Guidelines Establishing Test Procedures for the Analysis of Pollutants; Measurement of Mercury in Water; Revisions to EPA Method 1631

Résumé

This action approves EPA Method 1631, Revision E: Mercury in Water by Oxidation, Purge and Trap, and Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry (Method 1631E) for determination of mercury in aqueous samples. Today's rule replaces the currently approved version of Method 1631 and includes revisions that address stakeholder concerns. EPA Method 1631E clarifies quality control and sample handling requirements and allows flexibility to incorporate additional available technologies. This rule also amends the requirements regarding preservation, storage, and holding time for low level mercury samples.