1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of total carbon (TC), inorganic carbon (IC), and total organic carbon (TOC) in water in the range from 10 to 1000 ug/L of carbon. This method is for laboratory or grab sample applications and has been subjected to an interlaboratory study under the guidelines of D2777. Test Method D5997 can be used for on-line determinations. The test method utilizes persulfate or ultraviolet oxidation of organic carbon, or both coupled with a CO ₂ selective membrane to recover the CO ₂ into deionized water. The change in conductivity of the deionized water is measured and related to carbon concentration in the oxidized sample. Inorganic carbon is determined in a similar manner without the oxidation step. In both cases, the sample is acidified to facilitate CO ₂ recovery through the membrane. The relationship between the conductivity measurement and the carbon concentration is described by a set of chemometric equations for the chemical equilibrium of CO ₂ , HCO ₃ -, and H, and the relationship between the ionic concentrations and the conductances resulting in linear response of the method over the stated range of TOC. See Test Method D4519 for a discussion of the measurement of CO ₂ by conductivity.

1.2 This test method has the advantage of a very high sensitivity detector that allows very low detection levels on relatively small volumes of sample. Also, use of two measurement channels allows determination of CO ₂ in the sample independently of organic carbon. Isolation of the conductivity detector from the sample by the CO ₂ selective membrane results in a very stable calibration, with minimal interferences.

1.3 This test method was used successfully with reagent water spiked with various organic materials. It is the user's responsibility to ensure the validity of this test method for waters of untested matrices.

1.4 In addition to laboratory analyses, this test method may be adapted to on line monitoring. See Test Method D5997.

1.5 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.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D1129 Terminology Relating to Water

D1192 Guide for Equipment for Sampling Water and Steam in Closed Conduits

D1193 Specification for Reagent Water

D2777 Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water

D3370 Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Conduits

D4210 Practice for Intralaboratory Quality Control Procedures and a Discussion on Reporting Low-Level Data

D4519 Test Method for On-Line Determination of Anions and Carbon Dioxide in High Purity Water by Cation Exchange and Degassed Cation Conductivity

D5997 Test Method for On-Line Monitoring of Total Carbon, Inorganic Carbon in Water by Ultraviolet, Persulfate Oxidation, and Membrane Conductivity Detection

Keywords

carbon; carbon dioxide; high-purity water; inorganic carbon; low temperature oxidation; membrane conductivity detection; organic carbon; total carbon; Carbon content--water; Inorganic carbon (IC); Membrane conductivity detection; Organic carbon (OC); Ultraviolet (UV) analysis--water ;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 13.060.50 (Examination of water for chemical substances)

DOI: 10.1520/D6317-98

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.