Manufacturers of analysis, laboratory technology and biotechnology solutions are confidently looking forward to analytica 2010 — an international trade fair that takes place in Munich, Germany from 23–26 March 2010 for the 22nd time. Despite the economic crisis, the number of exhibitors will be approximately the same as it was in 2008. The share of international companies continues to increase steadily: more than one-third of all exhibitors come from countries other than Germany. They are also looking forward to brisk business and general economic data for the industry is relatively positive, so it appears that analytica 2010 is taking place at just the right time. The analytica Conference and an extensive programme of related events will ensure additional dialogue and promote the transfer of knowledge within the industry. Among other things, discussions and lectures at the 2010 fair will focus on topics such as industrial biotechnology, fine-particle exposure and analysis and patient-specific diagnostics.

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Analytica 2010 - an international trade fair that takes place in Munich, Germany from 23–26 March 2010 for the 22nd time.

Event Preview: analytica 2010

The constant tightening-up of statutory requirements and regulations on the observance of limits, together with the ever increasing pressure of costs and numbers of samples, has led to rapid (further) development of laboratory instruments and analysers. While the number of analytes is increasing, lower and lower concentration ranges need to be measured. High quality and safety standards apply above all in the field of water analysis, because water is our most important food. In the last two decades alone, more than 760 European standards concerning water have been adopted. And more are to be expected, especially in view of the more than 1700 substances, mainly of anthropogenic origin, that can now be detected in water.

More complex samples usually have to undergo labour-intensive sample preparation, to enable the analytes to be determined without any interference. Often an organic matrix prevents separation and detection, or an ion concentration in the sample is too high or too low, which makes dilution or preconcentration necessary. Frequently it is not the analysis itself, but the sample preparation that is the time-limiting factor and prevents a high sample throughput. Techniques such as ultrafiltration, dialysis, dilution, matrix elimination, sample preconcentration and neutralization can be completely automated by in-line coupling of sample changer, dosing units and analyser. 

However, if the target analytes are present in bound form, they must be digested and, in most cases, transformed into the watersoluble ionic form. Non-aqueous samples such as coal, crude oil, dyestuffs, plastic or electronic components are first digested thermally to determine their halogen and sulphur content and then undergo combustion with oxygen. The products of combustion are collected in an absorption solution and fed into the analyser, usually an ion chromatograph.

In the context of air analysis, a rotating diffusion separator and a steam-jet aerosol collector can be used to dissolve gases and aerosols in absorption solutions for subsequent analysis.

This article considers some examples of uses of ion chromatography.

Achievements and Trends in Ion Chromatography

My last column “Too many C18s…” appeared to cause quite a stir! I’ve been educated, berated and congratulated by your replies and so I’m going to address some of your issues and questions and expand the discussion this time. I look forward as always to your correspondence.

After the response to his first article on C18s, Incognito addresses reader issues and questions and expands the discussion.

The Column-02-05-2010

Event Preview: analytica 2010

Achievements and Trends in Ion Chromatography

Too Many C18s... The Sequel