Development of ion chromatography methods for the determination of trace anions in ultra pure water from power plants

A suppressed ion chromatography (IC) technique, using a carbonate/hydrogen carbonate or a hydroxide eluent, has been evaluated as a monitoring tool for the detection of major anions (F-, Cl-, NO3-, PO43- and SO42-) in ultra pure water and condensed steam from thermal power plants. An electrical conductivity detector with an anion-exchange column (IonPac AS14), an auto self-regenerating suppressor (ASRS), and an isocratic high-pressure pump system were used for the detection of low concentrations of inorganic anions. It was shown that the suppressed IC technique provides a suitable means for preventing possible damage to generating equipment in power plants. The detection limits of the method for the anions of interest were < 0.3 ?g/L.