ASTM D3977-97(2019)

Standard Test Methods for Determining Sediment Concentration in Water Samples

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Suspended-sediment samples contain particles with a wide variety of physical characteristics. By presenting alternate approaches, these test methods allow latitude in selecting analysis methods that work best with the particular samples under study.  
4.2 Sediment-concentration data are used for many purposes that include: (1) computing suspended-sediment discharges of streams or sediment yields of watersheds, (2) scheduling treatments of industrial and domestic water supplies, and (3) estimating discharges of pesticides, plant nutrients, and heavy metals transported on surfaces or inside sediment particles.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of sediment concentrations in water and wastewater samples collected from lakes, reservoirs, ponds, streams, and other water bodies. In lakes and other quiescent-water bodies, concentrations of sediment in samples are nearly equal to concentrations at sampling points; in most instances, sample concentrations are not strongly influenced by collection techniques. In rivers and other flowing-water bodies, concentrations of sediment in samples depend upon the manner in which the samples are collected. Concentrations in isokinetically-collected samples can be multiplied by water discharges to obtain sediment discharges in the vicinity of the sampling points.  
1.2 The procedures given in these test methods are used by the Agricultural Research Service, Geological Survey, National Resources Conservation Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and other agencies responsible for studying water bodies. These test methods are adapted from a laboratory-procedure manual2 and a quality-assurance plan.3  
1.3 These test methods include:    
Sections  
Test Method A—Evaporation  
8 to 13  
Test Method B—Filtration  
14 to 19  
Test Method C—Wet-Sieving-Filtration  
20 to 25  
1.4 Test Method A can be used only on sediments that settle within the allotted storage time of the samples which usually ranges from a few days to a few weeks. A correction factor must be applied if dissolved-solids concentration exceeds about 10 % of the sediment concentration.  
1.5 Test Method B can be used only on samples containing sand concentrations less than about 10 000 ppm and clay concentrations less than about 200 ppm. The sediment need not be settleable because filters are used to separate water from the sediment. Correction factors for dissolved solids are not required.  
1.6 Test Method C can be used if two concentration values are required: one for sand-size particles and one for the combination of silt and clay-size particles. The silt-clay fraction need not be settleable.  
1.7 These test methods must not be confused with turbidity measurements discussed in Test Method D1889. Turbidity is the optical property of a sample that causes light rays to be scattered and absorbed; it is not an accurate measure of the mass or concentration of sediment in the sample.  
1.8 These test methods contain some procedures similar to those in Methods of Test D1888 which pertains to measuring particulate and dissolved matter in water.  
1.9 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.10 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.  
1.11 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2019
• ICS: 13.060.30 - Sewage water
• Technical Committee: D19 - Water
• Drafting Committee: D19.07 - Sediments, Geomorphology, and Open-Channel Flow

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D3977-97(2013)e1 - Standard Test Methods for Determining Sediment Concentration in Water Samples
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2019
• Refers: ASTM D1129-13(2020)e2 - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D4410-16 - Terminology for Fluvial Sediment
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2016
• Refers: ASTM D4411-03(2014)e1 - Standard Guide for Sampling Fluvial Sediment in Motion
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2014
• Refers: ASTM D4411-03(2014) - Standard Guide for Sampling Fluvial Sediment in Motion
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2014
• Refers: ASTM E11-13 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM D2777-12 - Standard Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2012
• Refers: ASTM D1129-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2010
• Refers: ASTM D4410-10 - Terminology for Fluvial Sediment
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2010
• Refers: ASTM E11-09e1 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009
• Refers: ASTM D4411-03(2008) - Standard Guide for Sampling Fluvial Sediment in Motion
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM D2777-08 - Standard Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2008
• Refers: ASTM D1129-06a - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2006
• Refers: ASTM D1129-06ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2006
• Refers: ASTM D2777-06 - Standard Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2006

Overview

ASTM D3977-97(2019) – Standard Test Methods for Determining Sediment Concentration in Water Samples specifies reliable techniques for measuring the concentration of sediment in water and wastewater samples from various water bodies, including lakes, reservoirs, ponds, streams, and rivers. Published by ASTM International, this standard provides essential guidelines for sample collection, handling, and analysis, ensuring accurate sediment concentration data for both scientific research and practical resource management.

