A single-column ion chromatographic method for detecting and characterizing several metal ions and inorganic anions is described. Separations are achieved on columns packed with silica-based or polymer-based anion exchanger under identical conditions. As eluent, a chelating agent such as ethylenediaminetetraacetate is remarkably effective for the separation of inorganic anions and metal ions which are converted into metal chelate anions upon contact with the chelating agent. The eluted ions are detected with a UV detector in series with a normal conductivity detector; in the case of the UV detector, the eluent composition allows both absorbing and non-absorbing anions to be detected. Some practical applications are described.