ASTM D5085-95 - 1.1.1995
 
1. Scope

1.1 This test method is applicable to the determination of chloride, nitrate, and sulfate in atmospheric wet deposition (rain, snow, sleet, and hail) by chemically suppressed ion chromatography (1) using a two pen variable setting recorder and integrator. For additional applications refer to Test Method D4327.

1.2 The concentration ranges for this test method are listed below. The range tested was confirmed using the interlaboratory collaborative test (see Table 1 for statistical summary of the collaborative test).

Range of Range Method Tested MDL (mg/L)(2) (mg/L) (mg/L) Chloride 0.03 0.09-2.0 0.15-1.36 Nitrate 0.03 0.09-5.0 0.15-4.92 Sulfate 0.03 0.09-8.0 0.15-6.52

1.3 The method detection limit (MDL) is based on single operator precision (2) and may be higher or lower for other operators and laboratories. The precision and bias data presented are insufficient to justify use at this low level, however, many workers have found that this test method is reliable at lower levels than those that were tested.

1.4 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. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 9.

 
2. Referenced Documents

D5012-20

Standard Practice for Preparation of Materials Used for the Collection and Preservation of Atmospheric Wet Deposition

IEEE/ASTM SI-10

Standard for Use of the International System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System

D4210-89(1996)e1

Standard Practice for Intralaboratory Quality Control Procedures and a Discussion on Reporting Low-Level Data (Withdrawn 2002)

D4327-17(2025)

Standard Test Method for Anions in Water by Suppressed Ion Chromatography

E694-18(2024)

Standard Specification for Laboratory Glass Volumetric Apparatus

D1356-20a

Standard Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres (Includes all amendments and changes 9/7/2020).

D2777-21

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

D3670-91(2022)

Standard Guide for Determination of Precision and Bias of Methods of Committee D22

D883-26b

Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics (Includes all amendments and changes 8/24/2026).

D1129-24

Standard Terminology Relating to Water

D1193-24

Standard Specification for Reagent Water