Optimization of RP‐HPLC Analysis of Low Molecular Weight Organic Acids in Soil

Abstract

RP‐HPLC analysis for low molecular weight organic acids in soil solution has been optimized. An Atlantis™ C₁₈ column was used for the analyses. An optimal determination for eleven organic acids in soil solution was found at room temperature (25°C) and 220 nm detection wavelength, with a mobile phase of 10 mM KH₂PO₄–CH₃OH (95∶5, pH 2.7), a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min and 10 µL sample size. The detection limits ranged 3.2–619 ng/mL, the coefficients of variation ranged 1.3–4.6%, and the recoveries ranged 95.6–106.3% for soil solution with standard addition on the optimal conditions proposed.