This test method is used for determination of the carbon content of water from a variety of natural, domestic, and industrial sources. In its most common form, this test method is used to measure organic carbon as a means of monitoring organic pollutants in industrial wastewater. These measurements are also used in monitoring waste treatment processes.

The relationship of TOC to other water quality parameters such as chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total oxygen demand (TOD) is described in the literature. ⁴

1.1 This test method covers the determination of total carbon (TC), inorganic carbon (IC), and total organic carbon (TOC) in water, wastewater, and seawater in the range from 0.1 mg/L to 4000 mg/L of carbon.

1.2 This test method was used successfully with reagent water spiked with sodium carbonate, acetic acid, and pyridine. It is the user's responsibility to ensure the validity of this test method for waters of untested matrices.

1.3 This test method is applicable only to carbonaceous matter in the sample that can be introduced into the reaction zone. The syringe needle or injector opening size generally limit the maximum size of particles that can be so introduced.

1.4 In addition to laboratory analyses, this test method may be applied to stream monitoring.

1.5 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.