ASTM D4191-15

Standard Test Method for Sodium in Water by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Sodium salts are very soluble, and sodium leached from soil and rocks tends to remain in solution. Water with a high ratio of sodium to calcium is deleterious to soil structure.  
5.2 Sodium is not particularly significant in potable water except for those persons having an abnormal sodium metabolism, but water supplies in some areas contain sufficient sodium to be a factor in the planning of sodium-free diets.  
5.3 The use of sodium salts is common in industry; therefore, many industrial wastewaters contain significant quantities of sodium. For high-pressure boiler feed-water even trace amounts of sodium are of concern.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of low amounts of sodium in waters2 having low solids content. The applicable range of this test method is from 0.20 to 3.0 mg/L when using the 589.6-nm resonance line. This range may be extended upward by dilution of an appropriate aliquot of sample or by use of the less-sensitive 330.2-nm resonance line (see Test Method D3561). Many workers have found that this test method is reliable for sodium levels to 0.005 mg/L, but use of this test method at this low level is dependent on the configuration of the aspirator and nebulizer system available in the atomic absorption spectrophotometer as well as the experience and skill of the analyst. The precision and bias data presented are insufficient to justify use of this test method in the 0.005 to 0.20-mg/L range.  
1.2 This test method has been used successfully with spiked reagent water. It is the analyst's responsibility to assure the validity of the test method to other low dissolved solids matrices.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2015
• ICS: 13.060.50 - Examination of water for chemical substances
• Technical Committee: D19 - Water
• Drafting Committee: D19.05 - Inorganic Constituents in Water

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D1066-18 - Standard Practice for Sampling Steam
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2018
• Refers: ASTM D1066-18e1 - Standard Practice for Sampling Steam
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2018

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: D4191 − 15
Standard Test Method for
1
Sodium in Water by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4191; 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* D1129 Terminology Relating to Water
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
1.1 This test method covers the determination of low
2 D2777 Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of
amounts of sodium in waters having low solids content. The
Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water
applicable range of this test method is from 0.20 to 3.0 mg/L
D3370 Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Conduits
when using the 589.6-nm resonance line. This range may be
D3561 Test Method for Lithium, Potassium, and Sodium
extended upward by dilution of an appropriate aliquot of
Ions in Brackish Water, Seawater, and Brines by Atomic
sample or by use of the less-sensitive 330.2-nm resonance line
Absorption Spectrophotometry
(see Test Method D3561). Many workers have found that this
D4841 Practice for Estimation of Holding Time for Water
test method is reliable for sodium levels to 0.005 mg/L, but use
Samples Containing Organic and Inorganic Constituents
of this test method at this low level is dependent on the
D5810 Guide for Spiking into Aqueous Samples
configuration of the aspirator and nebulizer system available in
D5847 Practice for Writing Quality Control Specifications
the atomic absorption spectrophotometer as well as the expe-
for Standard Test Methods for Water Analysis
rience and skill of the analyst. The precision and bias data
presented are insufficient to justify use of this test method in
3. Terminology
the 0.005 to 0.20-mg/L range.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test
1.2 This test method has been used successfully with spiked
method, refer to Terminology D1129.
reagent water. It is the analyst’s responsibility to assure the
validity of the test method to other low dissolved solids
4. Summary of Test Method
matrices.
4.1 Sodium is determined by flame atomic absorption spec-
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
trophotometry.The sodium content is determined by aspirating
standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
the low solids sample directly with no sample pretreatment.
conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for informa-
tion only and are not considered standard. 5. Significance and Use
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5.1 Sodium salts are very soluble, and sodium leached from
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
soil and rocks tends to remain in solution. Water with a high
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ratio of sodium to calcium is deleterious to soil structure.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
5.2 Sodium is not particularly significant in potable water
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
except for those persons having an abnormal sodium
metabolism, but water supplies in some areas contain sufficient
2. Referenced Documents
sodium to be a factor in the planning of sodium-free diets.
3
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.3 The use of sodium salts is common in industry;
D1066 Practice for Sampling Steam
therefore, many industrial wastewaters contain significant
quantities of sodium. For high-pressure boiler feed-water even
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D19 on Water
trace amounts of sodium are of concern.
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D19.05 on Inorganic Constituents
in Water.
6. Interferences
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2015. Published March 2015. Originally
approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D4191 – 08. DOI:
6.1 In the analysis of low-solids water, interferences are
10.1520/D4191-15.
2 usually negligible.
Platte, J.A., and Marcy,V. M., “ANewTool for theWater Chemist,” Industrial
Water Engineering, May 1965.
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 7. Apparatus
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
7.1 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer for use at 589.6
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. nm.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken,
...

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: D4191 − 08 D4191 − 15
Standard Test Method for
1
Sodium in Water by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4191; 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 Scope*
2
1.1 This test method covers the determination of low amounts of sodium in waters having low solids content. The applicable
range of this test method is from 0.20 to 3.0 mg/L when using the 589.6-nm resonance line. This range may be extended upward
by dilution of an appropriate aliquot of sample or by use of the less-sensitive 330.2-nm resonance line (see Test Method D3561).
Many workers have found that this test method is reliable for sodium levels to 0.005 mg/L, but use of this test method at this low
level is dependent on the configuration of the aspirator and nebulizer system available in the atomic absorption spectrophotometer
as well as the experience and skill of the analyst. The precision and bias data presented are insufficient to justify use of this test
method in the 0.005 to 0.20-mg/L range.
1.2 This test method has been used successfully with spiked reagent water. It is the analyst’s responsibility to assure the validity
of the test method to other low dissolved solids matrices.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this The values
given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not
considered standard.
1.4 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.
2. Referenced Documents
3
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1066 Practice for Sampling Steam
D1129 Terminology Relating to Water
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
D3561 Test Method for Lithium, Potassium, and Sodium Ions in Brackish Water, Seawater, and Brines by Atomic Absorption
Spectrophotometry
D4841 Practice for Estimation of Holding Time for Water Samples Containing Organic and Inorganic Constituents
D5810 Guide for Spiking into Aqueous Samples
D5847 Practice for Writing Quality Control Specifications for Standard Test Methods for Water Analysis
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 Sodium is determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The sodium content is determined by aspirating the
low solids sample directly with no sample pretreatment.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D19 on Water and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D19.05 on Inorganic Constituents in Water.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2008Feb. 1, 2015. Published October 2008March 2015. Originally approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 20032008 as
D4191 – 03.D4191 – 08. DOI: 10.1520/D4191-08.10.1520/D4191-15.
2
Platte, J. A., and Marcy, V. M., “A New Tool for the Water Chemist,” Industrial Water Engineering, May 1965.
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For 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 ----------------------
D4191 − 15
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Sodium salts are very soluble, and sodium leached from soil and rocks tends to remain in solution. Water with a high ratio
of sodium to calcium is deleterious to soil structure.
5.2 Sodium is not particularly significant in potable water except for those persons having an abnormal sodium metabolism, but
water supplies in some areas contain sufficient sodium to be a factor in the planning of sodium-free diets.
5.3 The use of sodium salts is common i
...