Ion chromatographic behaviour and determination of perbromates

Ion chromatographic behaviour of perbromates in aqueous solutions was studied, using ion suppressed conductimetric detection (Dionex DX-100 ion chromatograph with ASRS-I suppressor). Various eluents (sodium hydroxide, carbonate and phenate solutions) were examined using the AS-14 4 mm×250 mm anion-exchange column and an optimization study concerning pH and total eluate concentration of mobile phase was carried out. Phenate buffer (20.0 mM, pH 11.0) at 1.18 ml/min flow rate, gave the best results. Calibration curve was linear in the range of 1.5–200 ppm, with a limit of detection of 0.46 ppm and R.S.D. 1.8% (100 ppm standard). Perbromates were separated with good resolution from potentially interfering anions (bromides, bromates, iodides, perchlorates). Selectivity coefficients were determined for perbromates, perchlorates and iodides, from linear plots of retention volume versus the reciprocal of eluent concentration. The new method was used to monitor the perbromate reactions with lactic acid, iodide and citric acid in the absence and presence of Fe(II) acting as an inducer. Furthermore, it was confirmed the inability of various common strong oxidative media to oxidize bromate to perbromate.