ASTM D1889-00 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D1889-00 — Standard Test Method for Turbidity of Water. This ASTM test method defines a nephelometric procedure for measuring the turbidity (cloudiness) of water and wastewater samples, expressed in nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). It covers calibration, sample handling, instrument operation, and reporting for routine turbidity determinations within the method's validated range.

Abstract

ASTM D1889-00 specifies a static nephelometric technique for determining turbidity in water samples. The method describes instrument calibration (commonly using formazin or equivalent standards), measurement procedures, considerations for sample storage and handling, and recommendations for dealing with interferences and out-of-range samples. The 2000 edition was later withdrawn; users are directed to newer ASTM and international turbidity methods for current practice.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (2007).
• Publication date: July 10, 2000 (designation D1889-00).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 13.060.60 — Examination of water for physical properties (water quality / environmental testing).
• Edition / version: D1889-00 (2000 revision; originally issued as earlier editions dating from 1961 onward).
• Number of pages: Approximately 6 pages (brief test method format).

Scope

This test method covers the determination of turbidity in water and wastewater by nephelometry under static conditions. It is intended for routine laboratory and field determinations in the method's validated range (typical reporting ranges referenced by the method fall roughly within 0.05–40 NTU; higher turbidities may be measured following dilution). The method addresses instrument calibration, sample handling and preservation, measurement technique, and causes of interference such as entrained air, large particles, or colored dissolved substances.

Key topics and requirements

• Principle of nephelometric turbidity measurement (light scattering at a specified angle).
• Calibration using primary turbidity standards (e.g., formazin or equivalent certified standards).
• Measurement units and reporting: nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) and appropriate precision/accuracy expectations.
• Validated measurement range and procedures for diluted samples when turbidity exceeds the upper limit.
• Sample collection, storage, and maximum holding time guidance to avoid changes in turbidity before analysis.
• Identification and mitigation of interferences (air bubbles, large particles, sample color, scratched cells).
• Instrument maintenance, cell cleanliness, and indexing/blank procedures for reliable readings.

Typical use and users

Used historically by environmental and water-quality laboratories, municipal drinking-water and wastewater utilities, industrial process water laboratories, instrument manufacturers, and regulatory agencies. Typical applications include routine monitoring of finished drinking water, treatment plant effluent, surface water surveys, and quality control of industrial waters where turbidity is a relevant parameter.

Related standards

Subsequent or complementary turbidity and water-quality methods include several ASTM standards addressing low-range measurements, online systems, continuous monitoring, and guidance for different instrument technologies. Examples include ASTM standards that address turbidity below 5 NTU, static and continuous measurement approaches, and related guidance documents. International standards (for example ISO turbidity methods) and EPA methods for turbidity measurement are also commonly used alongside or instead of this withdrawn designation.

Keywords

turbidity, nephelometry, NTU, formazin, water quality, turbidity standards, sample handling, calibration, ASTM D1889-00, withdrawn

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D1889-00 is a Standard Test Method for Turbidity of Water that described a nephelometric procedure for measuring turbidity in water and wastewater samples. It is the 2000 revision of the D1889 series.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers instrument calibration, the nephelometric measurement procedure, acceptable measurement ranges (with dilution guidance for higher turbidities), sample handling and storage, and common interferences affecting turbidity readings.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Environmental and water laboratory analysts, municipal water and wastewater operators, industrial water quality personnel, instrument manufacturers, and regulatory compliance staff historically used this method for routine turbidity determinations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ASTM D1889-00 was withdrawn in 2007. It is not a current active ASTM method; users should consult more recent ASTM turbidity standards and international methods (for example ASTM methods for low-range turbidity and continuous monitoring, and ISO turbidity standards) for current, active procedures.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — D1889 belongs to a body of ASTM water and environmental technology standards addressing turbidity and related water-quality measurements. Multiple ASTM standards cover different measurement ranges, instrument types, and monitoring modes; D1889 represented one historic method in that suite.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Turbidity, nephelometer, NTU, formazin, water quality, calibration, sample handling, ASTM.