ASTM D7573 Standard Test Method for Total Carbon and Organic Carbon in Water by High Temperature Catalytic Combustion and Infrared Detection

The ASTM D7573 standard outlines the test method for determining total carbon (TC) and organic carbon (OC) in water using high-temperature catalytic combustion and non-dispersive infrared detection (NDIR) for CO₂ quantification. This method is applicable to various water sources, including drinking water, groundwater, surface water, wastewater, and seawater. The parameters of interest include total carbon (TC), inorganic carbon (IC), total organic carbon (TOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and non-purgeable organic carbon (NPOC). The method covers a concentration range from 0.5 mg/L to 50 mg/L, with higher concentrations up to 4000 mg/L achievable through sample dilution or reduced sample injection volume.

The parameters measured according to ASTM D7573 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/DOC and NPOC are particularly important for monitoring organic pollutants in water from a variety of natural, domestic, and industrial sources, which can have significant environmental and health impacts. 

In summary, ASTM D7573 is a crucial standard for determining total organic carbon in water using high-temperature catalytic combustion and infrared detection. The parameters measured, including TC, IC, TOC, DOC, and NPOC, 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/DOC values in accordance with ASTM D7573. With the TOC/TN_b analyzers multi N/C 2300 and multi N/C 3300 the multi N/C x300 series offers two models specially designed for NPOC and TOC measurement which are characterized by high reproducibility and robustness with regard to complex matrices and samples with high particle or salt load. These devices not only meet the requirements of ASTM D7573, but also fulfill the requirements of US EPA 415, US EPA 9060 or APHA SM 5310B. In addition to the above-mentioned sum parameters also TN_b can be determined fully simultaneously according to ASTM D8083 or APHA AM 4500-N E.

Sources

• ASTM D7573 - Standard Test Method for Total Carbon and Organic Carbon in Water by High Temperature Catalytic Combustion and Infrared Detection