1.1This guide describes procedures for the preparation of test samples collected from such locations as streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, estuaries, oceans, and toxicity tests and is applicable to such organisms as plankton, mollusks, fish, and plants.

1.2The procedures are applicable to the determination of volatile, semivolatile, and nonvolatile inorganic constituents of biological materials. Analyses may be carried out or reported on either a dry or wet basis.

1.3The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For a specific hazard statement, see 9.3.3.

1.5This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.