Total cyanide measurement of wastewater samples by a UV digestion and gas diffusion technique coupled with amperometric detection.

Cyanide (CN -) is a highly poisonous ion that binds with the enzyme cytochrome C oxidase. This complex inhibits cellular respiration and energy production, resulting in cytotoxic hypoxia affecting the central nervous system (CNS) and heart. Death typically occurs from respiratory arrest following CNS failure.

Systea’s FLOWSYS III System from Lab Solutions measures total cyanide by a UV digestion and gas diffusion technique coupled with amperometric detection in accordance with ASTM Method D 7511-09e2.

This non-distillation technique is particularly effective for applications where thiocyanate is present  to avoid cyanide loss or positive interference. ASTM D 7511-09e2 is USEPA-approved for analysis of wastewater samples for NPDES compliance reporting.

Lab Solutions’ website provides updated information on collecting and preserving samples, analytical interferences, and new ASTM and USEPA analytical methods.

Cyanide compounds are used in a wide range of industrial applications. Hydrogen cyanide is used in the production of nylon 6/6 and methyl methacrylate plastics. Potassium or sodium cyanide are used in mining operations to leach gold from ore. Cyanide salts are used in metal plating baths for electroplating of brass, bronze, cadmium, copper, gold, silver and zinc. Other industrial processes employing cyanide include; petroleum refining, steel production, microelectronics manufacturing, specialty chemical and pharmaceutical production. The acute toxicity and wide spread industrial usage of cyanide makes environmental testing critically important. Intentional contamination of drinking water or food products with cyanide is also a potential domestic security threat.