Designation: D 511 – 93 (Reapproved 1998)

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS

100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM

Standard Test Methods for

Calcium and Magnesium In Water1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 511; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope 5. Purity of Reagents

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of calcium 5.1 Reagent grade chemicals shall be used in all tests.
and magnesium in water by complexometric titration and Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that all reagents shall
atomic absorption spectrophotometric procedures. Two test conform to the specifications of the Committee on Analytical
methods are included, as follows: Reagents of the American Chemical Society.3 Other grades
Sections may be used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is
Test Method A—Complexometric Titration 7 to 14 of sufficiently high purity to permit its use without lessening
Test Method B—Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric 15 to 23
the accuracy of the determination.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the 5.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the to water shall be understood to mean reagent water conforming
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- to Specification D 1193, Type 1, II, or III water. Type I is
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- preferred and more commonly used. Type II water was
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazard specified at the time of round-robin testing of these test
statements are given in Note 2 and Note 7. methods.
2. Referenced Documents NOTE 1—The user must ensure the type of reagent water is sufficiently
free of interferences. The water should be analyzed using this test method.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 1129 Terminology Relating to Water2 6. Sampling
D 1193 Specification for Reagent Water2 6.1 Collect the sample in accordance with Practices D 3370.
D 2777 Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of 6.2 If total recoverable calcium and magnesium concentra-
Applicable Methods of Committee D-19 on Water2 tions are being determined, acidify the water sample with
D 3370 Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Con- HNO3 (sp gr 1.42) to a pH of 2 or less immediately at the time
duits2 of collection; normally about 2 mL/L are required. The holding
D 4691 Practice for Measuring Elements in Water by Flame time for the samples may be calculated in accordance with
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry2 Practice D 4841.
D 4841 Practice for Estimation of Holding Times for Water 6.3 If dissolved calcium and magnesium concentrations are
Samples Containing Organic and Inorganic Constituents2 being determined, filter the samples through a 0.45-µm mem-
3. Terminology brane filter and acidify with HNO3 (sp gr 1.42) to a pH of 2 or
less immediately at time of collection; normally about 2 mL/L
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in these test are required.
methods, refer to Terminology D 1129. 6.4 A number of sources of calcium contamination have
4. Significance and Use been encountered in laboratories. Among the most common are
plastic ware, paper towels, and dust. Rinsing plastic ware with
4.1 Calcium and magnesium salts in water are the primary sample prior to use, avoiding contact of apparatus with paper
components of water hardness which can cause pipe or tube towels, and keeping exposure to the air to a minimum will limit
scaling. the possibility of contamination.

1 3
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-19 on Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications, American
Water and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D19.05 on Inorganic Chemical Society, Washington, DC. For suggestions on the testing of reagents not
Constituents in Water. listed by the American Chemical Society, see Analar Standards for Laboratory
Current edition approved April 15, 1993. Published June 1993. Originally Chemicals, BDH Ltd., Poole, Dorset, U.K., and the United States Pharmacopeia
published as D 511 – 37. Last previous edition D 511 – 92. and National Formulary, U.S. Pharmaceutical Convention, Inc. (USPC), Rockville,
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 11.01. MD.

