ASTM D3559 – Standard Test Methods for Lead in Water (Withdrawn 2024)
Description:
Significance and Use
4.1 The test for lead is necessary because it is a toxicant and because there is a limit specified for lead in potable water in the National Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations. This test serves to determine whether the lead content of potable water is above or below the acceptable limit.
Scope
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of dissolved and total recoverable lead in water and waste water by atomic-absorption spectrophotometry2 and differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. Four test methods are included as follows:
| Concentration Range | Sections | |
| Test Method A—Atomic Absorption, Direct | 1.0 to 10 mg/L | 7 to 15 |
| Test Method B—Atomic Absorption, Chelation-Extraction | 100 to 1000 μg/L | 16 to 24 |
| Test Method C—Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetry | 1 to 100 μg/L | 25 to 35 |
| Test Method D—Atomic Absorption, Graphite Furnace | 5 to 100 μg/L | 36 to 44 |
1.2 Test Method B can be used to determine lead in brines. Test Method D has been used successfully with reagent water, lake water, well water, filtered tap water, condensate from a medium Btu coal gasification process, waste treatment plant effluent, and a production plant process water.
1.3 It is the user’s responsibility to ensure the validity of these test methods for waters of untested matrices.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
ASTM D3558