EPA 3010A

Acid Digestion of Aqueous Samples and Extracts for Total Metals Analysis by ICP Spectroscopy

Applicability: This procedure applies to aqueous samples and sample extracts received and analyzed at Conti Testing Laboratories, Inc. (CTL), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for the determination of total metals analysis by inductively coupled argon plasma spectroscopy (ICP).
1.1. Method Reference: SW-846 EPA 3010A
1.2. Matrix or Matrices: Aqueous samples, sample extracts, and wastes containing suspended solids.
1.3. Holding Time: An additional 24 hr hold if the HNO3 preserved samples for total metals does not have a pH <2 and more additional acid is added.
1.4. Preservation: Aqueous wastewaters must be acidified to a pH of < 2 with HNO3.
1.5. Interferences: Not Applicable.

Purpose: The purpose of this procedure is for the preparation of aqueous samples, mobility-procedure extracts, and wastes containing suspended solids for the ICP analysis of total metals.