ASTM D1886-14(2021)e1 PDF

Overview

ASTM D1886-14(2021)e1 is the international standard that specifies methods for the determination of nickel in water. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is essential for laboratories, environmental agencies, and industries that need to monitor nickel concentrations in potable water, surface water, and wastewaters. The test methods outlined support effective pollution control, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance efforts by providing precise and reliable analytical procedures.

Nickel, while considered relatively non-toxic to humans and not restricted by current EPA primary drinking water regulations, can exhibit toxicity to aquatic life depending on various factors such as species and water chemistry. Nickel contamination in water is often associated with industrial activities, including metal-plating and leaching from nickel-bearing ores.

Key Topics

• Scope of Coverage

  • The standard covers three atomic absorption-based test methods for quantifying nickel in water and wastewaters:
    • Method A: Atomic Absorption, Direct (0.1-10 mg/L)
    • Method B: Atomic Absorption, Chelation-Extraction (10-1000 μg/L)
    • Method C: Atomic Absorption, Graphite Furnace (5-100 μg/L)
  • Methods are validated for use with reagent water, natural waters, and certain industrial process waters.

• Importance of Testing

  • Monitoring elemental nickel supports pollution control programs and helps meet environmental protection standards.
  • Understanding nickel concentrations aids in assessing water safety for consumption and environmental impact, especially in the context of industrial discharges.

• Sample Handling and Quality Control

  • Ensures analytical accuracy through proper sample preservation, instrument calibration, use of blanks and standards, and quality checks like matrix spikes and laboratory control samples.

• Nickel Characteristics

  • Nickel is a silver-white metal, rarely found in pure form in nature. Its compounds are water-soluble and may leach into surface or groundwater from natural or anthropogenic sources.

Applications

• Environmental Monitoring

  • Regular testing of nickel in rivers, lakes, groundwaters, and effluent streams helps detect contamination from industrial sources and ensures compliance with local, national, and international water quality regulations.

• Industrial Wastewater Management

  • Facilities involved in metal-plating, mining, and related industries use these standard methods to monitor nickel concentrations prior to discharge, aiding in process control and reporting.

• Drinking Water Safety

  • Although not currently regulated at the federal level in some countries, periodic analysis supports public health assurance and helps address concerns about trace metal contamination.

• Research and Water Quality Studies

  • Suitable for academic, government, and private research studies focused on trace metal analysis, aquatic toxicology, and environmental impact assessments.

Related Standards

The performance and methodology specified in ASTM D1886-14(2021)e1 are closely linked with other ASTM water analysis standards, including:

• ASTM D1193 - Specification for Reagent Water
• ASTM D3370 - Practices for Sampling Water from Flowing Process Streams
• ASTM D858 - Test Methods for Manganese in Water
• ASTM D1068 - Test Methods for Iron in Water
• ASTM D1688 - Test Methods for Copper in Water
• ASTM D2845 - Test Methods for Zinc in Water
• ASTM D3919 - Practice for Measuring Trace Elements in Water by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption
• ASTM D5673 - Test Method for Elements in Water by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry

Adherence to these and related standards ensures consistent, traceable, and internationally recognized results in water quality testing for nickel and other trace metals.

By utilizing ASTM D1886-14(2021)e1, laboratories and industries can ensure accurate, reliable nickel detection in water, supporting regulatory compliance and safeguarding environmental and public health.