MEASURING LEAD IN WATER AS PER ISO:15586:2003

Significance of the Topic

Monitoring lead in drinking water is vital due to its toxicity and widespread exposure through water supplies. Compliance with the WHO guideline of 10 μg/L ensures public health protection.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application brief demonstrates the determination of trace lead in water samples following ISO 15586:2003. It covers method optimization, validation and real-world performance using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS).

Methodology

The protocol employs a chemical modifier (ammonium dihydrogen phosphate and magnesium nitrate) to improve analyte stability. Sample and standard preparation involved a 50 μg/L lead standard and a certified reference material (SPS SW2 at 25.0 μg/L). Temperature steps were optimized via a chemometric Surface Response Methodology tool for ash and atomization.

Used Instrumentation

• Agilent 240Z Atomic Absorption Spectrometer with transverse Zeeman background correction
• GTA 120 Graphite Tube Atomizer with Constant Temperature Zone design
• PSD 120 Programmable Sample Dispenser autosampler
• Pyrolytic platform Omega tube and high-purity (99.99%) argon gas

Main Results and Discussion

Key performance metrics for a 20 μL sample volume include:

• Characteristic concentration (peak area): 0.85 μg/L
• Characteristic mass (peak area): 13.9 pg
• Detection limit: 0.15 μg/L
• Quantification limit: 0.50 μg/L
• Recovery of SRM: 100.1%
• Recovery of spiked sample: 103.6%

This demonstrates excellent accuracy, sensitivity and compliance with ISO requirements.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The optimized GFAAS method offers cost-effective, rapid and reliable lead determination in drinking water. It supports regulatory monitoring, quality control in water treatment and public health surveillance.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances may include integration of machine learning for real-time optimization, miniaturized detectors for field analysis, and coupling with hyphenated techniques to expand multi-element capabilities.

Conclusion

The Agilent 240Z GFAAS system delivers robust performance for lead analysis in water per ISO 15586:2003, combining sensitivity, accuracy and operational efficiency.

References

1. ISO 15586:2003. Water Quality. Determination of trace elements using atomic absorption spectrometry with graphite furnace.
2. ISO 15587-1:2002. Water quality—Digestion for the determination of selected elements in water—Part 1: Aqua regia digestion.