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D2036-09 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
ASTM D2036-09 (Reapproved 2022) provides standard test methods for determining cyanides in water. These methods are essential for environmental monitoring and industrial wastewater treatment.
📊 Test Methods Overview
The standard includes four test methods for cyanide determination:
| 🧪 Test Method | 📖 Description | 🔢 Sections |
|---|---|---|
| Test Method A | Total Cyanides after Distillation | 12 – 18 |
| Test Method B | Cyanides Amenable to Chlorination 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 |
Cyanogen halides may also be determined separately. The methods do not differentiate between cyanide ions and metallocyanide complexes, and cyanates are not detected unless using ion chromatography without digestion.
⚙️ Key Procedures and Safety Considerations
The distillation procedure in Test Method A is critical for recovering total cyanides. Acidification during distillation decomposes cyanate complexes. For chlorination methods, cyanogen chloride is a common reaction product in industrial wastewater.
⚠️ Hazard: Cyanides are highly toxic. Users must establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices. Specific hazard statements are provided in sections 5.1, 8.8, 8.18, Section 9, 11.3, and 16.1.9 of the standard.
The methods have been validated for reagent water and various waste waters. However, recovery is not complete for cyanocomplexes of gold, platinum, cobalt, and some transition metals. Organic cyanides are only partially recovered.
📏 Scope and Limitations
These test methods are intended for the determination of cyanides in water. They do not detect cyanates, which require ion chromatography. Cyanogen halides like cyanogen chloride can be identified via the spot test method in Annex A1.
Users must ensure the validity of the method for their specific water matrix. The standard uses SI units exclusively.
💡 Tip: For cyanate determination, use ion chromatography without digestion. For metal cyanide complexes, refer to Test Method D6994.
The standard was developed in accordance with international standardization principles.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What are the main test methods covered in ASTM D2036-09?
The standard covers four test methods: Test Method A for Total Cyanides after Distillation, Test Method B for Cyanides Amenable to Chlorination by Difference, Test Method C for Weak Acid Dissociable Cyanides, and Test Method D for Cyanides Amenable to Chlorination without Distillation.
💡 Can these methods detect cyanates?
No, these test methods do not detect cyanates. Cyanates can be determined using ion chromatography without digestion, as noted in the standard.
⚡ Are there safety concerns with these test methods?
Yes, cyanides are highly toxic. The standard includes specific hazard statements in sections 5.1, 8.8, 8.18, Section 9, 11.3, and 16.1.9. Users must follow appropriate safety practices.
📌 What water matrices are suitable for these test methods?
The methods have been tested successfully with reagent water and various waste waters. However, users should validate the method for their specific matrix, especially if it contains interfering substances.