Overview
EN ISO 19340:2017 (adopted by CEN as EN ISO 19340:2017) specifies a validated laboratory method for the determination of dissolved perchlorate in water using ion chromatography (IC). The standard covers a wide range of water types - drinking water, mineral water, raw and surface waters, partially treated waters, swimming pool water and waste water from treatment plants - and enables a direct determination of perchlorate at concentrations ≥ 1 µg/L when appropriate sample pre-treatment is applied. The method employs high-capacity separator columns with suppressed conductivity detection and may require dilution to fit the column’s ion‑exchange capacity.
Key Topics
- Analytical principle: Separation by anion-exchange ion chromatography (IC) with suppressed conductivity detection (CD).
- Sensitivity & range: Direct determination of perchlorate ≥ 1 µg/L; working range limited by the separator column’s ion‑exchange capacity (sample dilution may be necessary). Typical sample injection volumes can be up to ~4 mL when using high-capacity columns.
- Sample pre-treatment / matrix elimination: Normative annexes describe techniques for removing interfering anions, metals, organics and solids - including inline matrix elimination, re‑injection, and two‑dimensional IC (2D‑IC) concentration approaches.
- Interferences & controls: Common interferences include chloride, sulfate, nitrate, orthophosphate, hydrogen carbonate/carbonate, metals (Fe, Al), organics and co‑eluting species. Microbial degradation of perchlorate can occur under certain conditions (e.g., anaerobic bacteria in the absence of nitrate). Method validation requires recovery checks (standard addition), resolution (R) checks and calibration verification.
- Reagents & eluents: Use high‑purity reagents free of perchlorate; eluents based on carbonate/hydrogen carbonate/hydroxide (with possible organic modifiers). Degassing of eluents and prevention of air pickup are emphasized.
- Calibration & quality: Calibration and evaluation follow ISO 8466‑1 / ISO 8466‑2 procedures; separator column performance and material compatibility are specified.
Applications
- Routine and regulatory water quality testing for perchlorate contamination in drinking water, mineral water, surface and wastewater.
- Environmental monitoring and trend analysis for perchlorate sources (industrial, agricultural, contamination events).
- Performance testing in water treatment plants, swimming pool safety monitoring, and compliance testing for public health standards.
- Used by analytical laboratories, water utilities, environmental agencies, and research institutions implementing IC-based perchlorate assays.
Related Standards
Keywords: EN ISO 19340:2017, perchlorate, ion chromatography, IC, water quality, determination of dissolved perchlorate, suppressed conductivity detection, matrix elimination, 2D‑IC, water testing.