ASTM D4327-03 Compliant Analysis of Anions in Drinking Water

Significance of the Topic

Ion chromatography plays a key role in monitoring water quality and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. ASTM D4327-03 specifies analysis of seven major anions in drinking water using chemically suppressed ion chromatography. Reliable detection of anions such as fluoride, chloride, nitrite, bromide, nitrate, phosphate and sulfate is essential for public health, environmental monitoring, and water treatment facility operations.

Goals and Overview of the Study

This work evaluates the performance of a Shimadzu HIC-ESP suppressor ion chromatograph for ASTM D4327-03 compliant anion analysis in drinking water and tap water. The study aims to:

• Assess calibration linearity over four concentration levels for seven target anions
• Determine repeatability of retention times and peak areas at low concentration levels
• Demonstrate applicability to tap water and commercially available drinking water
• Verify method accuracy through spike-and-recovery tests

Methodology and Instrumentation

A standard solution containing seven anions (F-, Cl-, NO2-, Br-, NO3-, PO4³-, SO4²-) was prepared according to ASTM D4327-03. Key analytical conditions were:

• Column: Shim-pack IC-SA2 (250 mm × 4.0 mm, 9 µm)
• Guard Column: Shim-pack IC-SA2(G) (10 mm × 4.6 mm, 9 µm)
• Mobile Phase: 0.6 mmol/L sodium carbonate / 12.0 mmol/L sodium hydrogen carbonate
• Flow Rate: 1.0 mL/min; Column Temperature: 30 °C; Injection Volume: 50 µL
• Detection: Conductivity detector (CDD-10A VP)

Used Instrumentation

• Shimadzu HIC-ESP suppressor ion chromatograph
• Shim-pack IC-SA2 analytical and guard columns
• Conductivity detector CDD-10A VP
• Shimadzu polypropylene vials (4 mL)

Main Results and Discussion

The method achieved high linearity (r² ≥ 0.990) across four calibration levels for all seven anions. Repeatability at the lowest calibration level showed relative standard deviations below 0.04% for retention times and under 1% for peak areas. Application to tap water and two commercial drinking water samples yielded quantifiable concentrations within the calibration ranges, with some analytes reported as reference values when exceeding the highest level. Spike-and-recovery tests on tap water produced recovery rates between 97.5% and 107.9%, demonstrating method accuracy and robustness.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

• Meets ASTM D4327-03 requirements for drinking water analysis
• Offers excellent linearity and repeatability for trace-level anion determination
• Applicable to a variety of aqueous matrices including drinking and tap water
• Simple sample preparation via 0.2 µm filtration
• Straightforward operation suitable for routine quality control

Future Trends and Applications

Advances in ion chromatography may focus on increased throughput through faster separation media, miniaturized systems for on-site monitoring, and coupling with mass spectrometry for enhanced selectivity. Automation and data processing improvements will further streamline routine water quality assessments and real-time environmental surveillance.

Conclusion

The Shimadzu HIC-ESP suppressor ion chromatograph delivers reliable, ASTM-compliant analysis of seven anions in drinking and tap water. With strong calibration performance, high repeatability, and robust accuracy demonstrated by spike-and-recovery tests, this method is well suited for regulatory compliance and routine water quality monitoring.

References

1. ASTM D4327-03, Standard Test Method for Anions in Water by Chemically Suppressed Ion Chromatography, ASTM International, 2003.