TABLE 3-17. ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES USED FOR HEAVY METALS WATER 

 QUALITY ANALYSIS 



State of Montana Total Recoverable 



1. Acidify sample upon collection to a pH of <2. 



2. Decant off at time of analysis (no filtration) 



Acid-Soluble 



1. Acidify sample upon collection to a pH of <2. 



2. Filter sample with .45u filter within 24 hours. 



3. Analyze. 



EPA Dissolved 



1. Filter sample with .45u filter at time of collection. 



2. Acidify to pH of <2. 



3. Analyze. 



4. EPA and USGS Total Recoverable 



1. Acidify sample at time of collection to a pH of <2 



2. Digest in the laboratory using hydrochloric acid. 



3. Filter sample. 



4. Analyze. 



EPA Total 



1. Acidify sample upon collection to a pH of <2. 



2. Digest in the laboratory using hot nitric acid. 



3. Analyze. 



Sources: USGS 1982; EPA 1983. 



3-66a 



