NEMI Method Summary


Method Summary Information

Method Number:

I-1425

Media:

WATER

Revision:

1985

Method Source:

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

Subcategory:

INORGANIC

Analytes in this method

Official Name:

Lithium, atomic absorption spectrometric, direct

Descriptive Name

Lithium, dissolved, FLAA

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

137991

Byte file

Brief Method
Summary:

Lithium is determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry by direct aspiration of the sample solution into an air-acetylene flame (Fishman and Downs, 1966). The procedure may be automated by the addition of a sampler and either a strip-chart recorder or a printer or both.

Scope And
Application:

This method may be used to analyze water containing at least 10 ug/L of lithium. Sample solutions containing more than 1,000 ug/L need either to be diluted or to be read on a less expanded scale.

Applicable
Conc Range:

10 ug/L to 1,000 ug/L

Interferences:

The following elements interfere when the indicated concentrations are exceeded: sodium, 1,000 mg/L; potassium, 100 mg/L; magnesium, 200 mg/L; calcium, 200 mg/L; chloride, 1,000 mg/L; sulfate, 2,000 mg/L; nitrate, 100 mg/L; and strontium, 5,000 ug/L. Brines need to be diluted to eliminate interference from other elements.

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:

Less than $50

5652

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Method Summary Information