Analytical techniques for measuring trace arsenic (As)
concentrations, such as the method described in this
article, have much lower detection limits than conventional
As measurement methods, and broader adoption
of such methods could potentially drive a revision of the
practical quantitation limit (PQL) for As in the future.
Arsenic detection is limited by chloride interference
in transmission quadrupole inductively coupled plasma/
mass spectrometry (ICP/MS). However, high-resolution
ICP/MS can measure As concentrations as low as 29
ng/L. The (nonenforceable) federal and California
health standards for As are substantially lower than the
PQL, so in the future a lower PQL could be a
contributing factor when evaluating and reporting
regulatory standards.
These conclusions are likely to affect the decisions
that water utility managers make about new and
upgraded analytical equipment and treatment processes
for As and other contaminants for which the PQL is
currently greater than corresponding health standards.
Water utility managers need to understand that the
PQL is a moving target and incorporate that knowledge
when planning for future analytical, reporting,
and treatment operations. Includes 23 references, tables, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. 99 - No. 8 |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 200 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 7 |
| Published : | 08/01/2007 |
