DIN 38409-59 German Standard Methods for the Examination of Water, Wastewater, and Sludge - Part 59: Determination of Adsorbable Organically Bound Fluorine, Chlorine, Bromine, and Iodine (AOF, AOCl, AOBr, AOI) Using Combustion and Subsequent IC Measurement

DIN 38409-59 specifies the procedures for determining the concentrations of adsorbable organically bound fluorine (AOF), chlorine (AOCl), bromine (AOBr), and iodine (AOI) in water, wastewater, and sludge. The method employs oxidative pyrohydrolytic combustion and ion chromatography detection (Combustion Ion Chromatography-CIC) to measure these elements. These two process steps can be done subsequently, or separately. The parameters AOF, AOCl, AOBr, and AOI, are determined by converting the organic halogen compounds to the respective hydrogen halides and their quantification by using ion chromatography.

The relevance of the parameters measured in this method lies in their potential environmental and health impacts. Organically bound halogens, such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine, can contribute to environmental pollution and pose risks to human health. For example, organochlorine compounds are known to be persistent in the environment and can bioaccumulate in living organisms, leading to toxic effects. Similarly, organofluorides, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are recognized for their persistence and potential health risks. By accurately measuring the concentrations of these elements, the method helps to assess the presence and levels of potentially harmful compounds in water, wastewater, and sludge.

The method supports regulatory compliance with environmental laws and standards. By providing a reliable means of measuring AOF, AOCl, AOBr, and AOI, DIN 38409-59 helps to ensure that water quality standards are met and potential sources of contamination are identified and addressed. This is essential for protecting public health and the environment. 

DIN 38409-59 is a vital standard for the determination of adsorbable organically bound fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine in water, wastewater, and sludge. This helps to ensure the safety and quality of water resources, contributing to the overall sustainability of the environment.

The ICprep family of Analytik Jena enables the sample preparation for determination of adsorbable organic halogens (AOF, AOCl, AOBr, AOI) in water and sludge. Together with the APU series systems for AOF columns adsorption we offer a great solution to get from sample to the IC-ready absorption solution, which can be introduced into any suitable ion chromatograph.

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• DIN 38409-59: German Standard Methods for the Examination of Water, Wastewater, and Sludge - Part 59: Determination of Adsorbable Organically Bound Fluorine, Chlorine, Bromine, and Iodine (AOF, AOCl, AOBr, AOI) Using Combustion and Subsequent Ion Chromatographic Measurement