This method is applicable to the simultaneous determination of dissolved alkali and alkaline earth cations and ammonium in water and wastewaters. Alkali and alkaline earth cations are traditionally determined by using spectroscopic techniques, such as AAS or ICP; whereas ammonium can be measured by using a variety of wet chemical methods, including colorimetry, ammonia-selective electrode, and titrimetry. However, ion chromatography provides a relatively straightforward method for the simultaneous determination of cations, such as lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and ammonium, in fewer than 20–30 min.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method is valid for the simultaneous determination of the inorganic alkali and alkaline earth cations, lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, as well as the ammonium cation in reagent water, drinking water, and wastewaters by suppressed and nonsuppressed ion chromatography.

1.2 The anticipated range of the method is 0.05–200 mg/L. The specific concentration ranges tested for this method for each cation were as follows (measured in mg/L):

1.2.1 The upper limits may be extended by appropriate dilution or by the use of a smaller injection volume. In some cases, using a larger injection loop may extend the lower limits.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 It is the user's responsibility to ensure the validity of these test methods for waters of untested matrices.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For hazards statements specific to this test method, see 8.3.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D1129 Terminology Relating to Water

D1193 Specification for Reagent Water

D2777 Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water

D3370 Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Conduits

D3856 Guide for Management Systems in Laboratories Engaged in Analysis of Water

D4210 Practice for Intralaboratory Quality Control Procedures and a Discussion on Reporting Low-Level Data

D5810 Guide for Spiking into Aqueous Samples

D5847 Practice for Writing Quality Control Specifications for Standard Test Methods for Water Analysis

D5905 Practice for the Preparation of Substitute Wastewater

Keywords

alkali and alkaline earth cations; ammonium cation; conductivity detection; ion chromatography; wastewater; wate, Alkaline earths/alkalies; Ammonium cations; Calcium content--water; Cations; Conductivity detectors/detection; Dissolved alkali; Drinking water; Inorganic alkalines; Ion chromatography (IC); Lithium content; Magnesium content--water; Potassium; Reagent water; Sodium content--water; Wastewater testing/treatment; Water analysis;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 71.040.50 (Physicochemical methods of analysis)

Citing ASTM Standards

[Back to Top]