Overview
EN ISO 17353:2005 (ISO 17353:2004) defines a gas chromatographic method for the identification and quantification of selected organotin compounds in water. The standard covers mono-, di-, tri- and tetra-substituted organotins (for example monobutyltin (MBT), dibutyltin (DBT), tributyltin (TBT), tetrabutyltin and selected octyl, phenyl and cyclohexyl derivatives) in drinking water, surface water, wastewater and marine water. The validated working range is 10 ng/L to 1 000 ng/L, and samples may contain up to 2 g/L suspended material. The method determines the organotin cations (or tetrasubstituted species); corresponding anions are not analysed.
Key topics and requirements
- Analytical principle: derivatization of organotin species with sodium tetraethylborate, liquid–liquid extraction (hexane), optional silica clean-up, concentration and separation by capillary gas chromatography.
- Detection options: mass spectrometry (MS), flame photometric detection (FPD) or atomic emission detection (AED) are recommended for selectivity and sensitivity.
- Calibration and quantification: use of internal standard mixtures and multicomponent spiking solutions; calibration covers the total procedure.
- Reagents and purity: use high‑purity solvents and reagents (e.g., methanol, hexane, tetrahydrofuran); organotin reagent impurities can cause interferences - blanks must be verified.
- Sample limitations: applicable to waters with ≤ 2 g/L suspended solids; respective anions are excluded from determination.
- Quality/precision information: method precision and suggested gas chromatographic conditions are given in informative annexes; storage and stability guidance for standard solutions is provided.
Practical applications
- Environmental monitoring and surveillance of organotin pollution (e.g., TBT) in coastal and inland waters.
- Compliance testing for drinking water quality and wastewater discharge permits.
- Research studies on organotin fate, bioaccumulation and remediation effectiveness.
- Routine testing in accredited analytical laboratories, water utilities, environmental consultancies and regulatory agencies.
Who should use this standard
- Analytical chemists and laboratory managers performing organotin analysis by GC.
- Environmental agencies, public health authorities and water utilities needing standardized methods for reporting.
- Consultants and researchers conducting water quality assessments or pollutant trend studies.
Related standards
- ISO 3696 (water for analytical laboratory use) - reagent water quality.
- ISO 5667 series (sampling guidance) - sampling, preservation and handling for water analysis.
- Adopted as EN ISO 17353:2005 by CEN for harmonized European use.
Keywords: ISO 17353, organotin analysis, water quality, gas chromatographic method, tributyltin, environmental monitoring, drinking water testing.
