This method is for determination of total inorganic arsenic (As) in filtered and unfiltered water by hydride generation and quartz furnace atomic absorption detection. This method is for use in EPA’s data gathering and monitoring programs associated with the Clean Water Act. The method is based on a contractor-developed method and on peer-reviewed, published procedures for the determination of arsenic in aqueous samples. This method is accompanied by Method 1669: Sampling Ambient Water for Determination of Trace Metals at EPA Water Quality Criteria Levels (Sampling Method). The sampling method is necessary to preclude contamination during the sampling process. This method is designed for determination of dissolved and total arsenic in the range of 10-200 ng/L (parts-per-trillion). This method is not intended for determination of arsenic at concentrations normally found in treated and untreated discharges from industrial facilities. Existing regulations typically limit concentrations in industrial discharges to the part-per-billion (ppb) range, whereas ambient arsenic concentrations are normally in the low part-per-trillion (ppt) range.
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| Hold Times, Preservatives, Preps, Collection, Analytical & Documentation | |
|---|---|
| Holding Time: | Samples must be acid preserved for at least 48 hours and held at 0-4°C after sampling and prior to analysis. |
| Preservatives: | Add pre-tested 10% HNO3 to pH < 2. For samples at neutral pH add approximately 5 mL of 10% HNO3. For dissolved As, samples are filtered through a 0.45 mm capsule filter in the field. Acid preservation of samples may be performed in the field or in the laboratory. |
| Required Preps: | Cleaned, pre-tested fluoropolymer (FEP, PTFE), conventional or linear polyethylene, polycarbonate or polypropylene bottles |
| Collection Method: | Method 1669 |
| Analytical Methodology: | Hydride generation and quartz furnace atomic absorption detection |
| Documentation: | 
1632A
|
| Analyte | Formula | CAS Number | Detection Limit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | As |
7440-38-2 |
10 |
ng/L |
* The analytes and detection limits listed for each method represent the typical detection limits and analytes reported for that particular method. Keep in mind that analyte lists may vary from laboratory to laboratory. Detection limits may also vary from lab to lab and are dependent upon the sample size, matrix, and any interferences that may be present in the sample.