This technique is destructive, in that the glass fragments may need to be crushed, and must be digested in acid.

Although the concentration ranges of the calibration curves shown in Appendix X1 are applicable to soda lime and borosilicate glass, this method is useful for the accurate measurement of trace elements from a wide variety of glass samples.

The determination the elemental concentrations in glass allows for additional data that can be compared between fragments. A standardized, validated method can aid in the interchange of data between laboratories.

It should be recognized that the method measures the bulk concentration of the target elements. Any extraneous material present on the glass that is not removed before digestion may result in a measurably different concentration of the elements.

The precision and accuracy of the method should be established in each laboratory that employs the method. Confidence intervals or a similar statistical quality statement should be quoted along with any reported concentration value.

1.1 This test method covers a procedure for elemental analysis of magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al, titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), gallium (Ga), rubidium (Rb), strontium (Sr), zirconium (Zr), antimony (Sb), barium (Ba), lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), samarium (Sm), hafnium (Hf) and lead (Pb) in the bulk of glass samples (irregularly shaped and as small as 200 micrograms) for the comparison of fragments of a known source to the recovered fragments from a questioned source. These elements are present in soda lime and borosilicate glass in ngg^-1 to % levels. Alternative methods for the determination of elemental analysis of glass are listed in the references. This procedure may also be applicable to other elements, other types of glass, or other concentration ranges with appropriate modifications of the digestion procedure (if needed for full recovery of the additional elements) and the mass spectrometer conditions. The addition of calcium and potassium, for example, could be added to the list of analytes in a modified analysis scheme.

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.