This method is for the determination of dissolved and total recoverable elements in ambient waters at EPA water quality criteria (WQC) levels using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). 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 not intended for determination of metals at concentrations normally found in treated and untreated discharges from industrial facilities. Existing regulations typically limit concentrations in industrial discharges to the mid- to high part-per-billion (ppb) range, whereas ambient metals 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. If properly preserved, samples may be held for up to 6 months from sampling 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 metals, 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: | EPA Method 1669 |
| Analytical Methodology: | Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry |
| Documentation: | 
1638
|
| Analyte | Formula | CAS Number | Detection Limit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Pb |
7439-92-1 |
0.05 |
µg/L |
| Nickel | Ni |
7440-02-0 |
1 |
µg/L |
| Silver | Ag |
7440-22-4 |
0.1 |
µg/L |
| Thallium | Tl |
7440-28-0 |
0.02 |
µg/L |
| Antimony | Sb |
7440-36-0 |
0.02 |
µg/L |
| Cadmium | Cd |
7440-43-9 |
0.1 |
µg/L |
| Copper | Cu |
7440-50-8 |
0.2 |
µg/L |
| Zinc | Zn |
7440-66-6 |
0.5 |
µg/L |
| Selenium | Se |
7782-49-2 |
1 |
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.