A significant advantage peculiar to this industry is that practically all of the radiologically "hot" sample components are separated from the solution that is actually injected into the ion chromatograph. This means that the instrument does not become contaminated with radionuclides to the extent that it would with direct sample injection. This significantly reduces personnel exposure to radiation and in practice saves the trouble and expense of trying to clean up or replace (and correctly dispose of) the "hot" columns.