5.1 This test method is useful for the determination of element concentrations in many natural waters and wastewaters. It has the capability for the simultaneous determination of up to 29 elements. High sensitivity analysis and larger dynamic range can be achieved for some elements that are difficult to determine by other techniques such as Flame Atomic Absorption.

5.2 The test method is useful for multi-element analysis of domestic and commercial well produced drinking water for metals and nonmetals for use in baseline analysis and monitoring during exploration, hydraulic fracturing, production, closure and reclamation activities related to oil and gas operations (see Guide D8006).

5.2.1 Minimum analyses include arsenic, barium, iron, magnesium, sodium, calcium, manganese, and lead.

5.2.2 Boron, potassium, chromium, selenium, cadmium, and strontium may be required on a site specific basis.

5.2.3 The most abundant elements in oil and gas produced water are sodium, potassium, lithium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, iron, silica, phosphorus, and sulfur.

5.3 The test method is useful for multi-element analysis of acid rock drainage and other major and some trace elements in mining influenced water.

5.4 Where low quantitation limits are required, Test Method D5673 may be applicable.

5.5 The test method is also useful for testing leachates and effluents for ore and mining and metallurgical waste characterization tests including Test Methods D6234, E2242, D5744, and solutions from the Biological Acid Production Potential and Peroxide Acid Generation Methods in the Appendix of Test Methods E1915.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of dissolved, total-recoverable, or total elements in drinking water, ground water, surface water, domestic, commercial or industrial wastewaters,2^,3 within the following concentration ranges of Table 1.

1.2 It is the user’s responsibility to ensure the validity of the test method for waters of untested matrices.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Note 2 and Section 9.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.