Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
ion chromatographic quantification, perchlorate, mobile-phase additive
College
Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract
Awareness of the potential contamination issues with perchlorate ion (ClO4 -) came about in 1985 when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) first reported contamination in 14 Californian wells ranging from 0.11 to 2.6 micrograms per liter (ppm).1 In 1992 the EPA issued a provisional reference dose (RfD) of 0.14 milligrams per kilogram per day, which set a standard of 18 parts per billion (ppb) in drinking water.2 However, in January 1997 the EPA indicated that a reporting limit of at least 4 ppb would be necessary; yet, procedures to measure perchlorate ion at such low levels were unavailable.3 By March of that same year, advances of ion chromatographic (IC) methods had improved detection limits from 400 ppb to 4 ppb. Within several months of developing this technique, perchlorate was discovered at various manufacturing sites and in wells and drinking water supplies throughout the United States.
Recommended Citation
Simpson, David and Lamb, Dr. John
(2014)
"Ion Chromatographic Quantification of Trace-Level Perchlorate Concentrations Using 18-Crown-6 as a Mobile-Phase Additive,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014:
Iss.
1, Article 1160.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/1160