Part 2000 deals primarily with the measurement of the physical properties of a sample, as distinguished from the concentrations of chemical or biological components. Many of the determinations included here, such as color, electrical conductivity, and turbidity, fit this category unequivocally. However, physical properties cannot be divorced entirely from chemical composition, and some of the techniques of this part measure aggregate properties resulting from the presence of a number of constituents. Others, for example, calcium carbonate saturation, are related to, or depend on, chemical tests. Also included here are tests for appearance, odor, and taste, which have been classified traditionally among physical properties, although the point could be argued. Finally, Section 2710 Tests on Sludges, includes certain biochemical tests. However, for convenience they are grouped with the other tests used for sludge.
With these minor exceptions, the contents of this part have been kept reasonably faithful to its name. Most of the methods included are either inherently or at least traditionally physical, as distinguished from the explicitly chemical, radiological, biological, or bacteriological methods of other parts.