USGS-NWQL: I-1233:  Chromium, dissolved, water, GFAA

  • Summary
  • Analytes
  • Revision
  • Data and Sites
Official Method Name
Methods of analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory--Determination of Chromium in water by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
Current Revision
1993
Media
WATER
Instrumentation
Graphite Furnace-Atomic Absorption Spectrometer
Method Subcategory
Inorganic
Method Source
  USGS-NWQL
Citation
McLain, Betty, 1993, Methods of analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory--Determination of chromium in water by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 93-449
Brief Method Summary
Chromium is determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in conjunction with a graphite furnace containing a pyrolytically coated tube and platform (Hinderberger and others, 1981). A sample is placed on the graphite platform, and a matrix modifier is added. The sample then is evaporated to dryness, pyrolized, and atomized using maximum-power heating. Maximum-power heating is a term associated with stabilized temperature platform furnace technology, which refers to a zero time ramp that allows for a 2,000oC per second heating rate of the tube and creates the longest temperature lag between the platform and the tube wall (Carnrick and Slavin, 1989). The absorption signal produced during atomization is recorded and compared with standards.
Scope and Application
This method is applicable in the range from 0.5 to 25.0 ug/L of chromium in water and water-suspended sediment. Sample solutions that contain chromium in concentrations greater than 25.0 ug/L or have a specific conductance greater than 10,000 uS/cm will need to be diluted prior to analysis or analyzed by an alternate method.
Applicable Concentration Range
0.5-25 ug/L
Interferences
Refractive elements such as chromium have the potential to form carbides. The use of pyrolytically coated tubes and platforms (Fishman and Friedman, 1989, p. 169) improves sensitivity and reduces carbide formation and memory effect.
The use of pyrolytically coated tubes and platforms in conjunction with a matrix modifier reduces the potential for interferences. Multiple natural-water samples and Standard Reference Water Samples were spiked with known concentrations of chromium with no indication of signal suppression or enhancement. These samples contained major cation concentrations as great as 300 mg/L sodium, 200 mg/L calcium, 111 mg/L magnesium, and 20 mg/L potassium; and major anion concentrations with 620 mg/L sulfate and 210 mg/L chloride.
Quality Control Requirements
Calibrate instrument using calibration standards (CAL). Quality control sample (QCS), laboratory blank (LB), or standard (CAL) analyzed in every tenth cup. Analyze samples in duplicate (LD).
Sample Handling
Container Description: 250 mL Polyethylene bottle, acid-rinsed.
Treatment and Preservation: Filter through 0.45-um filter, use filtered sample to rinse containers and acidify sample with HNO3 to pH < 2.
Maximum Holding Time
180 days
Relative Cost
$51 to $200
Sample Preparation Methods