EN 17813 Environmental solid matrices — Determination of halogens and sulfur by oxidative pyrohydrolytic combustion followed by ion chromatography

EN 17813 specifies an empirical method for the simultaneous direct determination of the fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and sulfur content in environmental solid matrices. This is achieved through oxidative pyrohydrolytic combustion at a temperature of (1,050 ± 50) °C, followed by ion chromatography. The method is applicable for determining concentrations of each element at levels of 10 mg/kg or higher, based on dry matter. The upper limit and exact concentration range covered depend on the blank levels of the instrumentation and the capacity of the chromatographic separation column used for determination.

The relevance of measuring these halogens and sulfur lies in their significant impact on environmental health and pollution monitoring. Halogens such as fluorine, chlorine, and bromine, as well as sulfur, can originate from various industrial processes, agricultural activities, and natural sources. Their presence in environmental solid matrices can indicate contamination and potential ecological risks. The oxidative pyrohydrolytic combustion method followed by ion chromatography is important because it provides a reliable and accurate means of quantifying these elements. This method's sensitivity and precision make it suitable for comprehensive environmental assessments.

The oxidative pyrohydrolytic combustion process involves the decomposition of the sample at high temperatures in the presence of oxygen and water vapor, leading to the release of halogens and sulfur as volatile compounds. These compounds are then captured and analyzed using ion chromatography, which separates and quantifies the individual elements. The accuracy and reliability of this method are crucial for ensuring that environmental assessments are thorough and that appropriate measures can be taken to manage and mitigate contamination.

With the ICprep series, Analytik Jena offers powerful systems for the sample preparation step, described in EN 17813, as precondition for the quantification of halogens and sulfur by ion chromatography. ICprep systems offer highest safety standards and robust hardware to ensure quantitative combustion, such as Self Check System, ceramic tube, and heated transfer lines. to ensure reliable quantification of these elements by ion chromatography.

Sources

• EN 17813 - Environmental solid matrices — Determination of halogens and sulfur by oxidative pyrohydrolytic combustion followed by ion chromatography