IC/MS Perchlorate Analysis

Analysis of perchlorate at low ppb levels has been complicated by the possible occurrence of both false positives and false negatives due to matrix effects and co-eluting substances detected by non-specific conductivity detection.  The July 2005 issue of American Laboratory News  (Vol. 37, No. 15) features an article (pp. 16-20) that describes how an isocratic IC system and a single quadrupole 1100 MSD can determine perchlorate at sub-part per billion levels.  It should be noted that this detection limit likely intrudes on the levels at which perchlorate may be found as a naturally occurring substituent of groundwater in many areas.  The publication web site is www.americanlaboratory.com.