ASTM D1886-08

Elemental constituents in potable water, receiving water, and wastewater need to be identified for support of effective pollution control programs. Test Methods A, B, and C provide the techniques necessary to make such measurements.

Nickel is considered to be relatively nontoxic to man and a limit for nickel is not included in the EPA National Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations. The toxicity of nickel to aquatic life indicates tolerances that vary widely and that are influenced by species, pH, synergistic effects, and other factors.

Nickel is a silver-white metallic element seldom occur-ring in nature in the elemental form. Nickel salts are soluble and can occur as a leachate from nickel-bearing ores. Nickel salts are used in metal-plating and may be discharged to surface or ground waters.

1.1 These test methods ^{, ,} cover the atomic absorption determination of nickel in water and wastewaters. Three test methods are given as follows:

1.2 Test Methods A, B, and C have been used successfully with reagent grade water and natural waters. Evaluation of Test Method C was also made in condensate from a medium Btu coal gasification process. It is the user's responsibility to ensure the validity of these test methods for other matrices.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 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. For specific hazards statements, see Note 4, 11.7.1, 21.9, 23.7, and 23.10.

1.5 Two former colorimetric test methods were discontinued. Refer to Appendix X1 for historical information.

7.1 This test method covers the determination of dissolved and total recoverable nickel and has been used successfully with reagent water, tap water, river water, lake water, ground water, a refinery effluent, and a wastewater.

7.2 This test method is applicable in the range from 0.1 to 10 mg/L of nickel. The range may be extended upward by dilution of the sample.

17.1 This test method covers the determination of dissolved and total recoverable nickel and has been used successfully with reagent water, tap water, river water, artificial seawater and a synthetic (NaCl) brine.

17.2 This test method is applicable in the range from 10 to 1000μ g/L of nickel. The range may be extended upward by dilution of the sample.

27.1 This test method covers the determination of dissolved and total recoverable nickel and has been used successfully with reagent grade water, lake water, river water, well and filtered tap water, and a condensate from a medium Btu coal gasification process. It is the user's responsibility to ensure the validity of this test method to other matrices.

27.2 This test method is applicable in the range from approximately 5 to 100 μg/L nickel using a 20-μL injection. The range can be increased or decreased by varying the volume of sample injected or the instrumental settings. High concentrations may be diluted but preferably should be analyzed by direct aspiration atomic absorption spectrophotometry (see Test Method A).

27.3 The analyst is encouraged to consult Practice D 3919 for a general discussion of interferences and sample analysis procedures for graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

ASTM Standards:

D 858 Test Methods for Manganese in Water

D 1066 Practice for Sampling Steam

D 1068 Test Methods for Iron in Water

D 1129 Terminology Relating to Water

D 1193 Specification for Reagent Water

D 1687 Test Methods for Chromium in Water

D 1688 Test Methods for Copper in Water

D 1691 Test Methods for Zinc in Water

D 2777 Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water

D 3370 Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Conduits

D 3557 Test Methods for Cadmium in Water

D 3558 Test Methods for Cobalt in Water

D 3559 Test Methods for Lead in Water

D 3919 Practice for Measuring Trace Elements in Water by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

D 4841 Practice for Estimation of Holding Time for Water Samples Containing Organic and Inorganic Constituents

D 5810 Guide for Spiking into Aqueous Samples

D 5847 Practice for Writing Quality Control Specifications for Standard Test Methods for Water Analysis