Shodex Column Recommendation for Perchlorate Analysis in Water by LC–MS (EPA Method 6850)

Record: 793

Category: Column Selection
Product: JJ-50 2D
Sample: perchlorate 

Question
My customer wants to analyze perchlorate in water following EPA Method 6850 using LC/MS.
Do they need to use a non-suppressor IC column to run this method on a regular LC/MS system?
Can a non-suppressor IC column be used on a standard HPLC system?

Answer
Yes — for EPA Method 6850, which specifies LC–MS/MS detection, a non-suppressor-compatible column must be used. Suppressor-type IC columns rely on non-volatile carbonate or hydroxide eluents that are not compatible with LC–MS systems.

The best option for this analysis is the Shodex Asahipak JJ-50 2D.

This mixed-mode polymer column combines reversed-phase and anion-exchange retention, allowing high-sensitivity analysis of perchlorate, chlorate, and other oxyhalides using fully MS-compatible eluents.

Application reference:
High-Sensitive Analysis of Perchloric Acid and Oxyhalides by LC–MS – JJ-50 2D

This method achieves low-ppb sensitivity for perchlorate and related oxyhalides without suppression or pre-concentration steps.

So in summary:

• Yes, non-suppressor columns like JJ-50 2D can be used directly on LC–MS systems.
• No, a suppressor IC column is not suitable for MS.
• JJ-50 2D is the best Shodex column for EPA 6850 perchlorate analysis by LC–MS.

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