ISO 17378-1:2014

Overview

ISO 17378-1:2014 establishes a standardized method for the determination of arsenic and antimony concentrations in water using hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS). This method, developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), supports laboratories and regulatory authorities in reliably monitoring the levels of these potentially toxic elements. The standard is applicable to various types of water including drinking water, surface water, groundwater, and rainwater, covering a concentration range from 0.02 µg/l to 100 µg/l.

This method helps ensure public health and environmental safety by providing accurate, trace-level detection of arsenic and antimony-elements commonly associated with water contamination and health risks.

Key Topics

• Scope and Suitability
  • Applicable for the determination of both arsenic and antimony.
  • Suitable for drinking water, surface water, groundwater, and rainwater. Generally excludes sea water except through the validated standard additions approach.
  • Detectable concentration range is 0.02 µg/l to 100 µg/l; higher concentrations can be measured after appropriate dilution.
• Sample Requirements
  • Samples are typically acidified at the time of collection to pH < 2 using hydrochloric acid.
  • Both arsenic(V)/antimony(V) species must be reduced to the trivalent state before analysis for accurate hydride generation.
• Analytical Procedure
  • Utilizes hydride generation followed by atomic fluorescence spectrometry, providing high sensitivity and selectivity.
  • Employs reduction with potassium iodide and ascorbic acid followed by treatment with sodium tetrahydroborate.
  • Automated systems improve repeatability and throughput.
• Limitations
  • Method is unlikely to detect organo-arsenic or organo-antimony compounds.
  • Sensitivity may vary based on instrument setup and reagents.
  • Potential for interference from other elements, typically mitigated by dilution or use of recovery tests.

Applications

ISO 17378-1:2014 is highly valuable in the following settings:

• Environmental Monitoring

  • Used by environmental agencies and water utilities for regulatory compliance and surveillance of water quality.
  • Facilitates the monitoring of trace arsenic and antimony contamination, an essential part of risk assessment in water resources and public health.

• Laboratory Analysis

  • Analytical laboratories implement this standard for routine trace elemental testing, supporting quality assurance for bottled water, municipal supplies, and environmental samples.

• Public Health and Safety

  • Critical in regions with known arsenic-related health concerns (e.g., parts of Asia or South America).
  • Used to evaluate water safety, inform remediation strategies, and guide public policy.

• Industrial Compliance

  • Industries impacted by effluent discharge regulations employ this method to ensure effluents meet legal arsenic and antimony limits.

Related Standards

ISO 17378-1:2014 is used in conjunction with several other ISO water quality standards:

• ISO 17378-2: Water quality - Determination of arsenic and antimony - Part 2: Method using hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HG-AAS)
• ISO 3696: Water for analytical laboratory use - Specification and test methods
• ISO 5667 Series: Comprehensive guidance on water sampling techniques, preservation, and handling (including ISO 5667-1, -3, -5, -6, -8, -11)
• ISO 8466-1: Calibration and evaluation of analytical methods and estimation of performance characteristics
• ISO 15587-1: Digestion for the determination of selected elements in water - Aqua regia digestion

By adhering to ISO 17378-1:2014, laboratories and regulators ensure reliable, trace-level detection of arsenic and antimony in water, promoting safe water quality and environmental stewardship. This standard supports global efforts for consistent analytical practices and public health protection.