1
 D 511
TEST METHOD A—COMPLEXOMETRIC Orthophosphate will precipitate calcium at the pH of the test.
TITRATION 9.4 A possible interference from the commonly used poly-
phosphates, organic phosphonates, and EDTA/NTA com-
7. Scope pounds in water treatment should be recognized.
7.1 This test method is applicable to most waters in a range
from 1 to 1000 mg/L of calcium plus magnesium expressed as 10. Apparatus
calcium, but may fail in the analysis of highly colored waters, 10.1 Titration Assembly—Some analysts prefer to use con-
brines, or waters that contain excessive amounts of metals. The ventional lighting and hand stirring. Others report better results
upper and lower limits may be extended by either dilution or by using a visual-titration assembly consisting of a motor-
use of micro apparatus. driven stirrer, 25-mL buret, white-porcelain-base buret holder,
7.2 Data are not available to determine which matrices were and shaded incandescent lamp. The sample beaker is placed
used to obtain the precision and bias data, and it is the near the front of the porcelain base and the reaction is viewed
responsibility of the analyst to determine the acceptability of diagonally downward through the side of the beaker and
this test method for the matrix being analyzed. against the white background. Illumination is from behind the
beaker. The capacity of the buret, type lighting, and back-
8. Summary of Test Method ground color may be varied depending on the ionic concentra-
8.1 EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid or its salts) is tions normally encountered and the indicator chosen.
added to a sample containing calcium and magnesium ions
after the pH of the solution is adjusted to 10 for the determi- 11. Reagents
nation of calcium and magnesium or from pH 12 to 13 for the 11.1 Buffer Solution, Ammonium Chloride-Ammonium
determination of calcium alone. The EDTA initially complexes Hydroxide—Dissolve 67.6 g of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl)
the calcium and then the magnesium. The end point is observed in 200 mL of water. Add 570 mL of concentrated ammonium
by the use of a suitable indicator. At a pH of 12 to 13 hydroxide (NH4OH, sp gr 0.900). Add 5.00 g of magnesium
magnesium is precipitated. Magnesium is determined by the salt of EDTA and dilute to 1000 mL. Store in a tightly
difference between an aliquot titrated at pH 10 and one titrated stoppered plastic bottle to prevent the loss of ammonia.
at pH 12 to 13. Discard the solution when 1 mL added to a neutralized sample
fails to produce a pH of 10.0 6 0.1 at the titration end point.
9. Interferences
To attain highest accuracy, adjust the magnesium level to exact
9.1 EDTA reacts with iron, manganese, copper, zinc, lead, equivalence through the appropriate addition of a small amount
cobalt, nickel, barium, strontium, calcium, magnesium, and of either disodium EDTA or magnesium sulfate (MgSO4).
several other metals. The interference of heavy metals is 11.2 Calcium Indicator Solution:
