Copper is found in naturally occurring minerals principally as a sulfide, oxide, or carbonate. It makes up approximately 0.01 % of the earth’crust and is obtained commercially from such ores as chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂). Copper is also found in biological complexes such as hemocyanin.

Copper enters water supplies through the natural process of dissolution of minerals, through industrial effluents, through its use, as copper sulfate, to control biological growth in some reservoirs and distribution systems, and through corrosion of copper alloy water pipes. Industries whose wastewaters may contain significant concentrations of copper include mining, ammunition production, and most metal plating and finishing operations. It may occur in simple ionic form or in one of many complexes with such groups as cyanide, chloride, ammonia, or organic ligands.

Although its salts, particularly copper sulfate, inhibit biological growth such as some algae and bacteria, copper is considered essential to human nutrition and is not considered a toxic chemical at concentrations normally found in water supplies.

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of copper in water by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Three test methods are included as follows:

1.2 Either dissolved or total recoverable copper may be determined. Determination of dissolved copper requires filtration through a 0.45-m (No. 325) membrane filter at the time of collection. In-line membrane filtration is preferable.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Note 3, Note 5, Note 8, and Note 13.

1.4 Three former photometric test methods were discontinued. Refer to Appendix X1 for historical information.