ASTM D516-11

Standard Test Method for Sulfate Ion in Water

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The determination of sulfate is important because it has been reported that when this ion is present in excess of about 250 mg/L in drinking water, it causes a cathartic action (especially in children) in the presence of sodium and magnesium, and gives a bad taste to the water.
SCOPE
1.1 This turbidimetric test method covers the determination of sulfate in water in the range from 5 to 40 mg/L of sulfate ion (SO4−−).
1.2 This test method was used successfully with drinking, ground, and surface waters. It is the user's responsibility to ensure the validity of this test method for waters of untested matrices.
1.3 Former gravimetric and volumetric test methods have been discontinued. Refer to Appendix X1 for historical information.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address 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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2011
• ICS: 13.060.50 - Examination of water for chemical substances
• Technical Committee: D19 - Water
• Drafting Committee: D19.05 - Inorganic Constituents in Water

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D516-07 - Standard Test Method for Sulfate Ion in Water
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Referred By: ASTM D8039-16(2023) - Standard Specification for Heat Transfer Fluids (HTF) for Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Referred By: ASTM D1748-22 - Standard Test Method for Rust Protection by Metal Preservatives in the Humidity Cabinet
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Referred By: ASTM D7518-20 - Standard Specification for 1,3 Propanediol (PDO) Base Engine Coolant for Automobile and Light-Duty Service
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Referred By: ASTM C1797-23 - Standard Specification for Ground Calcium Carbonate and Aggregate Mineral Fillers for use in Hydraulic Cement Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Referred By: ASTM D3306-21 - Standard Specification for Glycol Base Engine Coolant for Automobile and Light-Duty Service
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Referred By: ASTM E1210-21 - Standard Practice for Fluorescent Liquid Penetrant Testing Using the Hydrophilic Post-Emulsification Process
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Referred By: ASTM G91-11(2018) - Standard Practice for Monitoring Atmospheric SO<inf>2</inf> Deposition Rate for Atmospheric Corrosivity Evaluation
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Referred By: ASTM D4328-18 - Standard Practice for Calculation of Supersaturation of Barium Sulfate, Strontium Sulfate, and Calcium Sulfate Dihydrate (Gypsum) in Brackish Water, Seawater, and Brines
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Referred By: ASTM D4985-10(2023) - Standard Specification for Low Silicate Ethylene Glycol Base Engine Coolant for Heavy Duty Engines Requiring a Pre-Charge of Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA)
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Referred By: ASTM D7517-19 - Standard Specification for Fully-Formulated 1,3 Propanediol (PDO) Base Engine Coolant for Heavy-Duty Engines
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Referred By: ASTM D4195-23 - Standard Guide for Water Analysis for Reverse Osmosis and Nanofiltration Application
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Referred By: ASTM E1208-21 - Standard Practice for Fluorescent Liquid Penetrant Testing Using the Lipophilic Post-Emulsification Process
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Referred By: ASTM E1219-21 - Standard Practice for Fluorescent Liquid Penetrant Testing Using the Solvent-Removable Process
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Referred By: ASTM E1209-18 - Standard Practice for Fluorescent Liquid Penetrant Testing Using the Water-Washable Process
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D516 − 11
StandardTest Method for
1
Sulfate Ion in Water
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D516; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope* Materials by Spectrophotometry
E275PracticeforDescribingandMeasuringPerformanceof
1.1 This turbidimetric test method covers the determination
Ultraviolet and Visible Spectrophotometers
ofsulfateinwaterintherangefrom5to40mg/Lofsulfateion
−−
(SO ).
4
3. Terminology
1.2 This test method was used successfully with drinking,
3.1 Definitions— For definitions of terms used in this test
ground, and surface waters. It is the user’s responsibility to
method, refer to Terminology D1129.
ensure the validity of this test method for waters of untested
matrices.
4. Summary of Test Method
1.3 Former gravimetric and volumetric test methods have
4.1 Sulfate ion is converted to a barium sulfate suspension
been discontinued. Refer to Appendix X1 for historical infor-
undercontrolledconditions.Asolutioncontainingglycerinand
mation.
sodium chloride is added to stabilize the suspension and
minimize interferences. The resulting turbidity is determined
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
by a nephelometer, spectrophotometer, or photoelectric colo-
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
rimeterandcomparedtoacurvepreparedfromstandardsulfate
standard.
solutions.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address the safety
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
5. Significance and Use
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and
5.1 The determination of sulfate is important because it has
health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
been reported that when this ion is present in excess of about
limitations prior to use.
250 mg/L in drinking water, it causes a cathartic action
(especially in children) in the presence of sodium and
2. Referenced Documents
magnesium, and gives a bad taste to the water.
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1066Practice for Sampling Steam
6. Interferences
D1129Terminology Relating to Water
6.1 Insoluble suspended matter in the sample must be
D1193Specification for Reagent Water
removed. Dark colors that cannot be compensated for in the
D2777Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of
procedureinterferewiththemeasurementofsuspendedbarium
Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water
sulfate (BaSO ).
4
D3370Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Conduits
D5847Practice for Writing Quality Control Specifications
6.2 Polyphosphates as low as 1 mg/L will inhibit barium
for Standard Test Methods for Water Analysis
sulfate precipitation causing a negative interference. Phospho-
E60Practice for Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related
nates present in low concentrations, depending on the type of
phosphonate, will also cause a negative interference. Silica in
excess of 500 mg/L may precipitate along with the barium
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D19 on Water
sulfate causing a positive interference. Chloride in excess of
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D19.05 on Inorganic Constituents
5000 mg/L will cause a negative interference. Aluminum,
in Water.
polymers, and large quantities of organic material present in
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2011. Published September 2011. Originally
the test sample may cause the barium sulfate to precipitate
approved in 1938. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D516–07. DOI:
10.1520/D0516-11.
nonuniformly. In the presence of organic matter certain bacte-
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
ria may reduce sulfate to sulfide. To minimize the action of
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
sulfatereducingbacteria,samplesshouldberefrigeratedat4°C
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. when the presence of such bacteria is suspected.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D516 − 11
6.3 Although other ions normally found in water do not 9. Sampling
appeartointerfere,theformationofthebariumsulfatesuspen-
9.1 Collect the sample in accordance with Practice D1066,
sion is very critical. Determinations that are in doubt may be
and Practices D3370,
...

