Citric acid is separated from a fermentation broth containing gluconic
acid by using an adsorbent comprising a water-insoluble, macroreticular
or gel, strongly or weakly basic anionic exchange resin possessing
quaternary or tertiary amine functional groups, said a anionic exchange
resin having a cross-linked acrylic or styrene resin matrix and a
desorbent comprising water or dilute sulfuric acid. The pH of the feed is
maintained below the first ionization constant (pKa.sub.1) of citric acid
to maintain selectivity.