820 ALKALINITY, BICARBONATE AND CARBONATE
Alkalinity, HCO3, CO3
Quantification of the bicarbonate (HCO3-) and carbonate (CO32-) in H2O by titration with dilute H2SO4 acid.
Summary: This method measures bicarbonate (HCO3-), carbonate (CO32-) and alkalinity levels in water. Quantitation is by titration with 0.025 N H2SO4. The method has a routine detection limit of 0.1 meq/L but is capable of a method detection limit for alkalinity of 0.04 meq/L (2 mg CaCO3/L) if requested by client. The analysis requires 25 mL of sample but 50 mL is requested to allow for quality control samples. Sample must be refrigerated. Sample should not be filtered or acidified.
Method 2320 (Alkalinity) in Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 20th Edition. Clesceri, L. S., A. E. Greenberg, A. E., and Eaton, A. D., eds. American Public Health Association; Washington DC; 1998. pp.2-26 - 2-29.