potentiometry using the NH3-ISE.

Ammonia determination via NH3 ISE requires precise calibration. Details on this are provided by the present Application Note.

As nitrogen is essential nutrient for plants, it is an essential constituent of many fertilizers. It is present there in different forms, mainly as ammonium or nitrate. Knowing the nitrogen concentration and the form in which is present helps to select the right fertilizer for the plants. For producers of fertilizers, it is therefore necessary to indicate the concentration of ammonium nitrogen in their product.This Application Note shows how to determine ammonium in liquid fertilizers by means of a standard addition.

Nitrogen is essential for plant growth. In soil, it can be present in the form of nitrate, ammonium, or urea. Knowing the nitrogen content of soil and in which form it is present helps selecting the right kind of fertilizer to stimulate plant growth.This Application Note shows a fast and reliable way to determine the ammonium concentration in soil by using standard addition.

This Application Note offers an easy way to determine the ammonia content in cacao nibs by using ion measurement, applying the standard addition technique in a reliable cost- and time-saving manner.

This Process Application Note details the simultaneous online analysis of H2S and NH3 in sour water which was previously treated in the sour water stripper (SWS). The method includes automatic cleaning and calibration. Fast and accurate results are continuously supplied for process control.

This Process Application Note deals with online measurements of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in wastewater treatment plants. These nitrogen compounds are analyzed simultaneously using a drift-free colorimetric measurement in a multi-parameter process analyzer from Metrohm Process Analytics.

In the Solvay process, ammonium hydrogen carbonate and table salt are converted to sodium hydrogen carbonate and ammonium chloride. Heating the former yields sodium carbonate (soda), an important raw material for the soap and glass industries. Ammonia is an incipient and is regenerated almost completely through conversion of the ammonium chloride with lime milk (Ca(OH)2).A Metrohm process analyzer monitors the ammonia content in the saturated table salt solution after absorption tower, thus guaranteeing a good product yield in the carbonization tower. Additional parameters which can be determined with the analyzer in the Solvay process include: alkalinity, carbonate, chloride, calcium oxide and carbon dioxide.

Thermal power plants require enormous amounts of water, using high purity steam at high pressure to rotate turbines. A separate cooling water circuit is implemented, which helps to form a vacuum when the steam condenses after the turbines. Maintaining this vacuum with optimal condensation parameters is critical for the power plant efficiency. The copper condensers are susceptible to corrosion by ammonia, leading to an upper limit of 2 mg/L NH3 set by EPRI in cooling water. Small cracks in the condenser combined with the large pressure differential between the steam circuit and the cooling water circuit will contaminate the high purity water in the boiler, causing major problems and necessitating a shutdown for plant maintenance. Monitoring NH3 online in cooling water with a process analyzer can signal early problems in a plant before significant intermediation is necessary.

In power plants, corrosion is the primary factor leading to costly and critical downtimes. In a nuclear power plant, a separate water circuit known as the Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) ensures radioactive material stays contained while still transferring heat and energy to the other circuits. Boric acid and lithium hydroxide are added specially to the PWR circuit in amounts which can complicate other analytical measurements. Lithium prevents corrosion and must be monitored, along with other cations such as zinc, nickel, and ammonium. In order to measure these cations online at sub-µg/L range in a single analysis, the 2060 IC Process Analyzer is offered with combined Inline Preconcentration and Inline Matrix Elimination. Several cations can be analyzed in a single injection, with automated sample preparation making precise and reliable measurements easier.

Rapid inline monitoring of the major SC1/SC2 bath constituents is possible with reagent-free near-infrared spectroscopy, e.g., the 2060 The NIR-R Analyzer.

A setup that allows online sampling is crucial for immediate and contamination-free analysis of power plant water samples. This application recommends a setup that facilitates simultaneous anion/cation determinations. Automated inline sample preparation combines variable preconcentration (MiPCT) and calibration with a single multi-ion standard. AN-Q-005 shows the respective anion results.

Nitrogen-based compounds are widely distributed in the environment and are essential growth nutrients for photosynthetic organisms. Therefore, it is important to monitor and control the amount of nitrogen compounds which are released into the environment.In this Application Note, a method to determine the nitrogen content in water by Kjeldahl digestion and distillation followed by a photometric or potentiometric titration according to ASTM D3590 is presented. The universality, precision, and reproducibility of the Kjeldahl method have made it the internationally recognized method for e.g. estimating the protein content in many matrices and it is the standard method to which all other methods are judged against.

This article describes the composition of atmospheric inorganic gases and aerosols in the Southeast and Northwest of the United States during a time period of several weeks. The semicontinuous sampling in hourly cycles takes place using the MARGA system from Metrohm Applikon. The temporal resolution of the aerosol and gas composition makes it possible to generate statements regarding the chemical origin and hygroscopicity of the particles. These are fundamental for rating the influence of aerosols on the climate.

Agriculture at significant scale without fertilizers is no longer possible in the modern world. To grow a sufficient amount of produce for nearly 8 billion people as well as for domesticated animals and industrial uses, fertilizers of different nutrient compositions are available to cater to the unique needs of various soil types. Information on the fertilizer’s composition (e.g., total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) is available to help select the ideal fertilizer for a specific soil. Conventionally these constituents are determined either gravimetrically (e.g., phosphorus, potassium, or sulfate) or with ICP-OES (e.g., phosphorus or potassium). These methods either have the disadvantages of long analysis times combined with laborious sample preparation (gravimetry), or require expensive instrumentation with high running costs (ICP-OES). This White Paper elaborates how thermometric titration is a fast and inexpensive alternative method to provide information on the content of various nutrients in different fertilizers.

Ion chromatography mass spectrometry (IC-MS) is a powerful tool that can handle many challenging analytical tasks which cannot be performed adequately by IC alone. IC-MS is a robust, sensitive, and selective technique used for the determination of polar contaminants like inorganic anions, organic acids, haloacetic acids, oxyhalides, or alkali and alkaline earth metals. After separation of the sample components via IC, mass selective detection guarantees peak identity with low detection limits. The inclusion of automated Metrohm Inline Sample Preparation (MISP) allows not only water samples, but also chemicals, organic solvents, or post-explosion residues to be readily analyzed without need for extensive manual laboratory work. This White Paper explains the benefits of IC-MS over IC in certain cases, the hyphenation of IC and different MS systems, as well as related norms and standards.

This White Paper gives an overview of the energy-intensive nitrification process that converts ammonia into less harmful nitrogen compounds at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). It displays the results from a field test at a WWTP, showcasing the positive influence of single-method process analyzers on the efficiency of the nitrification process.