ISO 7150-1 Water Quality — Determination of Ammonium — Part 1: Manual Spectrometric Method

ISO 7150-1 is an international standard that specifies a manual spectrometric method for the determination of ammonium in water. This method is applicable to potable water, as well as most raw and waste waters. For excessively colored or saline waters, distillation is required prior to analysis. The method allows for the determination of ammonium nitrogen concentrations up to 1 mg/L using a maximum test volume of 40 mL. Higher concentrations can be measured by using smaller test volumes.

The measurement of ammonium in water is crucial due to its environmental and health implications. Ammonium is a key indicator of water quality and can originate from agricultural runoff, sewage discharge, and industrial processes. High levels of ammonium can lead to eutrophication, which depletes oxygen in water bodies and harms aquatic life. Accurate determination of ammonium is essential for monitoring and managing water quality to ensure the safety of drinking water and the health of aquatic ecosystems.

The manual spectrometric method specified in ISO 7150-1 is important because it provides a reliable and precise means of measuring ammonium concentrations. The method involves the reaction of ammonium with a color reagent to form a colored complex, which is then measured spectrophotometrically at 665 nm. This technique offers high sensitivity and specificity, making it suitable for detecting low levels of ammonium in various water samples. By providing standardized procedures, ISO 7150-1 ensures consistency and accuracy in ammonium measurements, supporting effective water quality management and regulatory compliance.

The outstanding hardware of the SPECORD PLUS spectrophotometer and the large number of accessories in combination with the flexible and powerful software ASpect UV allows measurements in very low as well as high concentration ranges.

Sources

• ISO 7150-1 - Determination of Ammonium — Part 1: Manual Spectrometric Method