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View Actual EPA Method 180.1 (PDF File)
EPA Method 180.1:Turbidity by Turbidimeter. Official Name: Determination of Turbidity by Nephelometry
Summary:The method is based upon a comparison of the intensity of light scattered by the sample under defined conditions with the intensity of light scattered by a standard reference suspension. The higher the intensity of scattered light, the higher the turbidity. Readings, in NTU's, are made in a nephelometer designed according to specifications outlined in the method. A standard suspension (i.e., formazin, AMCO-AEPA-1, or Hach Stablcal) is used to calibrate the instrument.
Scope:This method is applicable to drinking, surface, and saline waters in the range of turbidity from 0 to 40 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). Higher values may be obtained with dilution of the sample.
Citation:Methods for the Determination of Inorganic Substances in Environmental Samples (EPA/600/R-93/100)
Interferences:The presence of floating debris and coarse sediments which settle out rapidly will give low readings. Finely divided air bubbles will affect the results in a positive manner. The presence of true color, that is the color of water which is due to dissolved substances which absorb light, will cause turbidities to be low, although this effect is generally not significant with finished waters.
QC Requirements:None.
Maximum Holding Time:48 hours (MCAWW, Table I)
Media:WATER
Subcategory:Inorganic
Concentration:0 - 40 NTU
Sample Prep:None.
Precision:Precision was determined by analyzing replicate surface water samples in a single laboratory. The method contains data for samples ranging from 26 to 180 NTU.
Detection:None.
Revision Number:Revision 2.0, August 1993
Test Description:Turbidity - Nephelom
Date Issued:8/1/1993
Instrument used for this test:Turbidimeter