ASTM D8607-26

1.1 This test method covers the determination of dissolved elements in ground waters, surface waters, and drinking water. It may also be used for determination of total recoverable or total element concentrations in these waters as well as wastewater, mine-impacted waters, and digested biosolids, soils, and geochemical samples. For primary metallurgical gold or silver cyanide leaching samples that may contain cyanide, refer to Test Methods E1600. With appropriate dilution, this test method is also applicable to seawater and brine solutions.

1.2 Dissolved elements and total metals in drinking water with a turbidity of <1 NTU are determined directly after suitable filtration and preservation (12.4). For the determination of total or total recoverable analytes in aqueous, biological, and solid samples, digestion is required before analysis. Some elements (for example As, Hg, Se) may be lost or exhibit low recovery during the open vessel digestion described in 12.1. For these elements, use the microwave digestion procedure in 12.2.

1.3 The working range depends on the matrix and the interferences encountered. Analysis of mercury in drinking water may not be suitable by this method; use Test Method D3223.

1.4 The quantification limits of most elements are affected by blank contamination and depend predominantly on the laboratory air-handling facilities, the purity of reagents, and the cleanliness of glassware.

1.5 In this test method, the use of interference-removing technology is included, such as collision or reaction cells to remove interferences if necessary. Correction equations may also be used.

1.6 This test method is to be used by analysts experienced in the use of inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) that have demonstrated competency in accordance with the requirements of this test method or Guide D8428.

1.7 It is the user's responsibility to ensure the validity of the test method for waters of untested matrices in accordance with Guide E2857 or similar procedures.

1.8 No detailed instrument operating instructions are provided because of differences among various makes and models of suitable ICP-MS instruments. Instead, the analyst shall follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the instrument.

1.9 In this test method, comparative accuracy of different devices or the precision between instruments of the same make and model are not addressed.

1.10 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.11 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.12 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

5.1 This test method is useful for the determination of element concentrations in many natural waters, metallurgical process solutions, mine impacted waters, wastewaters, biological materials, soil, and geochemical samples. It has the capability for the determination of up to 72 elements. Twenty-six elements have been validated in this procedure. High-analysis sensitivity can be achieved for some elements that are difficult to determine by other techniques.