On-line measurement of perchlorate in atmospheric aerosol based on ion chromatograph coupled with particle collector and post-column concentrator.

An automated analysis system has been developed for measuring perchlorate concentration in atmospheric aerosol. The perchlorate in aerosol sample, which has been collected with water mist in a hydrophobic filter/mist chamber based particle collector, is continuously preconcentrated. The matrix ions such as sulfate are subsequently removed from the preconcentrator.