These test methods are adopted by leading regulatory and research organizations, including the Agricultural Research Service, Geological Survey, National Resources Conservation Service, and the Bureau of Reclamation. By adopting alternative analytical approaches, the standard accommodates a broad range of sediment properties and sampling conditions.

Key Topics

• Test Methods: The standard outlines three primary methods-

  • Test Method A (Evaporation): Suitable for settleable sediments that can be stored from a few days to a few weeks.
  • Test Method B (Filtration): Used for samples with sand concentrations under 10,000 ppm and clay under 200 ppm; suitable for non-settleable sediment using filter separation.
  • Test Method C (Wet-Sieving-Filtration): Allows determination of both coarse (sand-sized) and fine (silt and clay) particle concentrations.

• Sample Collection: Procedures highlight the importance of collection technique, especially in flowing waters where sediment distribution varies across locations and sampling methods.

• Data Use and Significance:

  • Calculation of suspended-sediment discharges in rivers
  • Estimation of sediment yields from watersheds
  • Informing water treatment schedules for industrial and municipal supply
  • Quantifying discharges of chemicals and nutrients transported by sediments

• Precision and Bias: Each method includes precision and bias data, allowing laboratories and agencies to select the most appropriate procedure for their specific water quality monitoring needs.

• Distinction from Turbidity: The standard clarifies that sediment concentration measurements are not equivalent to turbidity readings (Test Method D1889), as turbidity assesses optical properties rather than actual sediment mass.

Applications

Organizations and professionals utilize ASTM D3977-97(2019) in a variety of fields, delivering practical value in:

• Water Quality Monitoring: Tracking suspended and dissolved sediment loads in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs supports environmental management and regulatory compliance.
• Watershed Management: Sediment concentration data inform the design and evaluation of erosion control and watershed protection programs.
• Water Treatment Operations: Utilities use sediment concentration analysis to optimize treatment schedules and protect infrastructure from abrasive or contaminant-laden particles.
• Environmental Impact Studies: Assessing pollutant transport, such as pesticides or heavy metals attached to sediment particles, helps meeting regulatory requirements and supporting decision making.
• Hydrological and Geological Research: Accurate sediment data support long-term studies on geomorphology, sediment transport, and stream ecology.

Related Standards

ASTM D3977-97(2019) references and aligns with several related standards, supporting consistency and comparability:

• ASTM D1129: Terminology Relating to Water
• ASTM D1193: Specification for Reagent Water
• ASTM D1888: Methods of Test for Particulate and Dissolved Matter in Water
• ASTM D1889: Test Method for Turbidity of Water
• ASTM D2777: Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water
• ASTM D4410/D4411: Terminology and Guide for Sampling Fluvial Sediment
• ASTM E11: Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves

These references ensure that laboratories and agencies can integrate ASTM D3977-97(2019) seamlessly into comprehensive water quality assessment protocols.

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Keywords: sediment concentration, water samples, ASTM D3977, suspended sediment, water quality monitoring, laboratory analysis, sediment yield, water treatment, environmental impact, sample collection, filtration, evaporation, wet-sieving, sediment testing standard.

