ISO 15587-2-2002 PDF

Full title and description

Water quality — Digestion for the determination of selected elements in water — Part 2: Nitric acid digestion. This International Standard specifies a nitric‑acid digestion procedure for extracting trace elements from water samples prior to instrumental analysis.

Abstract

This part of ISO 15587 describes an empirical nitric‑acid digestion method applicable to most environmental waters (subject to limits on suspended solids and total organic carbon) to release a defined list of trace elements for subsequent determination. The method is generic and may be implemented using a variety of equipment provided the digestion composition, temperature and duration are observed. The standard notes elements for which recovery may be lower compared with aqua regia digestion, and elements/compounds for which nitric acid digestion is not suitable.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard, confirmed on periodic review).
• Publication date: March 2002 (2002-03).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.060.50 — Examination of water for chemical substances.
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2002).
• Number of pages: 17 (ISO record).

Scope

ISO 15587-2:2002 specifies a procedure to extract trace elements from water samples using nitric acid as the digestion agent. It is intended for waters with suspended solids mass concentration less than 20 g·L−1 and total organic carbon (TOC, expressed as carbon) less than 5 g·L−1. The method is empirical and may not completely release all element forms; it is, however, considered fit‑for‑purpose for most routine environmental applications. Nitric acid digestion is unsuitable for certain elements/compounds (e.g., Sb, Sn and refractory oxides such as SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3) and some elements show lower recovery relative to aqua regia digestion.

Key topics and requirements

• Digestion reagent and procedure: nitric acid used under controlled temperature and time conditions; the procedure is empirical and generic in equipment requirements provided specified composition, temperature and duration are observed.
• Applicability limits: suspended solids < 20 g·L−1 and TOC < 5 g·L−1.
• Elements typically released (suitable or partially suitable): Al*, As, B, Ba*, Be*, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr*, Cu, Fe*, Hg, K, Mg*, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Se, Sr, Tl, V*, Zn — asterisked elements may have lower recovery than with aqua regia. Ag is only reliably released if the digest is stabilized immediately after digestion.
• Not suitable for: Sb, Sn and refractory compounds (e.g., SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3).
• Quality and traceability: use reagents of appropriate analytical grade, control digestion temperature and time, clarify digest if necessary, and apply appropriate calibration and QC for the subsequent analytical technique.

Typical use and users

Environmental testing laboratories, water‑quality monitoring agencies, contract analytical laboratories, research institutions and consultants use ISO 15587-2 when preparing aqueous samples for trace‑element analysis (ICP‑OES, ICP‑MS, AAS, etc.) where nitric acid digestion is appropriate. The method is used in routine monitoring, compliance testing and investigation sampling where the limits and element list match the analytical goals.

Related standards

ISO 15587 is a multi‑part series; the principal related part is ISO 15587-1:2002 (aqua regia digestion), which describes an alternative digestion chemistry and a somewhat different element‑release profile. ISO 15587 parts are produced by ISO/TC 147/SC 2 (Water quality — sampling and chemical analysis). Users commonly apply ISO 15587 parts alongside analytical method standards and instrument‑specific guidance.

Keywords

nitric acid digestion, water quality, sample digestion, trace elements, sample preparation, TOC limit, suspended solids, ISO 15587, environmental analysis.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 15587-2:2002 is an International Standard that specifies a nitric‑acid digestion procedure for extracting selected trace elements from water samples prior to instrumental analysis.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers scope limits (suspended solids < 20 g·L−1; TOC < 5 g·L−1), the digestion procedure (composition, temperature/time concepts), the list of elements for which nitric acid digestion is suitable or partially suitable, and notes on elements/compounds for which the method is not appropriate.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Environmental and contract analytical laboratories, water‑quality monitoring organisations, researchers and consultants preparing water samples for trace‑element determination.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO’s record shows ISO 15587-2:2002 as a published International Standard that has been periodically reviewed and confirmed; it is the current edition as recorded by ISO. Users should check for any national adoptions or amendments applicable in their jurisdiction.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 15587 is a multi‑part series for digestion methods used in water quality analysis; Part 1 covers aqua regia digestion (ISO 15587-1:2002) and Part 2 covers nitric acid digestion.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Nitric acid digestion, trace elements, water quality, sample preparation, TOC, suspended solids, digestion method, ISO 15587.