Indirect ultra trace determination of aminopolycarboxylic acids in surface water using ion exchange chromatography coupled on-line to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

► New method for the ultra trace determination of aminocarboxylic acids. ► Detection limits in the ng L−1 range with fast sample preparation. ► Removal of excess derivatization reagent using conventional IC suppressor columns. ► Column switching technology to shorten run time. ► Excellent agreement with time consuming DIN EN ISO GC-MS method.