ISO 18856:2004 specifies a method for the determination of phthalates in water after solid phase extraction and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

This method is applicable to the determination of phthalates in ground water, surface water, wastewater and drinking water in mass concentrations ranging from above 0,02 microgram per litre up to 0,150 microgram per litre, depending on the individual substance and the value of the blank.

The applicability of this method to other phthalates not specified is not excluded, but it is necessary to determine its applicability in each case.