ASTM D4839 Standard Test Method for Total Carbon and Organic Carbon in Water by Ultraviolet, or Persulfate Oxidation, or Both, and Infrared Detection

The ASTM D4839 standard outlines the test method for determining total carbon (TC) and organic carbon (OC) in water using ultraviolet (UV) or persulfate oxidation, or both, followed by quantitative non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) detection of formed CO₂ molecules. This method is applicable to water, wastewater and seawater of various sources, including natural, domestic, and industrial waters. The parameters of interest in this standard include total carbon (TC), inorganic carbon (IC), and total organic carbon (TOC). The method covers a concentration range from 0.1 mg/L to 4000 mg/L of carbon.

The relevance of the parameters measured in this method lies in their ability to provide comprehensive information about the carbon content in water. Total carbon (TC) measurement includes all forms of carbon present, while inorganic carbon (IC) and organic carbon (OC) measurements help differentiate between carbon sources. TOC is particularly important for monitoring organic pollutants in water, which can have significant environmental and health impacts. The method's ability to measure these parameters accurately is crucial for assessing water quality and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

The method described in ASTM D4839 is of particular importance:

1. It offers a reliable and standardized approach to measuring carbon content in water. The use of ultraviolet or persulfate oxidation ensures complete conversion of carbon-containing compounds to carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is then detected using NDIR detection.
2. This process guarantees accurate and consistent results, essential for monitoring water quality and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
3. The method's versatility in handling various water matrices and concentration ranges makes it widely applicable in different industries, including environmental monitoring, wastewater treatment, and drinking water quality assessment.

In summary, ASTM D4839 is a crucial standard for determining total carbon and organic carbon in water using ultraviolet or persulfate oxidation, followed by infrared detection. The parameters measured, including TC, IC, and TOC, provide valuable insights into water quality and contamination levels. This method's reliability and standardization make it an indispensable tool for ensuring water safety and environmental protection.

With more than 30 years of experience Analytik Jena offers customized environmental analysis solutions for the precise measurement of TOC values in accordance with ASTM D4839. The TOC analyzer multi N/C 4300 UV is specially designed for TC, IC, TOC and NPOC measurement and is characterized by high sensitivity, reproducibility and robustness with regard to different water matrices. This analyzer not only meets the requirements of ASTM D4839, it also fulfills the requirements of APHA SM 5310C, ISO 8245 and DIN EN 1484.

Sources

• ASTM D4839 - Standard Test Method for Total Carbon and Organic Carbon in Water by Ultraviolet, or Persulfate Oxidation, or Both, and Infrared Detection