minimized by the addition of hydroxylamine and cyanide, 11.2.1 Ammonium Purpurate—Mix thoroughly 1.0 g of
which reduce or complex the metals, or both. Metal concen- ammonium purpurate with 200 g of sucrose. Place in a bottle
trations as high as 5 mg/L of iron, 10 mg/L of manganese, 10 provided with a dispensing spoon of 0.2-g capacity.
mg/L of copper, 10 mg/L of zinc, and 10 mg/L of lead can be 11.2.2 Fluorescein Methylene Iminodiacetic Acid 4—Grind
tolerated when hydroxylamine and cyanide are added. 0.2 g of fluorescein methylene iminodiacetic acid and 0.12 g of
9.2 In the titration of calcium plus magnesium, the higher thymolphthalein with 20 g of potassium chloride to 40 to 50
oxidation states of manganese above Mn+2 react rapidly with mesh size. Place in a bottle provided with a dispensing spoon
the indicator to form discolored oxidation products. Hydroxy- of 0.2-g capacity.
lamine hydrochloride reagent is used to reduce manganese to 11.3 Calcium Solution, Standard (1.00 mL 5 0.400 mg
the divalent state. The divalent manganese interference can be calcium)—Suspend 1.000 g of calcium carbonate (CaCO3),
eliminated by addition of one or two small crystals of potas- dried at 180°C for 1.0 h before weighing, in approximately 600
sium ferrocyanide. mL of water and dissolve cautiously with a minimum of dilute
9.2.1 Orthophosphate and sulfate ions interfere at concen- HCl. Dilute to 1000 mL with water in a volumetric flask.
trations in excess of 500 and 10 000 mg/L, respectively. 11.4 Chrome Black T Solution (4.0 g/L)—Dissolve 0.4 g of
9.2.2 In the presence of aluminum concentrations in excess Chrome Black T in 100 mL of water. This solution has a shelf
of 10 mg/L, the blue color that indicates that the end point has life of approximately 1 week. Alternatively, a dry powder
been reached will appear and then, on short standing, will mixture composed of 0.5 g of dye and 100 g of powdered
revert to red. The reversion should not be confused with the sodium chloride may be used. Store this in a dark-colored
gradual change that normally takes place in the titrated sample bottle provided with a dispensing spoon of approximately 0.2-g
several minutes after the titration has been completed. capacity. The shelf life is at least 1 year.
9.3 In the titration of calcium, ammonium purpurate reacts 11.5 EDTA Solution, Standard (0.01 M, 1 mL 5 0.401 mg
with strontium but not with magnesium or barium. However, calcium or 0.243 mg manganese)—Dissolve 3.72 g of
the end point in the presence of strontium is sluggish, and the Na2EDTA dihydrate, which has been dried overnight over
titration is not strictly stoichiometric. Barium does not titrate as H2SO4 in a desiccator, in water and dilute to 1000 mL in a
calcium, but affects the indicator in some unknown way so that
no end point, or at best a poor end point, is obtained. Barium
can be removed by prior precipitation with sulfuric acid, but 4
Calcein, W., Fluoroscein Complexon, and Fluorexon, supplied by various
care must be exercised to prevent precipitation of calcium. commercial firms, have been found satisfactory for this purpose.

