ASTM D2036 : 09(2022)

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 – 18
Test Method B Cyanides Amenable to Chlorination2 by Difference	19 – 25
Test Method C Weak Acid Dissociable Cyanides	26 – 32
Test Method D Cyanides Amenable to Chlorination without Distillation (Short-Cut Method)	33 – 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. Cyanates can be determined using ion chromatography without digestion.

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. Refer to Test Method D6994 for the determination of cyanometal complexes.

1.5 Cyanide from only a few organic cyanides 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 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazard statements are given in 5.1, 8.8, 8.18, Section 9, 11.3, and 16.1.9.

1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International StandardDetails, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.