INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 7027-1
First edition
2016-06-15
Water quality — Determination of
turbidity —
Part 1:
Quantitative methods
Qualité de l’eau — Détermination de la turbidité —
Partie 1: Méthodes quantitatives
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Reference number
ISO 7027-1:2016(E)
© ISO 2016
ISO 7027-1:2016(E)
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ISO 7027-1:2016(E)
Contents Page
Foreword......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... iv
Introduction...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................v
1 Scope.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
2 Normative references....................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
3 Terms and definitions...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
4 Sampling and samples..................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
5 Quantitative methods of turbidity measurement using optical nephelometers
and turbidimeters................................................................................................................................................................................................ 2
5.1 General principles................................................................................................................................................................................. 2
5.2 Reagents........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
5.3 Measurement of diffuse radiation (nephelometry)................................................................................................. 5
5.3.1 Apparatus................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
5.3.2 Calibration.............................................................................................................................................................................. 5
5.3.3 Procedure................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
5.3.4 Expression of results..................................................................................................................................................... 5
5.3.5 Test report.............................................................................................................................................................................. 5
5.4 Measurement of attenuated radiation (turbidimetry).......................................................................................... 5
5.4.1 Apparatus................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
5.4.2 Calibration.............................................................................................................................................................................. 6
5.4.3 iTeh STANDARD PREVIEW
Procedure................................................................................................................................................................................ 6
5.4.4 Expression of results..................................................................................................................................................... 6
5.4.5
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Test report.............................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Annex A (informative) Results of an interlaboratory ISO 7027-1:2016collaborative trial to evaluate the
suitability of a synthetic polymer for use as a secondary standard to formazin in
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turbidity measurements...............................................................................................................................................................................
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Bibliography................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
© ISO 2016 – All rights reserved iii
ISO 7027-1:2016(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity
assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the WTO principles in the Technical
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Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following URL: Foreword - Supplementary information
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The committee responsible for this document is ISO/TC 147, Water quality, Subcommittee SC 2, Physical,
chemical and biochemical methods.
ISO 7027-1:2016
This first edition of ISO 7027-1, together with ISO 7027-2, cancels and replaces ISO 7027:1999, which
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has been technically revised. a60bf2ce1729/iso-7027-1-2016
ISO 7027 consists of the following parts, under the general title Water quality — Determination of
turbidity:
— Part 1: Quantitative methods
The following part is under preparation:
— Part 2: Semi-quantitative methods
iv © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved
ISO 7027-1:2016(E)
Introduction
Measurements of turbidity can be affected by the presence of dissolved light-absorbing substances
(substances imparting colour). Such effects can be minimized, however, by performing measurements
at wavelengths greater than 800 nm. Only carbon black and a blue colour, which can be found in certain
polluted waters, slightly affects measurements of turbidity in this region of the spectrum. Air bubbles
can also interfere with measurements, but such interference can be minimized by careful handling of
the samples.
It is to be investigated whether and to what extent, particular problems will require the specification of
additional marginal conditions.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 7027-1:2016(E)
Water quality — Determination of turbidity —
Part 1:
Quantitative methods
WARNING — Persons using this International Standard should be familiar with normal
laboratory practice. This International Standard does not purport to address all of the
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user to establish
appropriate safety and health practices and to ensure compliance with any national regulatory
conditions.
IMPORTANT — It is absolutely essential that tests conducted in accordance with this
International Standard be carried out by suitably qualified staff.
1 Scope
This part of ISO 7027 specifies two quantitative methods using optical turbidimeters or nephelometers
for the determination of turbidity of water:
a) nephelometry, procedure for measurement of diffuse radiation, applicable to water of low turbidity
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(for example drinking water);
b) turbidimetry, procedure for(standards.iteh.ai)
measurement of the attenuation of a radiant flux, more applicable to
highly turbid waters (for example waste waters or other cloudy waters).
ISO 7027-1:2016
Turbidities measured according to the first method are presented as nephelometric turbidity units
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(NTU). The results typically rangea60bf2ce1729/iso-7027-1-2016
between <0,05 NTU and 400 NTU. Depending on the instrument
design, it can also be applicable to waters of higher turbidity. There is numerical equivalence of the
units NTU and formazin nephelometric unit (FNU).
