USGS-NWQL: I-2274:  Copper, dissolved in water by GFAA

  • Summary
  • Analytes
  • Revision
  • Data and Sites
Official Method Name
Copper, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, graphite furnace
Current Revision
1989
Media
WATER
Instrumentation
Graphite Furnace-Atomic Absorption Spectrometer
Method Subcategory
Inorganic
Method Source
  USGS-NWQL
Citation
M.J. Fishman, 1993, Methods of analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory--Determination of inorganic and organic constituents in water and fluvial sediments: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 93-125
Brief Method Summary
Copper is determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in conjunction with a graphite furnace containing a graphite platform (Hinderberger and others, 1981). A sample is placed on the graphite platform, and the sample then is evaporated to dryness, charred, and atomized using high-temperature ramping. The absorption signal produced during atomization is recorded and compared with standards.
Scope and Application
This method is used to determine copper in samples of water with a specific conductance not greater than 10,000 uS/cm.
Applicable Concentration Range
1-25ug/L
Interferences
Interferences for samples with specific conductances less than 10,000 uS/cm normally are small. In addition, the use of the graphite platform reduces the effects of many interferences.
Quality Control 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.
Maximum Holding Time
180 days
Relative Cost
$51 to $200
Sample Preparation Methods