This method is for the determination of elements (metals) in aqueous matrices by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP/MS). A sample aliquot is solubilized or digested using an accepted preparation method from SW-846. Acceptable methods include acid digestion by Methods 3005A or 3010A and microwave digestion by Method 3015A. Acid digestion is not necessary if the sample is filtered and preserved prior to analysis.
The method has been applied to over 60 elements in various matrices but the elements where EPA has demonstrated acceptability in solid and aqueous matrices in a multi-laboratory study are in the table below.
NOTE: This method is an update of and replaces Method 6020.
No Obligation Quotation for Analytical Services
If you would like us to provide a quote for laboratory analysis, just provide us with as much information as you can about your project (the more, the better) and we'll provide you a quote via email. As you are searching or browsing our Analytical Guide, you'll see the Request-A-Quote icon... just click on it to start the request process.
| Hold Times, Preservatives, Preps, Collection, Analytical & Documentation | |
|---|---|
| Holding Time: | 6 months from sample collection to analysis for all elements except Hg which is 28 days from sample collection to analysis |
| Preservatives: | Add HNO3 to pH < 2. |
| Required Preps: | 250mL HDPE or glass bottle with Teflon-lined lids |
| Collection Method: | Grab sampling, SW-846 Chapter 9 |
| Analytical Methodology: | ICP/MS |
| Documentation: | 
6020B
|
| Analyte | Formula | CAS Number | Detection Limit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Al |
7429-90-5 |
0.02 |
µg/L |
| Iron | Fe |
7439-89-6 |
0.02 |
µg/L |
| Lead | Pb |
7439-92-1 |
0.02 |
µg/L |
| Magnesium | Mg |
7439-95-4 |
0.02 |
µg/L |
| Manganese | Mn |
7439-96-5 |
0.02 |
µg/L |
| Mercury | Hg |
7439-97-6 |
0.02 |
µg/L |
| Nickel | Ni |
7440-02-0 |
0.02 |
µg/L |
| Potassium | K |
7440-09-7 |
0.02 |
µg/L |
| Silver | Ag |
7440-22-4 |
0.02 |
µg/L |
| Sodium | Na |
7440-23-5 |
0.02 |
µg/L |
| Thallium | Tl |
7440-28-0 |
0.02 |
µg/L |
| Antimony | Sb |
7440-36-0 |
0.02 |
µg/L |
| Arsenic | As |
7440-38-2 |
0.02 |
µg/L |
| Barium | Ba |
7440-39-3 |
0.02 |
µg/L |
| Beryllium | Be |
7440-41-7 |
0.02 |
µg/L |
| Cadmium | Cd |
7440-43-9 |
0.02 |
µg/L |
| Chromium | Cr |
7440-47-3 |
0.02 |
µg/L |
| Cobalt | Co |
7440-48-4 |
0.02 |
µg/L |
| Copper | Cu |
7440-50-8 |
0.02 |
µg/L |
| Vanadium | V |
7440-62-2 |
0.02 |
µg/L |
| Zinc | Zn |
7440-66-6 |
0.02 |
µg/L |
| Calcium | Ca |
7440-70-2 |
0.02 |
µg/L |
| Selenium | Se |
7782-49-2 |
0.02 |
µg/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.