2
 D 511
volumetric flask. The reagent is stable for several weeks. 12.1.12 Titrate with standard EDTA solution until blue or
Check the titer of the reagent by titrating 25.00 mL of CaCO3 purple swirls begin to show. The end point is reached when all
standard solution as described in the procedure for sample traces of red and purple have disappeared and the solution is
analysis. clear blue in color. The titration should be completed within 5
11.6 Hydroxylamine Hydrochloride Solution (30 g/L)— min of the buffer addition. If more than 15 mL of titrant is
Dissolve 30 g of hydroxylamine hydrochloride (NH2OH·HCl) required, take a smaller sample aliquot and repeat the test.
in water and dilute to 1000 mL. 12.1.13 Record the volume of EDTA solution required to
11.7 Potassium Ferrocyanide—(K4Fe(CN)6·3H2O). titrate calcium plus magnesium.
11.8 Sodium Cyanide Solution (25 g/L)—Dissolve 25 g of 12.1.14 Determine a reagent blank correction by similarly
sodium cyanide (NaCN) in water and dilute to 1000 mL. titrating 50 mL of water including all added reagents.
NOTE 2—Warning: Sodium cyanide is a deadly poison. Do not add 12.2 Calcium:
NaCN to any acid solution or acidify any solution containing it. Use this 12.2.1 Refill the buret with EDTA standard solution.
reagent in a fume hood. 12.2.2 Pipet another aliquot of the same sample (50.00 mL
11.9 Sodium Hydroxide Solution (80 g/L)—Dissolve 80 g of maximum) into a 150-mL beaker and adjust the volume to
sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in 800 mL of water. Cool and dilute approximately 50 mL (see Note 5).
to 1000 mL. 12.2.3 Insert the beaker in the titration assembly and start
the stirrer.
12. Procedure 12.2.4 Add 1 mL of NH2OH·HCl.
12.1 Calcium Plus Magnesium: 12.2.5 Add 1 mL of NaOH solution. The pH should range
12.1.1 Measure 100.0 mL of a well-mixed acidified sample from 12 to 13.
into a 125-mL beaker or flask. 12.2.6 Add 1 mL of NaCN (Warning, see Note 2).
NOTE 3—If only dissolved calcium plus magnesium is to be deter- 12.2.7 Add 0.2 g of calcium indicator solution and proceed
mined, omit 12.1.1 and proceed to 12.1.5. immediately with the titration.
12.1.2 Add 5 mL of hydrochloric acid (HCl, sp gr 1.19) to 12.2.8 Titrate with standard EDTA solution to the appropri-
each sample. ate end point. If ammonium purpurate is used, the end point
12.1.3 Heat the samples on a steambath or hot plate until the will be indicated by color change from salmon pink to orchid
volume has been reduced to 15 to 20 mL, making certain that purple. If fluorescein methylene iminodiacetic acid is used, the
the samples do not boil. end point will be indicated by a color change from deep green
to purple. The titration should be completed within 5 min of the
NOTE 4—For samples with high levels of dissolved or suspended addition of NaOH solution. If more than 15 mL of titrant is
matter, the amount of reduction in volume is left to the discretion of the
required, take a smaller sample aliquot and repeat the test.
analyst.
12.2.9 Record the volume of EDTA solution required to
12.1.4 Cool and filter the samples through a suitable filter titrate the calcium.
(such as fine-textured, acid-washed, ashless paper) into 12.2.10 Determine a reagent blank correction by similarly
100-mL volumetric flasks. Wash the paper 2 or 3 times with titrating 50 mL of water including all added reagents.
water and bring to the volume.
12.1.5 Pipet the filtered sample (50.00-mL maximum) into a 13. Calculation
150-mL beaker and adjust the volume to approximately 50 mL.
Adjust the pH to 7 to 10 by the dropwise addition of 13.1 Calculate the concentration of calcium and magnesium
ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH, sp gr 0.900). in milligrams per litre using Eq 1 and Eq 2:
Calcium, mg/L 5 ~A 3 B/D! 3 40 100 (1)
NOTE 5—For analysis of brines an appropriate aliquot size often can be
determined from knowledge of the specific gravity, for example: Magnesium, mg/L 5 ~~C 3 B/E! 2 ~A 3 B/D!! 3 24 300 (2)
1.000 to 1.025, use 25 mL
1.025 to 1.050, use 10 mL
where:
1.050 to 1.090, use 5 mL A 5 EDTA standard solution required to titrate calcium in
1.090 to 1.120, use 1 mL 12.2.9 minus the blank correction determined in
1.120 to 1.180, use 0.1 mL
12.2.10, mL,
12.1.6 Insert the beaker in the titration assembly and start B 5 molarity of EDTA standard solution,
the stirrer. C 5 EDTA standard solution required to titrate calcium
12.1.7 Add 1 mL of NH2OH·HCl solution. plus magnesium in 12.1.13 minus the blank correction
12.1.8 Add 1 mL of buffer solution. Measure the pH and determined in 12.1.14, mL,
verify that it falls in the pH range from 10.0 + 0.1. D 5 sample taken in 12.2.2, mL, and
12.1.9 Add 2 mL of NaCN solution (Warning: see Note 2.) E 5 sample taken in 12.1.5, mL.
unless interfering metals are known to be absent. 13.2 If the concentration of strontium is determined to be
12.1.10 If manganese is present, add one or two small significant, make a correction for strontium concentration
crystals K4Fe(CN)6·3H2O. using Eq 3:
12.1.11 Add 4 to 5 drops of Chrome Black T indicator Corrected mg/L calcium 5 mg/L calcium
solution. If powdered indicator is used add approximately 0.2 2 ~mg/L strontium 3 0.46!
g. (3)

