A GC Method for the Determination of Nitrilotriacetic Acid in Lake Water

Abstract

A GC method of determination of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) in lake water at microgram level is described. The NTA is first concentrated on anion exchange resin, eluted with formic acid and followed by propyl esterification. The method is sensitive, specific and free from the interferences of metals and common fatty and amino acids. The sensitivity of the method is in the order of 0.01 µg (injected) under normal instrumental operation conditions. NTA has recently been proposed as a partial substitute for polyphosphate in detergent formulation.