ISO 17378-2:2014

Overview

ISO 17378-2:2014 is an international standard developed by ISO that specifies a method for determining trace levels of arsenic and antimony in water using hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HG-AAS). This precise analytical technique is applicable to a wide range of water types including drinking water, surface water, ground water, and rain water. The method offers a linear application range for both elements from 0.5 μg/l to 20 μg/l. Samples with concentrations exceeding this range can be reliably analyzed after proper dilution. This standard is part of a broader set of ISO documents focused on water quality and trace element analysis.

Key Topics

• Methodology: The standard outlines the use of HG-AAS, where hydride-forming elements (arsenic and antimony) are converted to their respective gaseous hydrides and subsequently measured in a heated atomization cell.
• Applicable Water Types: Suited for monitoring trace levels of arsenic and antimony in drinking water, surface water, ground water, and rain water. While sea water is generally outside its scope, the method can be adapted using a validated standard additions approach.
• Detection Range: Provides reliable determination within 0.5–20 μg/l for both arsenic and antimony. Higher concentrations require appropriate dilution and re-analysis.
• Sample Preparation: Emphasizes acidification and, where necessary, reduction steps to ensure all analyte is present as the hydride-reactive (III) oxidation state.
• Interference Management: Discusses potential interference from other metals and hydride-forming elements. Specifies tolerance limits and recommends matrix-matched standards when required.
• Quality Control: Incorporates use of blanks, calibration standards, and recovery checks, as well as manufacturer guidance for equipment.

Applications

• Drinking Water Compliance: Meets regulatory needs for monitoring arsenic and antimony at levels relevant to public health standards and guidelines.
• Environmental Monitoring: Provides environmental labs and agencies with a standardized approach to assessing contamination in rivers, lakes, groundwater, and precipitation.
• Trace Element Analysis: Enables laboratories to detect minute concentrations of toxic elements, supporting early intervention when pollution is suspected.
• Research and Studies: Supports academic and industrial research requiring precise quantification of arsenic and antimony for exposure assessment and remediation effectiveness.
• Accredited Laboratory Use: Laboratories seeking certification or accreditation can rely on ISO 17378-2:2014 for recognized methodology and quality assurance.

Related Standards

ISO 17378-2:2014 complements several other key standards for water quality and analytical procedures, including:

• ISO 17378-1: Determination of arsenic and antimony by hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS).
• ISO 3696: Specification and test methods for water used in laboratory analysis.
• ISO 5667 series: Guidance on water sample collection, preservation, and handling.
• ISO 8466-1 / ISO 8466-2: Calibration and evaluation of analytical methods.
• ISO 15587-1: Digestion procedures for the determination of selected elements in water.

For laboratories and practitioners involved in water quality assessment, adopting ISO 17378-2:2014 ensures reliable, reproducible results in trace arsenic and antimony analysis, supporting regulatory compliance, public health protection, and scientific research. Use this standard alongside related ISO guidelines for a robust laboratory quality management framework and harmonized international reporting.