ASTM D5086 – Standard Test Method for Determination of Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, and Sodium in Atmospheric Wet Deposition by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
Description:
Significance and Use
5.1 This test method may be used for the determination of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium in atmospheric wet deposition samples.
5.2 Emphasis is placed on the easily contaminated quality of atmospheric wet deposition samples due to the low concentration levels of dissolved metals commonly present.
Scope
1.1 This test method is applicable to the determination of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium in atmospheric wet deposition (rain, snow, sleet, and hail) by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS) (1).2
1.2 The concentration ranges are listed below. The range tested was confirmed using the interlaboratory collaborative test (see Table 1 for a statistical summary of the collaborative test).
| MDL (mg/L) (2) | Range of Method (mg/L) | Range Tested (mg/L) | |
| Calcium | 0.009 | 0.03–3.00 | 0.168–2.939 |
| Magnesium | 0.003 | 0.01–1.00 | 0.039–0.682 |
| Potassium | 0.003 | 0.01–1.00 | 0.029–0.499 |
| Sodium | 0.003 | 0.01–2.00 | 0.105–1.84 |
1.3 The method detection limit (MDL) as given in 1.2 is based on single operator precision. Detection limits vary by instrumentation. Laboratories may be able to achieve lower detection limits. The method detection limit for this method as described in 1.2 was determined in 1987 (2) .
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
ASTM D5084