USGS-NWQL: I-7084:  Barium, suspended-recoverable, water, FLAA

  • Summary
  • Analytes
  • Revision
  • Data and Sites
Official Method Name
Barium, atomic absorption spectrometric, direct
Current Revision
Revised 1985
Media
WATER
Instrumentation
Flame Atomic Absorption
Method Subcategory
Inorganic
Method Source
  USGS-NWQL
Citation
Methods for the Determination of Inorganic Substances in Water and Fluvial Sediments, Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations of the United States Geological Survey, Book 5, Chapter A1 Edited by Marvin J. Fishman and Linda C. Friedman
Brief Method Summary
Barium is determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Sodium chloride is added to control ionization of barium in the flame.
Scope and Application
This method may be used to analyze water and water-suspended sediment containing at least 100 ug/L of barium. Sample solutions containing more than 5000 ug/L need to be diluted.
Suspended recoverable barium is calculated by subtracting dissolved barium from total-recoverable barium.
Applicable Concentration Range
100-5000 ug/L
Interferences
The use of a nitrous oxide-acetylene flame virtually eliminates chemical interferences in the determination of barium. However, barium is easily ionized in the nitrous oxide-acetylene flame; to control this effect, sodium chloride solution must be added to each sample and standard.
Quality Control Requirements
Calibrate instrument using calibration standards (CAL). Quality control samples (QCS) and laboratory blanks (LB) analyzed at a minimum of I each after every 10 samples. (Reference OFR 95-443).
Sample Handling
Container Description: 250 mL Polyethylene bottle, acid-rinse.
Treatment and Preservation: Use unfiltered sample to rinse bottles, then acidify collected sample with HNO3 to pH < 2.
Maximum Holding Time
180 days
Relative Cost
Less than $50
Sample Preparation Methods