3
 D 511
13.3 Results for calcium and magnesium may be repre- 14.8 The single-operator precision for calcium determined
sented as CaCO3 using Eq 4 and Eq 5: for synthetic sodium chloride brines having the composition
Calcium ~as CaCO3!, mg/L 5 mg/L Ca 3 2.50 (4) listed in Table 1 is as follows:
Magnesium ~as CaCO3!, mg/L 5 mg/L Mg 3 4.12 (5) SO 5 76

5 For magnesium, it is:

14. Precision and Bias
SO 5 51
14.1 Data are not available to determine which matrices
were used to obtain precision and bias data. 14.9 These data may not apply to waters of other matrices.
14.2 The precision of this test method for calcium, ranging 14.10 Four independent laboratories participated in the
in calcium concentration between 13 and 88 mg/L, may be round-robin study. Precision and bias for this test method
expressed using Eq 6 and Eq 7: conform to Practice D 2777–77, which was in place at the time
of collaborative testing. Under the allowances made in 1.5 of
ST 5 0.006 X 1 0.62 (6)
Practice D 2777–86, these precision and bias data do meet
SO 5 0.006 X 1 0.51 (7) existing requirements for interlaboratory studies of Committee
D–19 test methods.
where:
ST 5 overall precision, TEST METHOD B—ATOMIC ABSORPTION
SO 5 single-operator precision, and SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC
X 5 determined concentration of calcium, mg/L.
14.3 Bias—Recoveries of known amounts of calcium using 15. Scope
this test method were as follows: 15.1 This test method can be used to determine the concen-
Statistically Sig- tration of calcium and magnesium in water. The determination
Amount Amount nificant, 95 %
Added, Found, Bias, Confidence of these ions in brackish water, sea water, and brines requires
mg/L mg/L % Level the use of the method of additions described in Section 21.
13.3 13.5 +1.5 no 15.2 This test method is applicable for calcium concentra-
41.8 43.0 +2.9 yes
84.6 87.7 +3.7 yes tions in the range from 1.0 to 15 mg/L and magnesium
concentrations from 0.25 to 3.5 mg/L. The upper limits can be
14.4 This information was derived from round-robin testing increased to 1500 mg/L calcium and 350 mg/L magnesium by
in which four laboratories, including eight operators, partici- proper single dilution technique. Serial dilution technique
pated. No data were rejected. Four sample levels were run on should be used to further extend the limit.
each of three days, but one level was rejected as having grossly 15.3 The precision and bias were obtained on reagent water
deteriorated in shipment. The method of “least squares” was (1 % HCl). It is the responsibility of the analyst to determine
used to determine the precision statements. the acceptability of this test method when analyzing untested
14.5 The precision of this test method for magnesium matrices.
ranging in magnesium concentration from between 2.5 and 36
mg/L may be expressed using Eq 8 and Eq 9: 16. Summary of Test Method
ST 5 0.017 X 1 0.85 (8) 16.1 Calcium and magnesium are determined by atomic
SO 5 0.002 X 1 0.70 (9) absorption spectrophotometry. The sample is aspirated follow-
ing dilution and addition of interference-suppressing solution.
where:
ST 5 overall precision, 17. Interferences
SO 5 single-operator precision, and 17.1 Calcium and magnesium are subject to phosphate and
X 5 determined concentration of magnesium, mg/L. aluminum interference, respectively. The addition of lantha-
14.6 Bias—Recoveries of known amounts of magnesium num in the procedure eliminates the interference effect of up to
using this test method were as follows: 600 mg/L of phosphate and 100 mg/L of aluminum. The use of
Amount Amount Statistically Signifi- a nitrous oxide-acetylene flame has been reported to remove
Added, Found, Bias, cant, 95 % Confi-
mg/L mg/L % dence Level
chemical interferences completely when used with the addition
2.38 2.54 +6.7 no of potassium to control ionization interference.
14.7 15.0 +2.0 no
22.2 21.8 −1.8 no 18. Apparatus
35.9 36.1 +0.6 no
18.1 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer for use at 422.7
14.7 This information was derived from round-robin testing
in which four laboratories, including eight operators, partici- TABLE 1 Composition of Synthetic Sodium Chloride
pated. No data were rejected. Four sample levels were run on Compo- Brine Test Solutions
each of three days. The method of “least squares” was used to nent (All Concentrations, mg/L)
determine the precision statements. NaCl 30 000 50 000 100 000 150 000
Ba 1 000 1 000 1 000 1 000
Sr 1 000 1 000 1 000 1 000
5 Mg 1 200 5 000 7 000 10 000
Supporting data are available from ASTM Headquarters. Request RR: D19-
Ca 2 500 12 000 15 000 25 000
1027.