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
Designation: D3977 − 97 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Methods for
Determining Sediment Concentration in Water Samples
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3977; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope concentrationslessthanabout200ppm.Thesedimentneednot
besettleablebecausefiltersareusedtoseparatewaterfromthe
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of sediment
sediment. Correction factors for dissolved solids are not
concentrationsinwaterandwastewatersamplescollectedfrom
required.
lakes, reservoirs, ponds, streams, and other water bodies. In
lakes and other quiescent-water bodies, concentrations of
1.6 Test Method C can be used if two concentration values
sediment in samples are nearly equal to concentrations at
are required: one for sand-size particles and one for the
sampling points; in most instances, sample concentrations are
combination of silt and clay-size particles. The silt-clay frac-
not strongly influenced by collection techniques. In rivers and
tion need not be settleable.
other flowing-water bodies, concentrations of sediment in
1.7 These test methods must not be confused with turbidity
samples depend upon the manner in which the samples are
measurements discussed in Test Method D1889. Turbidity is
collected. Concentrations in isokinetically-collected samples
the optical property of a sample that causes light rays to be
can be multiplied by water discharges to obtain sediment
scattered and absorbed; it is not an accurate measure of the
discharges in the vicinity of the sampling points.
mass or concentration of sediment in the sample.
1.2 The procedures given in these test methods are used by
1.8 These test methods contain some procedures similar to
theAgriculturalResearchService,GeologicalSurvey,National
those in Methods of Test D1888 which pertains to measuring
Resources Conservation Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and
particulate and dissolved matter in water.
other agencies responsible for studying water bodies. These
test methods are adapted from a laboratory-procedure manual 1.9 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
and a quality-assurance plan. standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
1.3 These test methods include:
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Sections
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Test Method A—Evaporation 8 to 13
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Test Method B—Filtration 14 to 19
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Test Method C—Wet-Sieving-Filtration 20 to 25
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 TestMethodAcanbeusedonlyonsedimentsthatsettle
1.11 This international standard was developed in accor-
within the allotted storage time of the samples which usually
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ranges from a few days to a few weeks. A correction factor
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
must be applied if dissolved-solids concentration exceeds
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
about 10% of the sediment concentration.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.5 Test Method B can be used only on samples containing
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
sand concentrations less than about 10000 ppm and clay
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D19 on
Water and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D19.07 on Sediments,
D1129Terminology Relating to Water
Geomorphology, and Open-Channel Flow.
D1193Specification for Reagent Water
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2019. Published January 2020. Originally
ɛ1 D1888MethodsOfTestforParticulateandDissolvedMatter
approved in 1980. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D3977–97 (2013) .
DOI: 10.1520/D3977-97R19.
Guy, H. P., “Laboratory Theory and Methods for Sediment Analysis,” Tech-
niques of Water Resources Investigations, U.S. Geological Survey, Book 5, Chapter
C1, 1941. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Matthes,W.J.,Jr.,Sholar,C.,J.,andGeorge,J.R.,“Quality-AssurancePlanfor contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
the Analysis of Fluvial Sediment,” U.S. Geological Survey Open File Report,Vol Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
90, 1990. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3977 − 97 (2019)
in Water (Withdrawn 1989) 3.2.6 tare, n—weights of empty containers used in analysis
D1889Test Method for Turbidity of Water (Withdrawn procedure.
2007)
4. Significance and Use
