ISO 10260-1992 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 10260:1992 — Water quality — Measurement of biochemical parameters — Spectrometric determination of the chlorophyll‑a concentration. The document specifies a laboratory procedure to collect algal material (typically by filtration), extract algal pigments and determine chlorophyll‑a concentration spectrometrically; phaeopigments are evaluated by measuring absorbance before and after acidification of the extract.

Abstract

The procedure can be applied to phytoplankton in natural surface waters and to algal‑growth bioassays; with appropriate sampling it may also be applied to phytobenthic communities. The method is based on filtration to concentrate algae, solvent extraction of pigments (ethanol variant described in the standard), spectrometric absorbance measurements (notably at about 665 nm) and calculation of chlorophyll‑a and phaeopigment concentrations from the absorbance difference before and after acidification.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard; confirmed following periodic review).
• Publication date: July 1992 (original publication; often shown as 2 July 1992 / Jul 1992 in catalogues).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.060.50 (Examination of water for chemical substances; water quality — biochemical parameters).
• Edition / version: Edition 1, 1992.
• Number of pages: 6 pages (short technical procedure sheet).

Key bibliographic and status details above are reported on the ISO catalogue and national standards catalogues.

Scope

Defines a standardized spectrometric extraction method to determine chlorophyll‑a concentration in natural surface waters and in algal bioassays; includes sampling considerations, filtration of known water volumes, pigment extraction (ethanol variant is a described option), spectrometric measurement and basic calculation steps to report chlorophyll‑a and phaeopigment concentrations. It is intended for laboratories performing routine environmental monitoring and research where chlorophyll‑a is used as an indicator of phytoplankton biomass.

Key topics and requirements

• Sampling and concentration: filtration of defined water volumes onto glass‑fibre or similar filters to collect algal material, with minimization of pigment degradation.
• Extraction: solvent extraction of pigments (standard includes a hot ethanol variant); procedures to deactivate chlorophyllase and improve pigment release are described.
• Spectrometric measurement: absorbance readings at wavelengths including ~665 nm (and supporting wavelengths / turbidity correction, e.g., 750 nm) taken before and after acidification to distinguish chlorophyll‑a from phaeopigments.
• Calculations: use of measured absorbances, extract volume and filter/volume factors to calculate chlorophyll‑a concentration (µg·L−1) and estimate phaeopigment contribution.
• Quality and handling: guidance on sample handling, short‑term storage of extracts, and rapid processing to reduce degradation; use of appropriate cuvettes and spectrometers for accurate absorbance measurement.

Typical use and users

Used by environmental monitoring laboratories, limnologists, marine and freshwater researchers, regulatory agencies and consultancies for routine and investigative measurement of phytoplankton biomass and trophic state assessment. The method is a compact, widely‑adopted extraction/spectrometric procedure suitable for small/medium labs performing chlorophyll analysis.

Related standards

Commonly used alongside ISO sampling guidance (ISO 5667 series) and other water‑quality analytical standards produced by ISO/TC 147. Laboratories typically follow ISO/EN sampling and preservation guidance when collecting samples to be analysed by ISO 10260 procedures.

Keywords

chlorophyll‑a, chlorophyll a, phaeopigments, spectrometric determination, water quality, phytoplankton, pigment extraction, ethanol extraction, absorbance 665 nm, ISO 10260:1992.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 10260:1992 is an International Standard that specifies a spectrometric extraction method for the determination of chlorophyll‑a concentration in natural waters and algal bioassays.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers collection (filtration) of algae from water, solvent extraction of pigments (ethanol variant described), spectrometric absorbance measurements (notably near 665 nm) and calculation procedures to report chlorophyll‑a and phaeopigment concentrations.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Environmental monitoring laboratories, academic researchers in limnology and marine science, regulatory agencies and consultants measuring phytoplankton biomass or assessing water body trophic status.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 1992 edition (ISO 10260:1992, Edition 1) remains published and was reviewed/confirmed during ISO's periodic review process (the ISO catalogue shows the standard was last reviewed/confirmed in 2022); it is still listed as the current edition in ISO and many national catalogues. Users should check the ISO catalogue or their national standards body for any later revisions or national adoptions before relying on the text for regulatory purposes.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: ISO 10260 is part of ISO’s water quality work (developed under ISO/TC 147 subcommittees for physical, chemical and biochemical methods). It is typically used together with sampling standards from the ISO 5667 series (Sampling) and other analytical standards addressing water quality.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Chlorophyll‑a, phaeopigments, pigment extraction, spectrometric measurement, water quality, phytoplankton, absorbance 665 nm, ethanol extraction.