NEMI Method Summary

Method Summary Information

Method Number: I-1272 Media: WATER
Revision: 1985
Method Source: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Subcategory: INORGANIC Analytes in this method
Official Name: Copper, atomic absorption spectrometric, graphite furnace
Descriptive Name Copper, dissolved in water by GFAA
Source Info: USGS Branch of Information Services
Box 25286, MS 417
Federal Center
Denver, CO 80225-0286
Phone: 303-202-4700
Citation: USGS Methods, Volume A1
178105 Byte file
Brief Method
Summary:
 Copper is determined by atomic absorption spectrometry in conjunction with a graphite furnace containing a graphite platform (Hinder-berger and others, 1981). A sample is placed on the graphite platform, and the sample is then evaporated to dryness, charred, and atomized using high-temperature ramping. The absorption signal generated during atomization is recorded and compared with standards.
Scope And
Application:
 This method may be used to determine copper in low ionic-strength water and precipitation. With deuterium background correction and a 20-uL sample, the method is applicable in the range from 0.2 to 10 ug/L. With Zeeman background correction and a 20-uL sample, the method is applicable in the range from 0.5 to 35 ug/L. Sample solutions that contain copper concentrations exceeding the upper limits must be diluted or preferably be analyzed by the atomic absorption spectrometric direct or chelation-extraction method, or by the atomic emission spectrometric ICP method. The analytical range and detection limits can be increased or possibly decreased by varying the volume of sample injected or the instrumental settings. Purification of reagents and use of ASTM Type 1 water (Method D-1193, American Society for Testing and Materials, 1984) may result in lower detection limits.
Applicable
Conc Range:
 0.2 to 35 ug/L depending on background correction
Interferences: Interferences in low ionic-strength samples, such as precipitation, normally are quite low. In addition, the use of the graphite platform reduces the effects of many interferences. Calcium (60 mg/L), magnesium (10 mg/L), sodium (50 mg/L), sulfate (100 mg/L), and chloride (40 mg/L) do not interfere. Higher concentrations of these constituents were not investigated. Precipitation samples usually contain very low concentrations of copper. Special precautionary measures must be employed during both sample collection and laboratory determination to prevent contamination.
QC Requirements: Calibrate instrument using calibration standards (CAL). Quality control samples (QCS) and laboratory blanks (LB) analyzed at a minimum of I each after every 10 samples
Sample Handling: Container Description: 250 mL Polyethylene bottle, acid-rinsed. Treatment and Preservation: Filter through 0.45-um filter, use filtered sample to rinse containers and acidify sample with HNO3 to pH < 2.
Max Holding Time:
 180 days
 
Relative Cost: $51 to $200
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