Abstract

The present invention comprises a device and method of analyzing trace amounts of perchlorate in liquid samples comprising a concentrator column used in an ion chromatographic system that comprises an anionic capacity ranging from about 0.030 microequivalents per column to about 0.060 microequivalents per column and capable of removing substantially all perchlorate from the sample and using a multi-directional flow through said concentrator column in order to enhance perchlorate detection. The invention also comprises a packing material comprising from about 25 percent to about 80 percent of a low anionic capacity material comprising an anionic capacity of less than about 0.03 milliequivalents per milliliter mixed with from about 25 percent to about 80 percent of a high anionic capacity material comprising a anionic capacity of more than about 0.07 milliequivalents per milliliter. The device and method of the present invention reduces interference from other ions within a sample allowing the perchlorate analysis to be 100 to 1000 times more sensitive than current analysis methods.