ASTM D4190-08 - 1.10.2008
 
Significance and Use

This test method is useful for the determination of element concentrations in many natural waters. It has the capability for the simultaneous determination of up to 15 separate elements. High analysis sensitivity can be achieved for some elements, such as boron and vanadium.

 
1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of dissolved and total recoverable elements in water, which includes drinking water, lake water, river water, sea water, snow, and Type II reagent water by direct current plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (DCP).

1.2 The information on precision and bias may not apply to other waters.

1.3 This test method is applicable to the 15 elements listed in Annex A1 (Table A1.1) and covers the ranges in Table 1.

1.4 This test method is not applicable to brines unless the sample matrix can be matched or the sample can be diluted by a factor of 200 up to 500 and still maintain the analyte concentration above the detection limit.

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

TABLE 1 Solutions for Analysis

Element PSolutions for Analysis, μg/L
1 2 3

Al

50

100

190

Be

50

500

1000

B

50

500

1000

Cd

1000

50

500

Cr

500

1000

50

Co

50

500

1000

Cu

1000

50

500

Fe

500

1000

50

Pb

500

200

1000

Mn

800

50

300

Hg

500

1000

200

Ni

50

300

800

Sr

600

50

300

V

1000

50

400

Zn

500

1000

50

 
2. Referenced Documents

D1066-18(2025)

Standard Practice for Sampling Steam

D4841-88(2018)

Standard Practice for Estimation of Holding Time for Water Samples Containing Organic and Inorganic Constituents

D5847-22

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

D5810-96(2026)

Standard Guide for Spiking into Aqueous Samples

D1129-24

Standard Terminology Relating to Water

E1097-25

Standard Guide for Determination of Various Elements by Direct Current Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry

D3370-25

Standard Practices for Sampling Water from Flowing Process Streams

D1193-24

Standard Specification for Reagent Water

D2777-21

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