EPA-NERL: 208.1:  Barium by Flame AA

  • Summary
  • Analytes
  • Revision
  • Data and Sites
Official Method Name
Barium (Atomic Absorption, Direct Aspiration)
Current Revision
Issued 1974
Media
WATER
Instrumentation
Flame Atomic Absorption
Method Subcategory
Inorganic
Method Source
  EPA-NERL
Citation
  Methods for the Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes (MCAWW) (EPA/600/4-79/020)
Brief Method Summary
A sample prepared according to EPA Method 200.0 is analyzed using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. Specifications for instrument operation and preparation of standards are provided in the method.
Scope and Application
This method determines barium by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Sample pretreatment according to EPA Method 200.0 determines the applicability.
Applicable Concentration Range
1,000 - 20,000 ug/L (optimal range); 400 ug/L (sensitivity).
Interferences
(A) Ionization: Barium is easily ionized by the oxide-acetylene flame. Add potassium (1000 mg/L) to samples and standards to control this effect.
(B) Acetylene-Air: If acetylene-air is used, phosphate, silicon, and aluminum will severely suppress the barium absorbance. This may be overcome by adding 2000 mg/L of lanthanum.
For additional interferences see EPA Method 200.0.
Quality Control Requirements
QC requirements for drinking water procedures are provided in method 200.0.
Sample Handling
Sample handling and preservation procedures are provided in EPA Method 200.0.
Maximum Holding Time
6 months (MCAWW, Table 1).
Relative Cost
Less than $50
Sample Preparation Methods
200.0