A High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Free Amino Acids in Natural Waters in the Picomolar (M X 10⁻¹²) Range Suitable for Shipboard Use

Abstract

Abstract A reliable method for the determination of amino acids, suitable for routine shipboard use, is presented. Using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with computer-controlled gradient elution optimization, the amino acids commonly found in sea-water were clearly resolved and determined at the picomole level. A procedure was also developed to enable repeat injections of sea water samples to be made without deterioration of column material or performance. Thus the analysis was made more operator-independent and consequently more suitable for use at sea.