Sulfur Testing
Reduced Sulfur Testing by ASTM D5504
Reduced sulfur compounds, such as sulfides and mercaptans, tend to have
very distinctive odors that may be detected by the human olfactory system at extremely low concentrations.
These odors are offensive to many individuals. ASTM D5504 is a
useful method for the differentiation and quantification of many of these
odor-causing sulfur compounds.Columbia Analytical’s air quality laboratory performs ASTM D5504 to identify
and quantify sulfur compounds from a variety of sources, such as:
| Source | Common Sulfur Compounds |
|---|---|
| Sewers and Wastewater Treatment Facilities | Hydrogen sulfide, mercaptans, dimethyl sulfide |
| Landfills | Hydrogen sulfide |
| Petrochemical Refineries | Hydrogen sulfide, carbonyl sulfide, carbon disulfide |
| Odorants of Liquid Propane | Ethyl mercaptan, dimethyl sulfide, tetrahydrothiophene |
| Odorants of Natural Gas | tert-Butyl mercaptan, isopropyl mercaptan, n-propyl mercaptan, ethyl methyl sulfide |
| Pulp and Paper Mills | Hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl disulfide, dimethyl sulfide |
| Composting Facilities | Hydrogen sulfide, ethyl mercaptan, carbon disulfide, dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, methyl mercaptan, propyl mercaptan |
| Livestock Activities | Hydrogen sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, dimethyl trisulfide, carbonyl sulfide |
Use of the ASTM 5504 method is appropriate in situations where sulfur odors are a concern and differentiation between them
is desired. It also may be a useful tool during odor investigations when a complex matrix is present or the human
receptors are unable to adequately characterize the odor.
Collection, Shipping and Analysis
Wastewater treatment facility
Since many sulfur compounds are not stable in stainless steel canisters, such as Summa canisters, air samples for this
analysis should be collected in Tedlar bags. When the odor is intermittent, unpredictable, or at a remote location,
Columbia Analytical may recommend the use of a Silco (glass
lined) canister. Please contact the lab for more information on
sampling media for sulfur compounds.
Due to the unstable and reactive nature of many sulfur
compounds, full compliance of the method requires analysis
of the samples within 24 hours of collection. Despite this short
holding time, Columbia Analytical receives samples from all
over North America and performs analysis within holding time
on a daily basis.
We recommend that our clients collect their sample as late in
the day as their sampling plan allows, then ship the sample
to the lab via priority overnight delivery. The sample then
arrives at our location early in the day, ensuring analysis within
the holding time. Analysis is performed following ASTM
D5504, which is a gas chromatography method with sulfur
chemiluminescence detection.
Learn more about Reduced Sulfur Testing by ASTM D5504 (PDF)...
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View the Frequently Asked Questions...
View Air Sampling Instructions...
