EPA 415.1 Total Organic Carbon in Water by High Temperature Catalytic Combustion and Infrared Detection

EPA 415.1 specifies the method for the determination of total organic carbon (TOC) in drinking, surface, and saline water by high temperature catalytic combustion followed by infrared detection. This method involves the oxidation of organic carbon in the water sample to carbon dioxide (CO₂) at high temperatures, which is then measured using an infrared detector. The method is applicable to a wide range of water types and can detect TOC concentrations as low as 0.5 mg/L.

The relevance of measuring total organic carbon lies in its importance as an indicator of water quality. TOC represents the amount of organic matter present in water, which can originate from natural sources such as plant and animal material, as well as from human activities such as wastewater discharge and agricultural runoff. High levels of TOC can lead to the formation of disinfection by-products during water treatment, which can pose health risks. The high temperature catalytic combustion method is important because it provides a reliable and accurate means of quantifying TOC levels in various water samples, even when carrying higher particle loads. The method's sensitivity and precision make it suitable for monitoring and managing water quality, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and protecting public health. The accuracy and reliability of this method are crucial for ensuring that water quality assessments are thorough and that appropriate measures can be taken to manage and mitigate organic contamination.

Analytik Jena offers customized environmental analysis solutions for the precise measurement of TOC concentrations in accordance with US EPA 415.1. 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 EPA 415.1, but also fulfill the requirements of ASTM D7573, 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

• EPA 415.1 - Total Organic Carbon in Water by High Temperature Catalytic Combustion and Infrared Detection