BS EN 17899:2024 - Water Quality Standard

Standard Number: BS EN 17899:2024

Pages: 24

Released: 2024-07-23

ISBN: 978 0 539 22683 6

Status: Standard

Overview

The BS EN 17899:2024 standard is an essential document for professionals involved in water quality monitoring. This standard provides a comprehensive method for the spectrophotometric determination of chlorophyll-a content by ethanol extraction, a crucial parameter for assessing the health and quality of water bodies.

Key Features

• Accurate Measurement: The standard outlines a precise method for determining chlorophyll-a content, ensuring reliable and consistent results.
• Routine Monitoring: Designed for routine monitoring, this standard helps in maintaining the ecological balance and quality of water bodies.
• Comprehensive Guidelines: With 24 pages of detailed instructions, the standard provides thorough guidelines for the entire process.
• Up-to-Date Information: Released on 2024-07-23, this standard includes the latest advancements and methodologies in water quality monitoring.

Importance of Chlorophyll-a Monitoring

Chlorophyll-a is a key indicator of the presence of algae in water bodies. High levels of chlorophyll-a can indicate eutrophication, which can lead to harmful algal blooms and deteriorate water quality. Regular monitoring of chlorophyll-a is essential for:

• Environmental Protection: Ensuring the health of aquatic ecosystems by preventing and managing algal blooms.
• Public Health: Protecting drinking water sources from contamination by harmful algae.
• Regulatory Compliance: Meeting environmental regulations and standards for water quality.

Methodology

The BS EN 17899:2024 standard details the spectrophotometric method for determining chlorophyll-a content. This involves:

1. Sample Collection: Guidelines for collecting water samples to ensure they are representative and uncontaminated.
2. Ethanol Extraction: Detailed steps for extracting chlorophyll-a using ethanol, a safe and effective solvent.
3. Spectrophotometric Analysis: Instructions for using a spectrophotometer to measure the absorbance of the extracted chlorophyll-a, providing accurate quantification.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN 17899:2024 standard is invaluable for a wide range of professionals, including:

• Environmental Scientists: Conducting research and monitoring the health of aquatic ecosystems.
• Water Quality Technicians: Performing routine water quality assessments for regulatory compliance.
• Public Health Officials: Ensuring the safety of drinking water sources.
• Regulatory Agencies: Enforcing water quality standards and guidelines.

Benefits of Using BS EN 17899:2024

Implementing the BS EN 17899:2024 standard offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced Accuracy: The standardized method ensures precise and reproducible results, reducing variability and improving data reliability.
• Improved Water Quality Management: Regular monitoring of chlorophyll-a helps in early detection of water quality issues, enabling timely intervention and management.
• Compliance with Regulations: Adhering to this standard helps organizations meet national and international water quality regulations, avoiding potential fines and penalties.
• Environmental Sustainability: By monitoring and managing chlorophyll-a levels, organizations can contribute to the sustainability and health of aquatic ecosystems.

Conclusion

The BS EN 17899:2024 standard is a vital tool for anyone involved in water quality monitoring. Its detailed methodology for the spectrophotometric determination of chlorophyll-a content by ethanol extraction ensures accurate, reliable, and consistent results. By implementing this standard, professionals can effectively monitor and manage water quality, protecting both the environment and public health.

BS EN 17899:2024

This standard BS EN 17899:2024 Water quality. Spectrophotometric determination of chlorophyll-a content by ethanol extraction for the routine monitoring of water quality is classified in these ICS categories:

• 13.060.70 Examination of biological properties of water
• 71.040.50 Physicochemical methods of analysis

This document describes a spectrophotometric method for determining the chlorophyll-a content corrected for phaeopigments as a measure of the amount of phytoplankton for all types of surface water including marine water. The determination limit is usually 2 µg/l to 5 µg/l and is calculated by each laboratory individually. It can be as low as 0,5 µg/l using 2 l of sample (or even more) and a 50 mm cuvette. NOTE In some measurement programs like marine studies on time series data and ecological status/classification no correction for phaeopigments is used and acidification is omitted, e.g. as recommended by OSPAR.