This Standard specifies a method for the analysis of water samples for the following elements: aluminium, antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, bismuth, boron, cadmium, caesium, chromium, cobalt, copper, gallium, germanium, gold, lead, lithium, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, palladium, platinum, rhodium, rubidium, selenium, silver, strontium, tellurium, thorium, thallium, tin, titanium, uranium, vanadium, and zinc.

NOTES:

1 Other elements may be determined by this method if adequate performance is demonstrated. Depending on the sample pre-treatment, the method is applicable to the determination of dissolved and total recoverable elements. This Standard should be read in conjunction with AS 4873.1.

2 This Standard may be used as a guide for the determination of elements in other matrices provided adequate performance is demonstrated.

3 This method is suitable for the determination of elements in aqueous solutions where suspended or particulate material is less than 0.1% (w/v).

4 Water samples containing sediment or suspended particulate matter greater than 0.1% (w/v) should be digested using methods for sediment (e.g. aqua regia digestion) before analysis.

5 This method is applicable for the determination of dissolved elements and total recoverable (acid extractable) elements. It is not suitable for the determination of ‘total elements' concentrations unless appropriate procedures have been followed to ensure the dissolution of any silicates present.

6 This method is suitable for non-saline water. For the analysis of saline water, samples should be diluted to reduce dissolved solids to less than 0.3%. Several elements are prone to interference from polyatomic ions originating from the matrix and appropriate techniques should be used for the determination of such elements.

7 Before any samples are taken, it should be established whether dissolved element concentrations or total recoverable element concentrations, or both, are required.