USGS-NWQL: I-2274: Copper, dissolved in water by GFAA
|
Official Method Name
|
Copper, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, graphite furnace |
|---|---|
|
Current Revision
| 1989 |
|
Media
|
WATER |
|
Instrumentation
|
Graphite Furnace-Atomic Absorption Spectrometer |
|
Method Subcategory
|
Inorganic |
|
Method Source
|
|
|
Citation
|
M.J. Fishman, 1993, Methods of analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory--Determination of inorganic and organic constituents in water and fluvial sediments: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 93-125 |
|
Brief Method Summary
|
Copper is determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in conjunction with a graphite furnace containing a graphite platform (Hinderberger and others, 1981). A sample is placed on the graphite platform, and the sample then is evaporated to dryness, charred, and atomized using high-temperature ramping. The absorption signal produced during atomization is recorded and compared with standards. |
|
Scope and Application
|
This method is used to determine copper in samples of water with a specific conductance not greater than 10,000 uS/cm. |
|
Applicable Concentration Range
|
1-25ug/L |
|
Interferences
|
Interferences for samples with specific conductances less than 10,000 uS/cm normally are small. In addition, the use of the graphite platform reduces the effects of many interferences. |
|
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 |
|
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
|



