ASTM D5174-23 PDF

Overview

ASTM D5174-23 is the Standard Test Method developed by ASTM International for determining trace levels of total uranium in water by pulsed-laser phosphorimetry. This method enables the detection and analysis of uranium mass concentrations at and above 0.1 μg/L, which is essential for environmental monitoring, regulatory compliance, and water quality assessment. The technique is particularly valuable for evaluating water samples that may contain impurities or suspended materials, requiring effective wet-ashing for accurate measurement. Following internationally recognized principles and guidelines, ASTM D5174-23 fulfills critical needs for accuracy and reproducibility in water analysis laboratories globally.

Key Topics

• Scope and Range

  • Applicable for the detection of total uranium in water samples at concentrations of 0.1 μg/L or greater.
  • Utilizes pulsed-laser phosphorimetry for high sensitivity and specificity.
  • Samples exceeding the instrument's calibrated range require dilution for accurate results.

• Sample Preparation

  • Wet-ashing is performed to digest impurities or suspended materials.
  • Digestion vessels and labware must be properly cleaned to prevent uranium contamination.
  • Only reagent-grade chemicals are used, and water quality must conform to recognized specifications such as ASTM D1193 Type I.

• Instrument Requirements

  • Requires a laser phosphorimeter capable of detecting uranium at low microgram per liter levels.
  • Calibration and calibration verification are crucial for each analytical batch.

• Quality Control and Interference Management

  • Involves frequent blank, spike, and duplicate sample analysis.
  • Specific interferences, such as quenching agents and competing chemical reactions, must be identified and mitigated.
  • Method includes guidelines for calibration, method detection limit (MDL) determination, and reporting limit (RL) establishment.

Applications

• Environmental Monitoring

  • Widely used for groundwater and surface water testing around mining or nuclear sites.
  • Supports regulatory compliance with federal and international water quality standards.

• Drinking Water Safety

  • Ensures trace-level uranium determination for potable water deemed safe for public consumption.

• Laboratory Analysis

  • Provides a robust framework for research institutions and commercial labs performing trace metals analysis.
  • Applicable in routine water testing, quality assurance of municipal or industrial water supplies, and site remediation projects.

• Regulatory and Quality Assurance

  • Forms part of an accredited laboratory’s standard procedures for trace uranium analysis.
  • Guidance for calibration, data quality, and method validation ensures confidence in results.

Related Standards

• ASTM D1129: Terminology Relating to Water
• ASTM D1193: Specification for Reagent Water
• ASTM D2777: Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water
• ASTM D3370: Practices for Sampling Water from Flowing Process Streams
• ASTM D4448: Guide for Sampling Groundwater Monitoring Wells
• ASTM D5847: Practice for Writing Quality Control Specifications for Standard Test Methods for Water Analysis
• ASTM D6001: Guide for Direct-Push Groundwater Sampling for Environmental Site Characterization
• ASTM E131: Terminology Relating to Molecular Spectroscopy

Conclusion

Compliance with ASTM D5174-23 ensures laboratories achieve high accuracy and sensitivity when analyzing trace uranium in water by pulsed-laser phosphorimetry. This standard is essential for environmental protection, water safety, and regulatory adherence, and integrates seamlessly with related ASTM water quality and analytical chemistry standards. By following the robust procedures and quality control measures outlined, laboratories can deliver reliable trace uranium assessment in a range of water matrices.

Keywords: trace uranium in water, pulsed-laser phosphorimetry, ASTM D5174-23, water quality analysis, uranium testing, environmental monitoring, laser phosphorescence, analytical standards, laboratory water analysis, regulatory compliance