VIEW ARTICLE    DOI: 10.1094/ASBCJ-48-0001

The Simultaneous Analysis of Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, and Calcium in Beer by Ion Chromatography. Herbert P. Wagner and Michael J. McGarrity, Labatt Brewing Company Limited, Research Department, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 4M3. J. Am. Soc. Brew. Chem. 48:0001, 1990.

An ion chromatographic method for the analysis of cations in beer was evaluated to determine if a single analysis could provide results similar to those obtained via atomic absorption spectroscopy for the four major cations in beer (sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium). Modification of the mobile phase used for the analysis of cations in water and a combination of two analytical columns yielded excellent separation of the four cations. Spike recoveries of 89-98.5% were recorded in beer. The results obtained by ion chromatography were comparable with those obtained by standard flame atomic absorption spectroscopic methods.

Keywords: Beer, Calcium, Ion chromatography, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium