Trace Analysis of Small Organic Acids Aids Aquaculture

Thermo Fisher Scientific (USA) is pleased to announce a two-dimensional ion chromatography (IC) system that allows trace levels of small organic acids (C1–5) to be analysed in a high-ionic-strength matrix. Application Note 1000: "Direct Determination of Small Organic Acids in Sea Water by IC-MS demonstrates low-level sensitivity for detection while maintaining method ruggedness for a complex analysis". This method combines separation by hydroxide-selective anion-exchange columns with the sensitivity and selectivity of a single quadrupole mass spectrometer. This approach provides accurate identification and quantification of the analytes. No special sample preparation is required and the results show good precision and reproducibility.

Short-chain organic acids play important roles in adjusting the pH value of the marine environment. In light of the significant growth in aquaculture for farmed fish and shellfish, several feed additives—including acidifiers consisting of organic acids and their salts—may provide promising alternatives to the use of in-feed antibiotics in aquaculture. Analysis for organic acids in aqueous matrices allows fisheries to monitor the water environment and control its impact on the health of the fish. Analysis by IC-mass spectrometry (MS) provides a faster, more direct approach that does not require sample pretreatment.