ASTM D5086-20 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Determination of Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, and Sodium in Atmospheric Wet Deposition by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (ASTM D5086-20). This method describes sample handling and the use of flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS) to quantify Ca, Mg, K, and Na in precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, hail).

Abstract

This standard specifies procedures for measuring low concentrations of four alkaline earth and alkali metals (Ca, Mg, K, Na) in atmospheric wet deposition using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Emphasis is placed on contamination control, method detection limits, calibration, reagent and blank handling, and reporting in SI units. Typical concentration ranges and method detection limits are provided.

General information

• Status: Active standard (latest activity recorded October 22, 2024).
• Publication date: 2020 (designated D5086-20).
• Publisher: ASTM International (ASTM).
• ICS / categories: 07.060 (Geology. Meteorology. Hydrology) and chemical analysis category 71.040.x (chemical analysis of environmental samples).
• Edition / version: D5086-20 (2020 edition).
• Number of pages: 8 pages.

Scope

Applies to determination of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium in atmospheric wet deposition (precipitation) samples using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The method includes guidance on sample collection sensitivity to contamination, method detection limits, calibration ranges, and recommended reporting units. It is intended for laboratories performing routine wet-deposition monitoring and research measurements.

Key topics and requirements

• Analytes: calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na).
• Technique: flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS) with appropriate flame and lamp selection.
• Sample types: atmospheric wet deposition — rain, snow, sleet, hail.
• Contamination control: procedures and blank controls due to typically low concentrations in precipitation.
• Performance characteristics: method detection limits and validated concentration ranges (example MDLs and ranges are specified in the standard).
• Calibration, quality control, and reporting in SI units.

Typical use and users

Used by environmental laboratories, governmental monitoring agencies, university research groups, and consultants involved in atmospheric deposition studies, precipitation chemistry monitoring, watershed acidification research, and routine wet-deposition networks. Laboratories doing long-term or regulatory monitoring of precipitation composition will apply this method or comparable validated procedures.

Related standards

Related documents include other ASTM standards and international or agency methods covering precipitation chemistry, sample collection/handling for wet deposition, and metal determinations by atomic absorption or inductively coupled plasma techniques. Users often consult companion ASTM and regulatory methods for sample collection, QA/QC, and alternative instrumental techniques.

Keywords

atmospheric wet deposition, precipitation chemistry, rain chemistry, snow analysis, flame atomic absorption, FAAS, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, MDL, environmental monitoring, ASTM D5086-20.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D5086-20 is a Standard Test Method that defines how to determine calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium concentrations in atmospheric wet deposition samples using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample considerations, contamination control, instrument setup (FAAS), calibration, method detection limits, validated concentration ranges, quality control, and reporting conventions for Ca, Mg, K, and Na in precipitation.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Environmental testing laboratories, water and air quality monitoring agencies, academic researchers, and consultants measuring precipitation chemistry or participating in wet-deposition monitoring networks.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation D5086-20 refers to the 2020 edition. The standard is listed as active with the ASTM record showing the document activity updated as recently as October 22, 2024. Users should check for any later revisions or amendments before relying on the method for formal regulatory programs.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It sits within ASTM environmental and analytical method collections (Book of Standards volume areas covering environmental/atmospheric analysis) and is one of a set of methods addressing precipitation chemistry and metal determinations; laboratories commonly use it alongside other ASTM or agency methods for sample collection and alternative instrumental techniques.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Atmospheric wet deposition, precipitation chemistry, flame atomic absorption, FAAS, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, method detection limit, ASTM D5086-20.