4
 D 511
nm and 285.2 nm for calcium and magnesium, respectively. A 20.4 Prepare an analytical curve by plotting on linear graph
general guide for the use of flame absorption applications is paper the absorbance versus concentration for each standard, or
given in Practice D 4691. calculate a standard curve. Alternatively, read concentration
directly if provided on instrument.
NOTE 6—The manufacturer’s instructions should be followed for all
instrumental parameters. Wavelengths other than 422.7 mm and 285.2 mm 21. Procedure
may be used for calcium and magnesium, respectively, if they have been
determined to be equally suitable. 21.1 If total calcium and magnesium are to be determined,
prepare the sample as directed in 12.1.1 through 12.1.4.
18.1.1 Calcium, Hollow-Cathode Lamp. 21.2 Prepare sample dilutions and add lanthanum solution
18.1.2 Magnesium, Hollow-Cathode Lamp. (5 % La) so that the final concentration of lanthanum in the
18.1.3 Multielement, Hollow-Cathode Lamps. sample is 1 %. For example, using a 50-mL volumetric flask,
18.2 For suggested oxidant and fuel used for atomic absorp- add 10 mL of lanthanum solution (5 % La), sample aliquot, and
tion spectrophotometry, see 19.5 and 19.6. make to volume with HCl (1 + 99). If the nitrous oxide flame
18.3 Pressure-Reducing Valves—The supplies of fuel and is used, omit lanthanum and add potassium solution (2 % K) to
oxidant shall be maintained at pressures somewhat higher than yield a final concentration of potassium of 0.2 %.
the controlled operating pressure of the instrument by suitable 21.2.1 Method of Additions—For high solids solutions such
valves. as sea water or brines, prepare three volumetric flasks, each
19. Reagents and Materials containing a sample aliquot that will yield approximately 1
19.1 Calcium Solution, Standard (1 mL 5 0.1 mg Ca)— mg/L calcium after dilution. To each add lanthanum solution
Dilute 250 mL of calcium standard solution (see 11.3) to 1 L (5 % La) to yield a final concentration of 1 % La (if the nitrous
with HCl (1+99). oxide flame is used, omit lanthanum and add potassium
19.2 Lanthanum Solution (5 % La)—Wet 58.7 g of lantha- solution to yield a final concentration of 0.2 % K), add calcium
num oxide (La2O3) with water. Add slowly 250 mL of HCl (sp standard solution to yield 0, 1, and 2 mg/L in the final dilution.
gr 1.19) to the mixture. When dissolved, dilute to 1 L with 21.2.2 For the magnesium determination prepare three volu-
water. metric flasks with sample aliquots to give about 0.1 mg/L
19.3 Magnesium Solution, Standard (1 mL 5 1.0 mg magnesium, lanthanum solution (5 % La) to give 1 % La (if the
Mg)—Obtain commercially, or dissolve 1.000 g of magnesium nitrous oxide flame is used, omit lanthanum and add potassium
ribbon in a minimum of HCl (1 + 1), and dilute to 1 L with HCl solution to yield a final concentration of 0.2 % K) and
(1 + 99). magnesium standard solution to give final concentrations of 0,
19.4 Potassium Solution (2 % K)—Dissolve 38.1 g of 0.1, and 0.2 mg/L of magnesium.
potassium chloride (KCl) in water and dilute to 1 L. 21.3 Atomize the samples and record absorbance readings
19.5 Oxidant: for each. Atomize water between each sample.
19.5.1 Air, which has been cleaned and dried through a 22. Calculation
suitable filter to remove oil, water, and other foreign sub-
22.1 Calculate the concentration of calcium or magnesium
stances, is the usual oxidant.
in each sample in milligrams per litre obtained from 20.4 and
19.5.2 Nitrous Oxide, medical grade is satisfactory.
multiply by the dilution factor.
19.6 Fuel: Acetylene—Standard, commercially available
22.2 For sea water and brine samples using the method of
acetylene is the usual fuel. Acetone, always present in acety-
additions and assuming a straight line analytical curve for the
