ION-CHROMATOGRAPHIC SEPARATION AND QUANTITATIVE-ANALYSIS OF FLUOROACETIC ACID AND FORMIC-ACID IN SOIL

An analytical method has been developed for the determination of fluoroacetic acid (FC2A) and formic acid (FA) which previously co-eluted in ion chromatographic analysis. The separation is based upon a solvent compatible, ion-exchange column. The analytes are retained by ion exchange, but selectivity is provided by a mechanism that has reversed-phase characteristics. Low detection limits (0.1 mu g FC2A/g soil) are achieved through the use of a preconcentrator column. The method is designed to detect small amounts of FC2A in the presence of high concentrations of FA, a major interference found in some western soils. Sample preparation is minimal. The method has been applied to Rocky Mountain Arsenal (RMA) Standard Soil and to samples collected at RMA.