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Description / Abstract:
This test method covers the determination of trace, minor, and
major elements in waste streams by inductively coupled
plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) following an acid
digestion of the sample. Waste streams from manufacturing processes
of nuclear and non-nuclear materials can be analyzed. This test
method is applicable to the determination of total metals. Results
from this test method can be used to characterize waste received by
treatment facilities and to formulate appropriate treatment
recipes. The results are also usable in process control within
waste treatment facilities.
This test method is applicable only to waste streams that
contain radioactivity levels that do not require special personnel
or environmental protection.
A list of the elements determined in waste streams and the
corresponding lower reporting limit is found in Table 1.
This test method has been used successfully for treatment of a
large variety of waste solutions and industrial process liquids.
The composition of such samples is highly variable, both between
waste stream types and within a single waste stream. As a result of
this variability, a single acid digestion scheme may not be
expected to succeed with all sample matrices. Certain elements may
be recovered on a semiquantitative basis, while most results will
be highly quantitative.
This test method should be used by analysts experienced in the
use of ICP-AES, the interpretation of spectral and non-spectral
interferences, and procedures for their correction.
No detailed operating instructions are provided because of
differences among various makes and models of suitable ICP-AES
instruments. Instead, the analyst shall follow the instructions
provided by the manufacturer of the particular instrument. This
test method does not address comparative accuracy of different
devices or the precision between instruments of the same make and
model.
This test method contains notes that are explanatory and are not
part of the mandatory requirements of the method.
The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No
other units of measurement are included in this standard.
This standard does not purport to address all of the safety
problems, 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.