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

4.2 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.

4.3 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:

Test Method

Concentration
Range

 
Sections

A—Atomic Absorption, Direct

0.05 to 5 mg/L

 7-15

B—Atomic Absorption, Chelation-Extraction

50 to 500 μg/L

16-24

C—Atomic Absorption, Graphite Furnace

5 to 100 μg/L

25-33

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

1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are mathematical conversions and may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other.

1.4 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 4, Note 6, Note 10, and Note 16.

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