D2777Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of
Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water
4.1 Suspended-sediment samples contain particles with a
D4410Terminology for Fluvial Sediment
widevarietyofphysicalcharacteristics.Bypresentingalternate
D4411Guide for Sampling Fluvial Sediment in Motion
approaches, these test methods allow latitude in selecting
E11Specification forWovenWireTest Sieve Cloth andTest
analysis methods that work best with the particular samples
Sieves
under study.
4.2 Sediment-concentration data are used for many pur-
3. Terminology
poses that include: (1) computing suspended-sediment dis-
3.1 Definitions:
charges of streams or sediment yields of watersheds, (2)
3.1.1 For definitions of water-related terms used in this
scheduling treatments of industrial and domestic water
standard, refer to Terminologies D1129 and D4410.
supplies, and (3) estimating discharges of pesticides, plant
nutrients, and heavy metals transported on surfaces or inside
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 dissolved solids, n—soluble constituents in water.The sediment particles.
quantityisdeterminedbyevaporatingawatersampletovisible
5. Reagents and Materials
dryness at a temperature slightly below boiling. The tempera-
ture is then raised to 105°C and held for about 2 h. This is
5.1 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references
followed by cooling in a desiccator and weighing the residue.
to water shall be understood to mean reagent water as defined
by Type III of Specification D1193.
3.2.2 fluvial sediment, n—particles that are (a) derived from
5.1.1 Requirementscanusuallybemetbypassingtapwater
rocks or biological materials and (b) transported by flowing
throughamixedcation-anionexchangeresinorbydistillation.
water.
3.2.3 sediment concentration, n—(a)theratioofthemassof
6. Sampling
dry sediment in a water-sediment mixture to the mass of the
6.1 Flows and concentrations in river cross sections are
mixture or (b) the ratio of the mass of dry sediment in a
usually unsteady; consequently, in a strict sense, samples
water-sediment mixture to the volume of the mixture. As
represent conditions only at the time and location of sample
indicated by Table 1, the two ratios differ except at concentra-
collection.
tions less than 8000 mg/L.
6.2 A sample may consist of a single container of a
3.2.4 supernate, n—clear, overlying liquid in a sediment
water-sediment mixtures collected at (1) a specific point in a
sample.
river cross section, (2) a specific vertical in a cross section (a
3.2.5 suspended sediment, n—sediment supported by turbu-
depth-integrated sample), or (3) several verticals in a cross-
lent currents in flowing water or by Brownian movement.
section. If the verticals are equally spaced and the sample is
collected at equal transit rates, it is referred to as an EWI
sample.TheacronymEWI(equal-width-increment)issynony-
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on mous with ETR (equal-transit-rate) which appears in many
www.astm.org.
3 A
TABLE 1 Factors for Conversion of Sediment Concentration in Parts per Million (ppm) to Grams per Cubic Metre (g/m ) or Milligrams
per Litre (mg/L)
Range of Concentration, Multiply Range of Concentration, Multiply Range of Concentration, Multiply
1000 ppm By 1000 ppm By 1000 ppm By
0–7.95 1.00 153–165 1.11 362–380 1.30
8.0–23.7 1.01 166–178 1.12 381–398 1.32
23.8–39.1 1.02 179–191 1.13 399–416 1.34
39.2–54.3 1.03 192–209 1.14 417–434 1.36
54.4–69.2 1.04 210–233 1.16 435–451 1.38
69.3–83.7 1.05 234–256 1.18 452–467 1.40
83.8–97.9 1.06 257–278 1.20 468–483 1.42
98.0–111 1.07 279–300 1.22 484–498 1.44
112–125 1.08 301–321 1.24 499–513 1.46
126–139 1.09 322–341 1.26 514–528 1.48
140–152 1.10 342–361 1.28 529–542 1.50
A
Based on water density of 1.000 g/mL and specific gravity of sediment of 2.65.
The following equation also applies:
C 5 C/s1.0 2 C 622 3 10 d
where:
C = sediment concentration, mg/L, and
C = sediment concentration, ppm.
D3977 − 97 (2019)
older reports.Asample may also consist of several containers 7.3 Removethebottlecapsthenweigheachcontaineralong
filled at different points or verticals in a cross-section. If the with its water-sediment mixture to the nearest 0.5 g. Record
containers are filled at centroids of equal discharge in a cross each reading on the corresponding bottle and on the laboratory
section, they are referred to as EDI samples. Details on form under the heading Weight of Sample—Gross.
sampling are given in Guide D4411.
7.4 Replace the caps then store the samples in a cool, dark
place to minimize microbiological and algal growth. Inspect
7. Sample Handling
