Summit Environmental Technologies prides itself in its expansive testing capabilities in a variety of different fields. To find out if Summit conducts this test, contact us at 330-253-8211 today.
View Actual EPA Method 335.4 (PDF File)
EPA Method 335.4:Cyanide, total, by Colorimetry. Official Name: Determination of Total Cyanide by Semi-Automated Colorimetry
Summary:The cyanide as hydrocyanic acid (HCN) is released from cyanide complexes by means of a reflux-distillation operation and is absorbed in a scrubber containing sodium hydroxide solution. The cyanide ion is determined using an automated colorimeter with pyridine-barbituric acid chemistry.
Scope:This method is determines cyanide in drinking, surface and saline waters; and domestic and industrial wastes.
Citation:Methods for the Determination of Inorganic Substances in Environmental Samples (EPA/600/R-93/100)
Interferences:(1) Oxidizing agents can destroy cyanides during storage.(2) Sulfide can complex with cyanide in sample or distillate.(3) Fatty acids cause interference during distillation.(4) Carbonate causes interference during distillation.(5) Aldehydes cause interference during distillation.(6) Nitrate/Nitrate causes interference during distillation (they can generate cyanides when combined with certain organic compounds).(7) Sulfur-containing compound causes interference during distillation by forming free sulfide that is captured in distillate.
QC Requirements:The minimum requirements consist of an initial demonstration of laboratory capability, the periodic analysis of laboratory reagent blanks, fortified blanks, and other laboratory solutions as a continuing check on performance.
Maximum Holding Time:14 days
Media:WATER
Subcategory:Inorganic
Concentration:0.005 to 0.5 mg/L
Precision:Data are available in the method.
Detection:None.
Revision Number:Revision 1.0, August 1993
Test Description:Total Cyanide by Sem
Report Number:600/R-93-100
Instrument used for this test:Discrete-FIA