ASTM C1109-23

Standard Practice for Analysis of Aqueous Leachates from Nuclear Waste Materials Using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This practice may be used to determine concentrations of elements leached from nuclear waste materials (glasses, ceramics, cements) using an aqueous leachant. If the nuclear waste material is radioactive, a suitably contained and shielded ICP-AES spectrometer system with a filtered exit-gas system must be used, but no other changes in the practice are required. The leachant may be deionized water or any aqueous solution containing less than 1 % total solids.  
5.2 This practice as written is for the analysis of solutions containing 1 % nitric acid. It can be modified to specify the use of the same or another mineral acid at the same or higher concentration. In such cases, the only change needed in this practice is to substitute the preferred acid and concentration value whenever 1 % nitric acid appears here. It is important that the acid type and content of the reference and check solutions closely match the leachate solutions to be analyzed.  
5.3 This practice can be used to analyze leachates from static leach testing of waste forms using Test Method C1220.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice is applicable to the determination of low concentration and trace elements in aqueous leachate solutions produced by the leaching of nuclear waste materials, using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES).  
1.2 The nuclear waste material may be a simulated (non-radioactive) solid waste form or an actual solid radioactive waste material.  
1.3 The leachate may be deionized water or any natural or simulated leachate solution containing less than 1 % total dissolved solids.  
1.4 This practice should be used by analysts experienced in the use of ICP-AES, the interpretation of spectral and non-spectral interferences, and procedures for their correction.  
1.5 No detailed operating instructions are provided because of differences among various makes and models of suitable ICP-AES instruments. Instead, the analyst shall follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the particular instrument. This test method does not address comparative accuracy of different devices or the precision between instruments of the same make and model.  
1.6 This practice contains notes that are explanatory and are not part of the mandatory requirements of the method.  
1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.8 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.  
1.9 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: 30-Nov-2023
• ICS: 13.030.30 - Special wastes
• Technical Committee: C26 - Nuclear Fuel Cycle
• Drafting Committee: C26.05 - Methods of Test

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C1109-10(2015) - Standard Practice for Analysis of Aqueous Leachates from Nuclear Waste Materials Using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM E438-92(2024) - Standard Specification for Glasses in Laboratory Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM E438-92(2018) - Standard Specification for Glasses in Laboratory Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Referred By: ASTM D8088-16(2022) - Standard Practice for Determination of the Six Major Rare Earth Elements in Fluid Catalytic Cracking Catalysts, Zeolites, Additives, and Related Materials by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM C1111-10(2020) - Standard Test Method for Determining Elements in Waste Streams by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D7691-23 - Standard Test Method for Multielement Analysis of Crude Oils Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES)
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM C1285-21 - Standard Test Methods for Determining Chemical Durability of Nuclear, Hazardous, and Mixed Waste Glasses and Multiphase Glass Ceramics: The Product Consistency Test (PCT)
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM C1662-18 - Standard Practice for Measurement of the Glass Dissolution Rate Using the Single-Pass Flow-Through Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM C1220-21 - Standard Test Method for Static Leaching of Monolithic Waste Forms for Disposal of Radioactive Waste
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D7151-15(2023) - Standard Test Method for Determination of Elements in Insulating Oils by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES)
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D5185-18 - Standard Test Method for Multielement Determination of Used and Unused Lubricating Oils and Base Oils by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES)
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D7260-20 - Standard Practice for Optimization, Calibration, and Validation of Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) for Elemental Analysis of Petroleum Products and Lubricants
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Referred By: ASTM C1463-19 - Standard Practices for Dissolving Glass Containing Radioactive and Mixed Waste for Chemical and Radiochemical Analysis
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023

