Field determination of total dissolved inorganic carbon (TDIC) in natural waters using an IR analyzer: I. Preliminary laboratory tests

Preliminary laboratory tests carried out on 20 mineral waters indicate that the infrared (IR) method for the determination of total dissolved inorganic carbon (TDIC) is more accurate than the pH-alkalinity method, especially for high-TDIC, naturally sparkling waters and low-TDIC waters. The results of the two analytical methods are similar for mineral waters whose TDIC ranges from 100 to 500 mg/L as HCO3, suggesting a relative accuracy of 0.3–2.9%. The limit of detection (LOD) of the IR method is close to 10 mg HCO3/L and independent of pH. This value is comparable with the LOD of the pH-alkalinity method in the pH range 6.5–9 whereas the LOD of the latter increases strongly with decreasing pH below pH 6.5. The IR method is quick, since a run takes a few minutes and, on average, 10 analyses are carried out in an hour, including the time spent for clean up and preparation between samples. It constitutes a sound alternative to the pH-alkalinity technique for the field measurement of TDIC in geothermal and other natural waters.