ASTM D2036 : 98

Standard Test Methods for Cyanides in Water

Standard Details

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of cyanides in water. The following test methods are included:

Sections Test Method A---Total Cyanides after Distillation 12 to 18 Test Method B---Cyanides Amenable to Chlorination2 by Difference 19 to 25 Test Method C---Weak Acid Dissociable Cyanides 26 to 32 Test Method D---Cyanides Amenable to Chlorination without Distil- lation (Short-Cut Method) 33 to 39

1.2 Cyanogen halides may be determined separately.

Note 1-Cyanogen chloride is the most common of the cyanogen halide complexes as it is a reaction product and is usually present when chlorinating cyanide-containing industrial waste water. For the presence or absence of CNCl, the spot test method given in Annex A1 can be used.

1.3 These test methods do not distinguish between cyanide ions and metallocyanide compounds and complexes. Furthermore, they do not detect the cyanates.

Note 2-The cyanate complexes are decomposed when the sample is acidified in the distillation procedure.

1.4 The cyanide in cyanocomplexes of gold, platinum, cobalt and some other transition metals is not completely recovered by these test methods.

1.5 Only a few organo-cyanide complexes are recovered, and those only to a minor extent.

1.6 Part or all of these test methods have been used successfully with reagent water and various waste waters. It is the user's responsibility to assure the validity of the test method for the water matrix being tested.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.> Specific hazard statements are given in Notes 3, 4, 5, and 6, 5.1, and Section 9.