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: C1109 − 23
Standard Practice for
Analysis of Aqueous Leachates from Nuclear Waste
Materials Using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic
1
Emission Spectroscopy
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1109; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.9 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 This practice is applicable to the determination of low
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
concentration and trace elements in aqueous leachate solutions
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
produced by the leaching of nuclear waste materials, using
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
(ICP-AES).
1.2 The nuclear waste material may be a simulated (non-
2. Referenced Documents
radioactive) solid waste form or an actual solid radioactive
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
waste material.
C859 Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
1.3 The leachate may be deionized water or any natural or
C1009 Guide for Establishing and Maintaining a Quality
simulated leachate solution containing less than 1 % total
Assurance Program for Analytical Laboratories Within the
dissolved solids.
Nuclear Industry
C1220 Test Method for Static Leaching of Monolithic Waste
1.4 This practice should be used by analysts experienced in
Forms for Disposal of Radioactive Waste
the use of ICP-AES, the interpretation of spectral and non-
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
spectral interferences, and procedures for their correction.
D7035 Test Method for Determination of Metals and Met-
1.5 No detailed operating instructions are provided because
alloids in Airborne Particulate Matter by Inductively
of differences among various makes and models of suitable
Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-
ICP-AES instruments. Instead, the analyst shall follow the
AES)
instructions provided by the manufacturer of the particular
E135 Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for
instrument. This test method does not address comparative
Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
accuracy of different devices or the precision between instru-
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
ments of the same make and model.
ASTM Test Methods
1.6 This practice contains notes that are explanatory and are
E288 Specification for Laboratory Glass Volumetric Flasks
not part of the mandatory requirements of the method.
E438 Specification for Glasses in Laboratory Apparatus
E1154 Specification for Piston or Plunger Operated Volu-
1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
metric Apparatus and Operator Qualification
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
3. Terminology
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.1 For definitions of pertinent terms not listed here, see
Terminology C859.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.2 Definitions:
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2.1 atomic emission—characteristic radiation emitted by
an electronically excited atomic species. D7035
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C26 on Nuclear
Fuel Cycle and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C26.05 on Methods of
2
Test. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2023. Published January 2024. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as C1109 – 10 (2015). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/C1109-23. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
C1109 − 23
3.2.1.1 Discussion—In atomic (or optical) emission 3.2.12 linear dynamic range—the elemental concentration
spectrometry, a very high-temperature environment, such as a range over which the calibration curve remains linear to within
plasma, is used to create excited state atoms. For analytica
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM 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: C1109 − 10 (Reapproved 2015) C1109 − 23
Standard Practice for
Analysis of Aqueous Leachates from Nuclear Waste
Materials Using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic
1
Emission Spectroscopy
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1109; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice is applicable to the determination of low concentration and trace elements in aqueous leachate solutions produced
by the leaching of nuclear waste materials, using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES).
1.2 The nuclear waste material may be a simulated (non-radioactive) solid waste form or an actual solid radioactive waste
material.
1.3 The leachate may be deionized water or any natural or simulated leachate solution containing less than 1 % total dissolved
solids.
1.4 This practice should be used by analysts experienced in the use of ICP-AES, the interpretation of spectral and non-spectral
interferences, and procedures for their correction.
1.5 No detailed operating instructions are provided because of differences among various makes and models of suitable ICP-AES
instruments. Instead, the analyst shall follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the particular instrument. This test
method does not address comparative accuracy of different devices or the precision between instruments of the same make and
model.
1.6 This practice contains notes that are explanatory and are not part of the mandatory requirements of the method.
1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems,concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and healthsafety, health, and environmental practices and
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.9 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.
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C26 on Nuclear Fuel Cycle and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C26.05 on Methods of Test.
Current edition approved June 1, 2015Dec. 1, 2023. Published June 2015January 2024. Originally approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 20102015 as
C1109 – 10.C1109 – 10 (2015). DOI: 10.1520/C1109-10R15.10.1520/C1109-23.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
C1109 − 23
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C859 Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
C1009 Guide for Establishing and Maintaining a Quality Assurance Program for Analytical Laboratories Within the Nuclear
Industry
C1220 Test Method for Static Leaching of Monolithic Waste Forms for Disposal of Radioactive Waste
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D7035 Test Method for Determination of Metals and Metalloids in Airborne Particulate Matter by Inductively Coupled Plasma
Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES)
E135 Terminology Relating to Analytical Chemistry for Metals, Ores, and Related Materials
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E288 Specification for Laboratory Glass Volumetric Flasks
E438 Specification for Glasses in Laboratory Apparatus
E1154 Specification for Piston or Plunger Operated Volumetric Apparatus and Operator Qualification
3
2.2 ISO and European Standards:
ISO 1042 Laboratory Glassware—One-mark Volumetric Flasks
ISO 3585 Borosilicate Glass 3.3—Properties
ISO 8655 Piston-Operated Volumetric Instruments (6 parts)
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of pertinent terms not listed here, see Terminology C859.
3.2 Definitions:
3.2.1 atomic emission—characteristic radiation emitted by an electronically excited atomic species. D7035
3.2.1.1 Discussion—
In atomic (or optical) emission spectrometry, a very high-temperature environment, such as a plasma, is used
...