MP7 Advances in Analysis and Measurements
201 Oregon Ballroom
1:20 PM - 4:40 PM, Monday
() Characterization of perchlorate exposure using a preconcentration ion chromatography method developed for complex matrices.
Canas, J1, Tian, K1, Anderson, T1, 1 Texas Tech University, The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Lubbock, TX, USA
ABSTRACT- Perchlorate is used as an oxidizing agent in solid salts commonly used in solid rocket fuels, munitions, and fireworks. Since 1997, there has been significant advancement in the analysis of perchlorate in water. However, due to matrix interferences, little progress has been made in the analysis of perchlorate in non-water matrices. An online preconcentration and preelution (PC/PE) ion chromatography method has been developed to remove matrix interferences in these complex samples (Tian et al., 2003). This new method has been used to characterize exposure in organisms by analyzing for perchlorate in fish, amphibians, avian eggs, biological tissues, vegetation, and hydroponic fertilizers. Preliminary work also indicates the effectiveness of the new method to deal with matrix interferences commonly found in citrus fruits and juices. Detection limits with this new method are comparable to if not lower than those achieved using EPA Method 314.0. For example, PC/PE perchlorate detection limits in fertilizers range from 130-190 
g/kg (ppb) depending on fertilizer type compared to a Method 314.0 detection limit of approximately 30 mg/kg (ppm). The ability to detect perchlorate at low levels in water as well as plant and animal tissues is important in assessing potential exposure to perchlorate.
Key words: preconcentration, perchlorate, exposure, ion chromatography