Online preconcentration and preelutioin for the ion chromatographic determination of trace anions in high-sulfate wastewater

Trace anions in high-sulfate wastewater from mainly derelict mines were determined by ion chromatography with on-line preconcentration and preelution technique. As the sample was preconcentrated and more strongly held ions were preeluted to the principal separation system, this approach was highly effective in removing large concentration of sulfate in high-sulfate wastewater. With this practical on-line preelution treatment, the peaks of fluoride and chloride showed good resolution even when the sulfate concentration was as high as 2000 mg/L and the analyzed total metal concentration was above 500 mg/L.