lene cylinders, can be prevented from entering and damaging
range of sample dilutions, calculate the concentration of
the burner system by replacing a cylinder which has only 50
calcium or magnesium in the diluted sample in milligrams per
psig (345 kPa) of acetylene remaining.
litre using Eq 10:
NOTE 7—Warning: Purified grade acetylene containing a special pro- Calcium or magnesium, mg/L 5 A 3 Cstd/~Astd 2 A! (10)
prietary solvent rather than acetone should not be used with poly(vinyl
chloride) tubing as weakening of the tubing walls can cause a hazardous where:
situation. A 5 absorbance of sample,
20. Calibration Astd 5 absorbance of one of the standard additions, and
Cstd 5 concentration of the same standard addition as Astd,
20.1 Prepare at least four standard solutions containing 1 % mg/L.
La if the air-acetylene-flame is used, or 0.2 % K if the nitrous Since there are two standard additions, the calculation is
oxide flame is used, to bracket the expected calcium or made for each and the two results averaged. The concentration
magnesium concentration range. Make all dilutions with HCl of the original water or brine is obtained by multiplying the
(1+99). Prepare the standards each time the test is to be concentration of the diluted sample by the dilution factor.
performed and select concentrations to give zero, middle, and
maximum points for the analytical curve. 23. Precision and Bias
20.2 Set the wavelength of the instrument to 422.7 nm for 23.1 The precision and bias were obtained on reagent water
calcium or 285.2 nm for magnesium by atomizing a standard (1 % HCl). It is the responsibility of the analyst to determine
(see Note 6). the acceptability of this method for other matrices.
20.3 Atomize standards and record the instrument readings 23.2 The overall and single-operator precision for calcium
in absorbance units. Atomize water between each standard. are as in Eq 11 and Eq 12:
5
 D 511
ST 5 0.036 X 1 0.03 (11) Amount Amount Statistically Signifi-
Added, Found, cant, 95 % Confi-
SO 5 0.002 X 1 0.04 (12)
mg/L mg/L Bias, % dence Level
0.26 0.23 −11.5 yes
For magnesium they are as in Eq 13 and Eq 14: 0.52 0.52 0 no
ST 5 0.078 X 1 0.03 (13) 1.10 0.99 −10.0 yes
3.20 3.18 −0.63 no
SO 5 20.001 X 1 0.01 (14)
23.5 This information was derived from round-robin testing
where: in which seven laboratories, including eight operators, partici-
ST 5 overall precision, mg/L,
SO 5 single-operator precision, mg/L, and pated. Of eight data sets ranked as described in Practice
X 5 concentration of calcium or magnesium determined, D 2777, one was rejected as an outlier. Four sample levels were
mg/L. run on each of three days. The method of “least squares” was
used to determine the precision statements.
NOTE 8—The precision data were obtained using the air-acetylene 23.6 The single-operator precision for calcium determined
flame with lanthanum solution addition. The nitrous oxide-acetylene flame
with potassium solution addition provides more positive interference
on synthetic sodium chloride brines having the composition
removal and is reported to provide equivalent sensitivity. given in Table 1 is:
SO 5 253 mg/L
23.3 Bias—Recoveries of known amounts of calcium using
this test method were as follows: For magnesium it is:
Amount Amount Statistically Sig-
SO 5 31 mg/L
Added, Found, nificant, 95 %
mg/L mg/L Bias, % Confidence Level 23.7 These data may not apply to waters of other matrices.
1.20 1.21 +0.83 no
3.00 3.02 +0.67 no
5.00 5.02 +0.40 no 24. Keywords
15.0 14.8 −1.33 no
24.1 atomic absorption; calcium; complexometric; magne-
23.4 Bias—Recoveries of known amounts of magnesium sium; spectrophotometry; titration; water
using this test method were as follows:

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