Essential role of ion chromatography in constructing ice core paleoclimatic records

This short review highlights the application of modern ion chromatography to the quantification of the most significant inorganic anions found in such ice core samples, including fluoride, chloride, sulphate and nitrate, and small organic acids, such as methanesulfonic acid. The most significant challenges associated with this important application of modern ion chromatography are discussed, together with the various solutions developed by the leading research groups involved. The inclusion of capillary ion chromatography for the determination of inorganicand organic anions in ice core samples is also included, specifically with regard to its potential when hyphenated with mass spectrometry for future ice core paleoclimate studies.