1.1 These test methods cover the determination of different species of cyanides and thiocyanate in water and waste water, namely dissociable cyanide, total cyanide, and thiocyanate (1)

1.1.1 Total Cyanide--This test method determines all the dissociable cyanides and the strong metal-cyano-complexes, such as ferrocyanide [Fe(CN)₆]^4-, ferricyanide [Fe(CN)₆]^3-, hexacyanocolbaltate [Co(CN)₆]^3-, and those of gold and platinum.

1.1.2 Dissociable Cyanide --This test method basically determines free cyanides, as CN^- and HCN, and weak metal-cyano-complexes such as [Cd(CN)₄]²- and [Mn(CN)₆]_3-. Iron complexes are not included.

1.1.3 Cyanide complexes, strong complexes like those of iron, cobalt, etc., can be determined by difference, that is, cyanide complexes = total cyanides - dissociable cyanides.

1.1.4 Thiocyanate --This test method determines the thiocyanate as the difference between another measurement that includes total cyanide plus thiocyanate and the value of total cyanide, that is, thiocyanate = total cyanide plus thiocyanate - total cyanide.

1.2 Cyanates and cyanogen halides are not detected. Cyanogen chloride hydrolyzes to cyanate at the pH of sample preservation ([>=]12).

1.3 Most of the organo-cyano-complexes are not measured, with the exception of the weak cyanohydrins.

1.4 These test methods apply to different types of water, waste water (raw sewage, sludge, and effluent), sludge, some industrial waste, and sediments. Sample matrixes should be evaluated by the user. The reported precision and bias (see Section 16) may not apply to all samples.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.6 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 specific precautionary statements, see Section 9.