ASTM D516-07

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 (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 to Appendix X1 for historical information.
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-Jul-2007
• 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 D516-02 - Standard Test Method for Sulfate Ion in Water
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2007
• Replaced By: ASTM D516-11 - Standard Test Method for Sulfate Ion in Water
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Referred By: ASTM D4692-01(2017) - Standard Practice for Calculation and Adjustment of Sulfate Scaling Salts (CaSO<inf >4</inf>, SrSO<inf>4</inf>, and BaSO<inf>4</inf>) for Reverse Osmosis and Nanofiltration
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2007
• Referred By: ASTM D2010/D2010M-98(2017) - Standard Test Methods for Evaluation of Total Sulfation Activity in the Atmosphere by the Lead Dioxide Technique
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2007
• Referred By: ASTM D3306-21 - Standard Specification for Glycol Base Engine Coolant for Automobile and Light-Duty Service
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2007
• Referred By: ASTM E1209-18 - Standard Practice for Fluorescent Liquid Penetrant Testing Using the Water-Washable Process
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2007
• Referred By: ASTM D7517-19 - Standard Specification for Fully-Formulated 1,3 Propanediol (PDO) Base Engine Coolant for Heavy-Duty Engines
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2007
• Referred By: ASTM D7714-11(2021) - Standard Specification for Glycerin Base Engine Coolant for Automobile and Light-Duty Service
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2007
• Referred By: ASTM E1418-21 - Standard Practice for Visible Penetrant Testing Using the Water-Washable Process
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2007
• Referred By: ASTM D7518-20 - Standard Specification for 1,3 Propanediol (PDO) Base Engine Coolant for Automobile and Light-Duty Service
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2007
• Referred By: ASTM D1748-22 - Standard Test Method for Rust Protection by Metal Preservatives in the Humidity Cabinet
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2007
• Referred By: ASTM E1210-21 - Standard Practice for Fluorescent Liquid Penetrant Testing Using the Hydrophilic Post-Emulsification Process
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2007
• Referred By: ASTM D4130-15 - Standard Test Method for Sulfate Ion in Brackish Water, Seawater, and Brines
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2007
• Referred By: ASTM C1797-23 - Standard Specification for Ground Calcium Carbonate and Aggregate Mineral Fillers for use in Hydraulic Cement Concrete
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2007
• 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-Aug-2007

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:D516–07
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 E60 Practice for Analysis of Metals, Ores, and Related
Materials by Molecular Absorption Spectrometry
1.1 This turbidimetric test method covers the determination
E275 Practice for Describing and Measuring Performance
ofsulfateinwaterintherangefrom5to40mg/Lofsulfateion
−−
of Ultraviolet and Visible Spectrophotometers
(SO ).
4
1.2 This test method was used successfully with drinking,
3. Terminology
ground, and surface waters. It is the user’s responsibility to
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test
ensure the validity of this test method for waters of untested
method, refer to Terminology D1129.
matrices.
1.3 Former gravimetric and volumetric test methods have
4. Summary of Test Method
been discontinued. Refer to Appendix X1 for historical infor-
4.1 Sulfate ion is converted to a barium sulfate suspension
mation.
undercontrolledconditions.Asolutioncontainingglycerinand
1.4 This standard does not purport to address the safety
sodium chloride is added to stabilize the suspension and
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
minimize interferences. The resulting turbidity is determined
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and
by a nephelometer, spectrophotometer, or photoelectric colo-
health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
rimeterandcomparedtoacurvepreparedfromstandardsulfate
limitations prior to use.
solutions.
2. Referenced Documents
5. Significance and Use
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.1 The determination of sulfate is important because it has
D1066 Practice for Sampling Steam
been reported that when this ion is present in excess of about
D1129 Terminology Relating to Water
250 mg/L in drinking water, it causes a cathartic action
D1192 GuideforEquipmentforSamplingWaterandSteam
3 (especially in children) in the presence of sodium and magne-
in Closed Conduits
sium, and gives a bad taste to the water.
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D2777 Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of
6. Interferences
Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water
6.1 Insoluble suspended matter in the sample must be
D3370 Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Conduits
removed. Dark colors that can not be compensated for in the
D5847 Practice for Writing Quality Control Specifications
procedureinterferewiththemeasurementofsuspendedbarium
for Standard Test Methods for Water Analysis
sulfate (BaSO ).
4
6.2 Polyphosphates as low as 1 mg/L will inhibit barium
sulfate precipitation causing a negative interference. Phospho-
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D19 on Water
nates present in low concentrations, depending on the type of
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D19.05 on Inorganic Constituents
in Water.
phosphonate, will also cause a negative interference. Silica in
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2007. Published September 2007. Originally
excess of 500 mg/L may precipitate along with the barium
approved in 1938. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D516–02. DOI:
sulfate causing a positive interference. Chloride in excess of
10.1520/D0516-07.
2
5000 mg/L will cause a negative interference. Aluminum,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
polymers, and large quantities of organic material present in
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the test sample may cause the barium sulfate to precipitate
the ASTM website.
3
nonuniformly. In the presence of organic matter certain bacte-
Withdrawn. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced
on www.astm.org. ria may reduce sulfate to sulfide. To minimize the action of
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D516–07
sulfatereducingbacteria,samplesshouldberefrigeratedat4°C 9. Sampling
when the presence of such bacteria is suspected.
9.1 Collect the sample in accordance with Practice D1066,
6.3 Although other ions normally found in water do not
Specification D1192, and Practices D3370, as applicable.
appeartointerfere,theformationofthebariumsulfatesuspen-
sion is very critical. Det
...

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:D 516–02 Designation:D516–07
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
1.1 This turbidimetric test method covers the determination of sulfate in water in the range from 15 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 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
D1192 SpecificationGuide 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 D-19D19 on Water
D3370 Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Conduits
D58475847 Practice for Writing Quality Control Specifications for Standard Test Methods offor Water Analysis
E60 Practice for Photometric and Spectrophotometric Methods for the Chemical Analysis of Metals Practice for Analysis of
Metals, Ores, and Related Materials by Molecular Absorption Spectrometry
E275 Practice for Describing and Measuring Performance of Ultraviolet, Visible, Ultraviolet and Near Infrared Visible
Spectrophotometers
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to Terminology D 1129D1129.
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 can not be compensated for in the procedure
1
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD19onWaterandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeD19.05onInorganicConstituentsinWater.
´1
Current edition approved Jan. 10, 2002. Published April 2002. Originally published as D 516–38T. Last previous edition D 516–90 (95) .
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2007. Published September 2007. Originally approved in 1938. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D516–02. DOI:
10.1520/D0516-07.
2
ForreferencedASTMstandards,visittheASTMwebsite,www.astm.org,[e-mail] Annual Book of ASTM Standards
, Vol 11.01.volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D516–07
interfere with the measurement of suspended barium sulfate (BaSO ).
4
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
...