This British Standard describes information and guidance on test
methods for the analysis of industrial and other waters which are
applicable outside of a conventional laboratory as either in situ
on‑site tests; or the use of a close suitable designated room/area
testing facility. For some tests this could include dedicated space
in a designated vehicle or caravan. These test methods can relate
to compliance, water quality and process control purposes. No
recommendation is given as to which test is applicable to a particular
type of water, nor is it implied that in any given case all tests or any
particular suite of tests are necessary. The selection of tests depends on
local requirements and conditions. Samples requiring preservation for
subsequent analysis are outside of the scope of this British Standard.
Certain tests such as adsorbable organic halides (AOX), chemical
oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen
need a suitable designated test room/area facility and are not
considered suitable for testing outside of these designated areas.
Sample stability is not considered to be a significant problem as most
test-kit measurements are carried out with minimal delay.
Most of the methods described in this standard can be applicable for
use on clean or lightly polluted waters which might have undergone
treatment or been modified for industrial use. Typically, the types of
waters for which the tests are intended include the following:
a) boiler waters;
b) cooling waters;
c) waters from hot water systems;
d) waters from air conditioning systems;
e) waters from industrial air washing systems;
f) potable waters;
g) ground waters;
h) surface waters;
i) process waters; and
j) swimming pool waters.
Certain more heavily polluted waters can be routinely tested for
certain control purposes for specific determinands using the test
methods cited in this British Standard. Such waters include:
1) sewage works influents and effluents;
2) selected industrial effluents.
Emergency screening analysis for major pollution incidents is not
covered (see commentary).
The on‑site methods outlined in this British Standard include
titrimetric, colorimetric and instrumental analytical techniques and
also includes consideration of commercial test-kits: their general
principles and formats available. It is generally accepted that in the
UK, the vast majority of on‑site measurements are carried out using
commercial test-kits rather than user-devised test-kit type methods
following similar equivalent method procedures to those used in
conventional laboratories. Also the designated room/area testing
facility titrimetric methods described in Section 4 of this standard
might require staff with a greater degree of training than commercial
test-kit titrimetric methods which can be readily used outside of these
areas. These methods are less likely to be used by non‑analysts than
the more robust test-kit titrimetric methods.
The technique used and principle of the designated room/area testing
facility titrimetric method are described within each test method and
each method is self‑contained within a standard format.
This British Standard does not apply to radioactivity, ecotoxicity (See
Persoone et al., 2000 [4]) or microbiological testing. Spot tests are not
covered (Jungris, 1997 [5]).
Many of the relevant methods are suitable for analysis for the water
framework directive (see Note and SWIFT 2003 [6]), water for human
consumption (see Note) and for monitoring of discharges to water
and sewer (EA, 2006 [7] and Dixon and Gardner, 1997 [8]).