ISO 21253-2-2019 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 21253-2:2019 — Water quality — Multi‑compound class methods — Part 2: Criteria for the quantitative determination of organic substances using a multi‑compound class analytical method. This document provides criteria to develop and validate in‑house mass spectrometry based multi‑compound methods for the quantitative analysis of organic substances in water matrices.

Abstract

This standard specifies criteria for quantitative multi‑compound class analytical methods (primarily mass spectrometry based) used in physico‑chemical analysis of water. It supplements guidance on initial measurement performance characterization by detailing selection of representative test matrices, internal/injection standards, recovery criteria, limit of quantification verification and routine quality controls. It is intended as a complementary resource to dedicated analytical standards for individual organic compounds.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: August 2019 (Edition 1, 2019‑08/13).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.060.50 (Examination of water for chemical substances).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2019).
• Number of pages: 10 (official ISO edition page count).

Scope

The standard applies to the development and characterization of in‑house multi‑compound analytical methods based on mass spectrometry for quantitative determination of multiple subgroups of organic substances in water. It provides requirements and recommendations for choosing a representative test matrix, selecting and using internal and injection standards, defining and verifying limits of quantification, assessing recoveries and yields, and establishing routine quality control and reporting practices. The document is not a replacement for compound‑specific methods but a supplementary resource for method characterization.

Key topics and requirements

• Selection and characterization of a representative test matrix (physicochemical properties such as SPM, TOC, conductivity, pH, major ions).
• Sample preservation, storage and stability tests appropriate to the target analyte concentrations and matrix.
• Use of internal standards (isotopically labelled recommended) added at the start of sample preparation and injection standards to monitor instrument response.
• Calibration and quantification approaches (external vs internal calibration), calibration verification and linearity checks.
• Recovery, yield and matrix‑effect assessment with acceptance criteria and methods to account for losses during cleanup or extraction.
• Definition and verification of limit of quantification (LOQ) in the intended matrix.
• Routine quality controls: blanks, spiked controls, internal standard checks, LOQ monitoring and reporting of measurement uncertainty and compound reliability scores.

Typical use and users

Laboratories performing environmental and water‑quality analysis that develop multi‑compound mass spectrometry methods (GC‑MS, LC‑MS) for screening and quantification of organic contaminants; method developers creating in‑house multi‑analyte procedures; regulatory and accreditation bodies assessing method characterization, performance and QC procedures; contract testing laboratories seeking structured criteria for demonstrating quantification reliability across many compounds.

Related standards

ISO 21253-1:2019 (Part 1 — criteria for identification of target compounds by GC/LC‑MS) and ISO/TS 13530 (guidance on initial measurement performance characterization) are closely related and intended to be used together; other relevant documents include ISO 11352 and ISO 8466 series for uncertainty and calibration/evaluation of analytical methods.

Keywords

Water quality, multi‑compound class methods, mass spectrometry, quantitative determination, internal standards, LOQ, recovery, matrix effects, method validation, environmental analysis.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 21253-2:2019 is an international standard giving criteria for the quantitative determination of organic substances in water using multi‑compound mass spectrometry‑based analytical methods.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers selection of representative matrices, preservation, use of internal and injection standards, calibration strategies, recovery assessment, LOQ verification, routine QC and reporting practices to demonstrate reliable quantification for many compounds within a single multi‑class method.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Environmental and water‑testing laboratories, method developers, accreditation bodies and regulators that need to develop, validate or assess multi‑compound MS methods for organic contaminants in water.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document was published in August 2019 and is listed as an active ISO publication (Edition 1, 2019). Users should check ISO or their national standards body for the latest review or confirmation status before purchase or formal adoption.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 2 of the ISO 21253 series; Part 1 (ISO 21253‑1:2019) provides identification criteria for target compounds and is intended to be used together with Part 2.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Water quality, multi‑compound class methods, mass spectrometry, quantitative analysis, LOQ, recovery, internal standards, method validation.