the bottles frequently; if the sediment does not settle within
7.1 When samples arrive at the laboratory, group them
about 14 days, useTest Method B (filtration procedure) for the
according to gaging stations and then arrange each group in
analysis. If settling proceeds at an acceptably rapid rate, use
chronological order according to times of sample collection.
Test Methods A, B, or C.
Separate the samples to be analyzed for concentration from
those to be analyzed for particle-size distribution or other TEST METHOD A—EVAPORATION
properties. A data sheet should then be completed for each
8. Scope
concentration sample. Examples of three commonly used
forms are shown on Fig. 1. Expanded notes can be written on
8.1 This test method can be used only with sediments that
the front of the forms in spaces reserved for other bottles or, if
settle under the influence of gravity. This test method is
evenmorespaceisneeded,remarkscanbewrittenontheback
applicabletosamplesrangingfrom0.2to20Linvolume,from
of the forms along with reference numbers keyed to the
5 to 550000 mg/L in sediment concentration, and having less
appropriate bottles.
than 35000 mg/L in dissolved-solid concentration.
7.2 Check each sample for: (1) loss of water caused by
9. Summary of Test Method
leakage or evaporation, (2) loss of sediment which is some-
timesrevealedbythepresenceofparticlesontheoutsideofthe 9.1 After the sediment has settled, most of the supernatant
sample bottle, (3) accuracy of sample-identification notes, and water is poured or siphoned away. The volume of water-
(4)acontainertarewhichisusuallyetchedonthebottle.Enter sediment mixture remaining is measured so that a dissolved-
all appropriate notes, observations, and data on the laboratory solids correction can be applied later. The sediment is then
form.Beparticularlycarefultoentertheetchedtarereadingon dried and weighed. Sediment concentration is calculated in
the form under the heading Weight of Sample—Tare.
accordance with Section 12.
FIG. 1 Alternate Forms for Recording Field and Laboratory Data for Sediment Samples
D3977 − 97 (2019)
10. Apparatus 11.7 Determine the dissolved-solids correction factor by
using a volumetric pipet to transfer an aliquot (measured
10.1 Evaporating Dishes or Beakers—Preweighed contain-
volume) of supernate into an evaporating dish. Record the
ers of porcelain or glass with capacities of about 150 mL are
aliquot volume in millilitres on the laboratory form.
needed for holding the sediment and water during drying.
11.8 Set the oven temperature slightly below the boiling
10.2 Vacuum System, trapped to prevent sample carry-over
point of water and evaporate the supernate to visible dryness.
to the vacuum source during removal of supernate.
Then raise and maintain the oven temperature at 105°C for at
10.3 Drying Oven, equipped with a 90 to 120°C thermostat
least 2 h. After this, cool the dish in a desiccator. Then weigh
isneededtocontroltemperatureswhileevaporatingwaterfrom
the dish and its contents to the nearest 0.0001 g. Record this
thesediment.Agravity-convectiontypeovenispreferredbuta
gross weight and also the tare weight of the dish on the form.
mechanically ventilated (forced draft) style can be used if
Subtract the tare from the gross and record the net weight of
air-flow rates are low.
dissolved solids in grams.
10.4 Desiccator, for preventing air-borne moisture from
collecting in the sediment specimens while they are cooling.
12. Calculation
10.5 Laboratory Balance,top-loadingtypewitharesolution
12.1 Determine the dissolved-solids correction according to
of 0.0001 g and a capacity of 150 g is needed for weighing the
Eq 1:
dry sediments.
DSc 5 ~DS/Va! 3Vs (1)
10.6 Laboratory Balance,top-loadingtypewitharesolution
of 0.1 g and a capacity of about 4000 g is needed for weighing where:
sample bottles containing water and sediment.
DSc = dissolved-solids correction, g,
DS = net weight of dissolved solids determined in 11.7,g,
11. Procedure
Va = aliquot volume taken for dissolved solids in 11.7,
11.1 After the sediment has settled, decant or vacuum away
asmuchsupernateaspossiblewithoutdisturbingthesediment. mL, and
Vs = volume of supernate remaining with the sediment in
This can be accomplished by connecting a J-shaped plastic,
11.2, mL.
copper, or glass tube to the vacuum line and lowering the tube
untilthecurvedsectionisnearthebottomofthesamplebottle.
InEq1, DS/Vaistheconcentrationofdissolvedsolidsinthe
Supernateenterstheupward-facingendofthetubeandthereby
supernate (see 11.7). This concentration is multiplied by Vs to
flows away without creating currents and eddies in the sedi-
obtain the dissolved-solids weight in the dry sedi
...