Turbidity measured by the second method is expressed in formazin attenuation units (FAU), results
typically range between 40 FAU and 4 000 FAU.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
CIE Publication No. 17, International Lighting Vocabulary
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in CIE Publication No. 17 and the
following apply.
3.1
turbidity
reduction of transparency of a liquid caused by the presence of undissolved matter
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ISO 7027-1:2016(E)
4 Sampling and samples
Maintain all containers that come into contact with the sample in a scrupulously clean condition. Wash
with hydrochloric acid or surfactant cleaning solution.
Collect samples in glass or plastics bottles and carry out the determinations, as soon as possible after
collection. If storage is unavoidable, store the samples in a cool, dark room but for not longer than 24 h.
If the samples have been stored under cool conditions, allow them to come to room temperature before
measurement. Prevent contact between the sample and air and avoid unnecessary changes in the
temperature of the sample.
5 Quantitative methods of turbidity measurement using optical nephelometers
and turbidimeters
5.1 General principles
A water sample coloured by dissolved substances is a homogeneous system that only attenuates
radiation passing through the sample. A water sample containing undissolved substances attenuates
the incident radiation and in addition the insoluble particles which are present diffuse the radiation
unequally in all directions. The forward diffusion of radiation by the particles affects the attenuation
so that the common spectral attenuation coefficient µ(λ) is the sum of the spectral diffusion coefficient
s(λ) and the spectral absorption coefficient α(λ):
µ(λ ) = s(λ ) + α (λ ) (1)
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To obtain the spectral diffusion coefficient s(λ) alone, the spectral absorption coefficient α(λ) needs
to be known. In order to determine the spectral absorption coefficient of the dissolved substance, the
undissolved substances can, in some cases, be removed by filtration, but this may cause interferences.
ISO 7027-1:2016
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to report the results of the determination of turbidity in comparison to a
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The intensity of the diffuse radiation depends upon the wavelength of the incident radiation, the
measurement angle, and the shape, optical characteristics and particle size distribution of the particles
suspended in the water.
In measurements of the attenuation of transmitted radiation, the measured value depends upon the
aperture angle Ω0 of the radiant efficiency arriving at the receiver.
When measuring the diffuse radiation, the measured values depend upon the angle θ and the aperture
angle Ωθ. The angle θ is that enclosed by the direction of the incident radiation and the direction of the
measured diffuse radiation (see Figure 1).
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ISO 7027-1:2016(E)
Ω0
Ωθ
Key
1 light source
Figure 1
Application of the measurement of the concentration of undissolved substances would be possible only
if the parameters identified above were known. In general, this information is not available, so the mass
concentration of the suspended particles cannot be calculated from the value of turbidity.
NOTE 1
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Instrument-to-instrument comparisons are possible only if apparatus is used in accordance with this
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part of ISO 7027 and the same measuring principle is applied.
NOTE 2 The Jackson candle turbidimeter was originally the standard instrument for turbidity measurements.
ISObe
In general, Jackson turbidity units (JTU) cannot 7027-1:2016
related to other turbidity units.
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5.2 Reagents
Use only reagents of recognized analytical grade. Reagents prepared in accordance with this part of
ISO 7027 can be stored in hard glass, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene
(LDPE) bottles respectively.
5.2.1 Water, for the preparation of the formazin stock and reference suspensions.
Soak a membrane filter of pore size 0,45 µm for 1 h in 100 ml of distilled water. Filter 250 ml of distilled
water through it and discard the water. Then pass a two-litre volume of distilled water twice through
the membrane and reserve this water for the preparation of the formazin suspensions. Other particle
free waters like reverse osmosis water can be used instead.
5.2.2 Formazin (C2H4N2)x, stock suspension I (4 000 FNU).
Suspensions with 4 000 FNU (NTU) are commercially available. Their use is recommended. They are
available from numerous sources. Possible health hazards arising from the toxicity and carcinogenicity
of hydrazine sulfate used for preparing the standard on the bench can be avoided.
From some manufacturers, specific stabilized formazin suspensions are available.1)
These commercially available suspensions may be stable for up to one year if stored under cool
temperatures and in the dark. The manufacturer’s recommendations regarding preparation, usage, and
storage have to be considered in this respect.
1) e.g. the StablCal™ Turbidity Standards series, available from HACH www.hach.com or T-CALTM, available from
Tintometer GmbH. This information is given for the convenience of users of this part of ISO 7027 and does not
constitute an endorsement by ISO of these products.
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