Standard Test Methods for Lead in Water

D 3559 - 08: Standard Test Methods for Lead in Water

Ensuring the safety and compliance of water sources is paramount for public health and environmental stewardship. For engineers and environmental professionals, accurate and reliable methods for detecting lead contamination are absolutely essential. ASTM D 3559 - 08 provides an authoritative framework for these critical analyses, offering proven techniques to safeguard water quality.

What is D 3559 - 08?

ASTM D 3559 - 08, "Standard Test Methods for Lead in Water," is a comprehensive standard developed by ASTM International. It outlines validated analytical procedures for determining the concentration of lead in various water matrices. Its primary purpose is to provide consistent, reproducible, and accurate methods for laboratories and water management professionals to assess lead levels, ensuring adherence to regulatory limits and protecting public health.

Scope & Purpose

This industry-leading standard governs the determination of both dissolved and total recoverable lead in water and wastewater. It details four distinct test methods, including atomic absorption spectrophotometry (both direct and chelation-extraction techniques) and differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. While applicable to a broad range of water types, including potable water, industrial wastewater, and natural water sources, the standard advises users to verify its applicability for unique or untested sample matrices. It does not cover the sampling procedure itself, which is addressed by separate ASTM practices.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary Audience: Environmental Scientists, Water Quality Technicians, Laboratory Analysts, Environmental Engineers, and Chemists involved in water analysis.
• • Industries Affected: Environmental Testing Laboratories, Water Treatment Facilities, Public Water Systems, Industrial Wastewater Management, and regulatory bodies overseeing water quality.
• • Compliance Nature: While often a recommended practice for general quality assurance, compliance with D 3559 - 08 is typically mandatory when stipulated by regulatory agencies (e.g., EPA drinking water standards) or contractual agreements for water quality testing.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is generally overseen by environmental regulatory agencies at federal, state, and local levels, as well as by internal quality assurance departments within organizations.

Key Requirements Overview

The standard requires the use of specific analytical instrumentation and reagents to ensure accurate lead determination. Professionals must ensure that samples are collected and preserved according to established practices to maintain sample integrity. Key provisions include detailed procedures for sample digestion (for total recoverable lead) and direct analysis (for dissolved lead), as well as calibration protocols using certified standards. The standard also emphasizes the importance of understanding and mitigating potential interferences that could affect analytical results.

Related Standards & References

ASTM D 3559 - 08 often works in conjunction with other ASTM standards. For instance, Practice D 1193 for reagent water ensures the purity of water used in preparing standards and reagents. Practices D 3370 provide essential guidance on water sampling techniques, which are critical for obtaining representative samples for lead analysis. Additionally, Practice D 3919 may be referenced for specific applications involving graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry, offering complementary analytical approaches.