Determination of Low Molecular Weight Organic Acids in Environmental Samples by Ion Chromatography Method

Ion chromatography using the IonPac AS 11 HC analytical column, a 3.0 mM NaOH eluent, and a conductivity detector offers a straightforward, cost-effective, and rapid method for quantifying six organic acids, Lactate, Formate, Acetate, Propionate, Pyruvate, and Glyoxalate, at concentrations as low as micrograms per liter in environmental samples. The method includes comprehensive details on sensitivity, accuracy, quality control, and sampling techniques, applicable to cloud water, rainwater, aerosol, and drinking water. Formate and Acetate were the predominant organic acids in all samples analyzed. Although nine anion peaks were detected, including seven organic acids, only the six specified were quantified due to coelution and volatilization challenges, which are discussed in detail in the paper.