This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:D516–07 Designation:D516–11
Standard Test Method for
1
Sulfate Ion in Water
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D516; 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 (ϵ) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope Scope*
1.1 This turbidimetric test method covers the determination of sulfate in water in the range from 5 to 40 mg/L of sulfate ion
−−
(SO ).
4
1.2 This test method was used successfully with drinking, ground, and surface waters. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure
the validity of this test method for waters of untested matrices.
1.3 Former gravimetric and volumetric test methods have been discontinued. Refer toAppendix X1 for historical information.
1.4
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1066 Practice for Sampling Steam
D1129 Terminology Relating to Water D1192Guide for Equipment for Sampling Water and Steam in Closed Conduits
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D2777 Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water
D3370 Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Conduits
D5847 Practice for Writing Quality Control Specifications for Standard Test Methods for Water Analysis
E60 Practice for Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related Materials by Spectrophotometry
E275 Practice for Describing and Measuring Performance of Ultraviolet and Visible Spectrophotometers
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to Terminology D1129.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Sulfate ion is converted to a barium sulfate suspension under controlled conditions. A solution containing glycerin and
sodium chloride is added to stabilize the suspension and minimize interferences. The resulting turbidity is determined by a
nephelometer, spectrophotometer, or photoelectric colorimeter and compared to a curve prepared from standard sulfate solutions.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The determination of sulfate is important because it has been reported that when this ion is present in excess of about 250
mg/L in drinking water, it causes a cathartic action (especially in children) in the presence of sodium and magnesium, and gives
a bad taste to the water.
6. Interferences
6.1 Insoluble suspended matter in the sample must be removed. Dark colors that cannot be compensated for in the procedure
interfere with the measurement of suspended barium sulfate (BaSO ).
4
1
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD19onWaterandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeD19.05onInorganicConstituentsinWater.
Current edition approved Aug.Sept. 1, 2007.2011. Published September 2007.2011. Originally approved in 1938. Last previous edition approved in 20022007 as
D516–027. DOI: 10.1520/D0516-07.10.1520/D0516-11.
2
ForreferencedASTMstandards,visittheASTMwebsite,www.astm.org,[e-mail] Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D516–11
6.2 Polyphosphates as low as 1 mg/L will inhibit barium sulfate precipitation causing a negative interference. Phosphonates
present in low concentrations, depending on the type of phosphonate, will also cause a negative interference. Silica in excess of
500mg/Lmayprecipitatealongwiththebariumsulfatecausingapositiveinterference.Chlorideinexcessof5000mg/Lwillcause
a negative interference. Aluminum, polymers, and large quantities of organic material present in the test sample may cause the
barium sulfate to precipitate nonuniformly. In the presence of organic matter certain bacteria may reduce sulfate to sulfide. T
...

