ASTM: D1976: Elements in Water by ICP-AES

Summary
Analytes
Revision
Data and Sites

Official Method Name

Standard Test Method for Elements in Water by Inductively-Coupled Argon Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

Current Revision

1996

Media

WATER

Instrumentation

Inductively Coupled Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

Method Subcategory

Inorganic

Method Source

ASTM

Citation

Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Section 11, Water and Environmental Technology, Volume 11.01, Water (I)

Brief Method Summary

Elements are determined, either sequentially or simultaneously, by inductively-coupled argon plasma optical emission spectroscopy. A background correction technique may be used to compensate for variable background contribution from high concentrations of major and trace elements.

Scope and Application

This test method covers the determination of dissolved, total-recoverable, or total elements in drinking water, surface water, domestic, or industrial wastewaters. Table 1 lists elements for which this test method applies, with recommended wavelengths and typical estimated instrumental detection limits using conventional pneumatic nebulization. Actual working detection limits are sample dependent and as the sample matrix varies, these detection limits may also vary. In time, other elements may be added as more information becomes available and as required.

Applicable Concentration Range

Varies with element

Interferences

Several types of interference effects may contribute to inaccuracies in the determination of trace elements. These interferences can be summarized as follows: A) Spectral interferences can be categorized as (1) overlap of a spectral line from another element; (2) unresolved overlap of molecular band spectra; (3) background contribution from continuous or recombination phenomena; and (4) background contribution from stray light from line emission of high concentration elements. B) Physical interferences are generally considered to be effects associated with the sample nebulization and transport processes. Such properties as change in viscosity and surface tension can cause significant inaccuracies, especially in samples that may contain high dissolved solids or acid concentrations, or both. C)Chemical interferences are characterized by molecular compound formation, ionization effects, and solute vaporization effects.

Quality Control Requirements

Sample Handling

Collect the samples in accordance with Practice D 1066 or D 3370 or Specification D 1192, as applicable. Preserve the samples by immediately adding nitric acid to adjust the pH to 2 at the time of collection. Normally, 2 mL of HNO3 is required per litre of sample. If only dissolved elements are to be determined, filter the sample through a 0.45-um membrane filter before acidification.

Maximum Holding Time

The holding time for the sample may be calculated in accordance with Practice D 4841.

Relative Cost

$201 to $400

Sample Preparation Methods

This method has 20 analytes associated with it.

Analyte	Detection Level	Bias	Precision	Spiking Level
Aluminum(7429-90-5) Al Aluminium Aluminum Aluminum (fume or dust) Aluminum powder	45.000 ug/L	98% Rec (ML)	7.00 % RSD (ML)	100.00 ug/L
Antimony(7440-36-0) Antimony Sb Stibium	32.000 ug/L	74% Rec (ML)	11.00 % RSD (ML)	500.00 ug/L
Arsenic(7440-38-2) Arsenic As	53.000 ug/L	91% Rec (ML)	13.00 % RSD (ML)	100.00 ug/L
Beryllium(7440-41-7) Be Beryllium Glucinium	0.300 ug/L	92% Rec (ML)	6.40 % RSD (ML)	20.00 ug/L
Boron(7440-42-8) B Boron Boron (Boron and Borates only)	5.000 ug/L	89% Rec (ML)	13.00 % RSD (ML)	500.00 ug/L
Cadmium(7440-43-9) Cadmium Cd	4.000 ug/L	99% Rec (ML)	14.00 % RSD (ML)	20.00 ug/L
Chromium(7440-47-3) Chromium Cr	7.000 ug/L	96% Rec (ML)	11.00 % RSD (ML)	50.00 ug/L
Cobalt(7440-48-4) Co Cobalt	7.000 ug/L	89% Rec (ML)	5.50 % RSD (ML)	100.00 ug/L
Copper(7440-50-8) Copper Copper (metallic) Cu	6.000 ug/L	86% Rec (ML)	20.00 % RSD (ML)	20.00 ug/L
Iron(7439-89-6) Fe Iron	7.000 ug/L	88% Rec (ML)	21.00 % RSD (ML)	100.00 ug/L
Lead(7439-92-1) Lead Lead and compounds (inorganic) Lead and lead compounds Pb	42.000 ug/L	94% Rec (ML)	20.00 % RSD (ML)	100.00 ug/L
Magnesium(7439-95-4) Magnesium Mg	30.000 ug/L	95% Rec (ML)	21.00 % RSD (ML)	100.00 ug/L
Manganese(7439-96-5) Manganese Mn	2.000 ug/L	105% Rec (ML)	27.00 % RSD (ML)	20.00 ug/L
Molybdenum(7439-98-7) Amperit 105.054 Amperit 106.2 EINECS 231-107-2 HSDB 5032 MChVL Metco 63 Mo Molybdenum Molybdenum, metallic TsM1	8.000 ug/L	95% Rec (ML)	6.50 % RSD (ML)	100.00 ug/L
Nickel(7440-02-0) Ni Nickel Nickel, soluble salts Raney Nickel (R)	15.000 ug/L	92% Rec (ML)	9.40 % RSD (ML)	100.00 ug/L
Selenium(7782-49-2) Se Selenium Selenium and Compounds	75.000 ug/L	97% Rec (ML)	29.00 % RSD (ML)	100.00 ug/L
Silver(7440-22-4) Ag Silver	7.000 ug/L	81% Rec (ML)	22.00 % RSD (ML)	20.00 ug/L
Thallium(7440-28-0) Thallium Tl	40.000 ug/L	82% Rec (ML)	7.80 % RSD (ML)	200.00 ug/L
Vanadium(7440-62-2) V Vanadium Vanadium (fume or dust)	8.000 ug/L	98% Rec (ML)	9.00 % RSD (ML)	100.00 ug/L
Zinc(7440-66-6) Zinc Zinc (fume or dust) Zinc and Compounds Zn	2.000 ug/L	99% Rec (ML)	12.00 % RSD (ML)	100.00 ug/L

Precision Descriptor Notes:	The precision and bias data for this test method are based on an interlaboratory study conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The test design is based on the Youden Unit block design. In the referenced study, five Youden pairs of spike materials were prepared. Six water types were included. Only the data from reagent water and surface water are presented here. Each water type was spiked with three of the five Youden pairs with the exception of reagent water, which was spiked with all five Youden pairs. Each water sample was prepared for analysis by both total and a total-recoverable digestion procedure. A total of twelve laboratories participated in the study.
Detection Level Note:	The estimated detection limits as shown are taken from Winge, Fassel, et al. They are given as a guide for approximate detection limits for the listed wavelengths. The actual test method instrumental detection limits are sample-dependent and may vary as the sample matrix varies .

Precision Descriptor Notes:

The precision and bias data for this test method are based on an interlaboratory study conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The test design is based on the Youden Unit block design. In the referenced study, five Youden pairs of spike materials were prepared. Six water types were included. Only the data from reagent water and surface water are presented here. Each water type was spiked with three of the five Youden pairs with the exception of reagent water, which was spiked with all five Youden pairs. Each water sample was prepared for analysis by both total and a total-recoverable digestion procedure. A total of twelve laboratories participated in the study.

Detection Level Note:

The estimated detection limits as shown are taken from Winge, Fassel, et al. They are given as a guide for approximate detection limits for the listed wavelengths. The actual test method instrumental detection limits are sample-dependent and may vary as the sample matrix varies .

Revision	PDF/Link
1996

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ASTM: D1976: Elements in Water by ICP-AES

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