NEMI Method Summary

Method Summary Information

Method Number: 215.1 Media: WATER
Revision: Issued 1971; Editorial Revision 1974
Method Source: U.S. EPA National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL) [formerly EMSL]
Analytes in this method
Subcategory: INORGANIC
Official Name: Calcium (Atomic Absorption, Direct Aspiration)
Descriptive Name Calcium by Flame AA
Source Info: U.S.EPA National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL)
Microbiological and Chemical Exposure Assessment Research Division (MCEARD)
[formerly the Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory (EMSL), Cincinnati, OH]
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268-0001
Fax: 513-569-7757
email: DWmethods.help@epa.gov
Citation: Methods for the Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes (MCAWW) (EPA/600/4-79/020)
11835 Byte file
Brief Method
Summary:
 A sample prepared according to EPA Method 200.0 is analyzed using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. Specifications for instrument operation and preparation of standards are provided in the method.
Scope And
Application:
 This method determines calcium by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Sample pretreatment according to EPA Method 200.0 determines the applicability.
Applicable
Conc Range:
 0.2-7 mg/L (optimal range); 0.08 mg/L (sensitivity).
Interferences: (A) Ionic Compounds: Phosphate, sulfate, and aluminum and anions can interfere, but are masked by the addition of lanthanum.
Neutral pH: Results may be low if pH is above 7. Acidify samples and standards with dilute hydrochloric acid to overcome this interference.
(C) Ionization: Ionization interferences should be controlled by adding large amounts of alkali to the sample.
For additional interferences see EPA Method 200.0.
QC Requirements: QC requirements for drinking water procedures are provided in method 200.0.
Sample Handling: Sample handling and preservation procedures are provided in EPA Method 200.0.
Max Holding Time:
 6 months (MCAWW, Table 1).
Sample Prep Met 200.0
Relative Cost: Less than $50
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