This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:D516–07 Designation:D516–11
Standard Test Method for
1
Sulfate Ion in Water
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D516; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope Scope*
1.1 This turbidimetric test method covers the determination of sulfate in water in the range from 5 to 40 mg/L of sulfate ion
−−
(SO ).
4
1.2 This test method was used successfully with drinking, ground, and surface waters. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure
the validity of this test method for waters of untested matrices.
1.3 Former gravimetric and volumetric test methods have been discontinued. Refer toAppendix X1 for historical information.
1.4
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1066 Practice for Sampling Steam
D1129 Terminology Relating to Water D1192Guide for Equipment for Sampling Water and Steam in Closed Conduits
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D2777 Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water
D3370 Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Conduits
D5847 Practice for Writing Quality Control Specifications for Standard Test Methods for Water Analysis
E60 Practice for Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related Materials by Spectrophotometry
E275 Practice for Describing and Measuring Performance of Ultraviolet and Visible Spectrophotometers
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to Terminology D1129.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Sulfate ion is converted to a barium sulfate suspension under controlled conditions. A solution containing glycerin and
sodium chloride is added to stabilize the suspension and minimize interferences. The resulting turbidity is determined by a
nephelometer, spectrophotometer, or photoelectric colorimeter and compared to a curve prepared from standard sulfate solutions.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The determination of sulfate is important because it has been reported that when this ion is present in excess of about 250
mg/L in drinking water, it causes a cathartic action (especially in children) in the presence of sodium and magnesium, and gives
a bad taste to the water.
6. Interferences
6.1 Insoluble suspended matter in the sample must be removed. Dark colors that cannot be compensated for in the procedure
interfere with the measurement of suspended barium sulfate (BaSO ).
4
1
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD19onWaterandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeD19.05onInorganicConstituentsinWater.
Current edition approved Aug.Sept. 1, 2007.2011. Published September 2007.2011. Originally approved in 1938. Last previous edition approved in 20022007 as
D516–027. DOI: 10.1520/D0516-07.10.1520/D0516-11.
2
ForreferencedASTMstandards,visittheASTMwebsite,www.astm.org,[e-mail] Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D516–11
6.2 Polyphosphates as low as 1 mg/L will inhibit barium sulfate precipitation causing a negative interference. Phosphonates
present in low concentrations, depending on the type of phosphonate, will also cause a negative interference. Silica in excess of
500mg/Lmayprecipitatealongwiththebariumsulfatecausingapositiveinterference.Chlorideinexcessof5000mg/Lwillcause
a negative interference. Aluminum, polymers, and large quantities of organic material present in the test sample may cause the
barium sulfate to precipitate nonuniformly. In the presence of organic matter certain bacteria may reduce sulfate to sulfide. T
...