Comparative study of the metal selective properties of chelating dye impregnated resins for the ion chromatographic separation of trace metals.

High-performance chelation ion chromatography (HPCIC) involving the use of chelating dye impregnated resins has been investigated for its ability to preconcentrate and separate a range of metals in a variety of complex samples. The parameters involved in the production of dye impregnated chelating columns have been identified and investigated. A number of selected chelating dyes have been impregnated into high-performance substrates, producing a range of chelating columns, exhibiting unique retention characteristics, dependent upon the nature of the impregnated chelating ligand. These columns have been classified in terms of retention characteristics, separation efficiency, dye loading and column capacity. A brief application of the above technique to the determination of Al (III) in seawater is illustrated.