The application of fluorescence detection to the determination and speciation of aluminium in soil solutions by ion chromatography

Abstract

Abstract The determination and speciation of aluminium in soil solutions and extracts by ion chromatography with post‐column reaction and fluorescence detection is described. The fluorogenic post‐column reagent consists of 4 x 10‐3 M 8‐hydroxyquinoline‐5‐sulfonic acid and 2 x 10‐3 M cetyltrimethylammonium bromide in a 1 M acetate buffer at pH 4.4. The method is applicable to soil solutions and extracts and is more sensitive than existing colorimetric methods. Aluminium species could be detected at concentrations of 35 nM. Nine metals were checked for interference; only Zn2+ and Cd2+ were found to give responses, which were however well separated from the Al3+ peak.