IRIDIUM (3500-Ir) 3500-Ge GERMANIUM
Germanium (Ge) is the third element in Group IVA in the
periodic table; it has an atomic number of 32, an atomic weight
of 72.59, and valences of 2 and 4. The average abundance of Ge
in the earth’s crust is 1.5 ppm; in streams it is 0.03 to 0.1 ␮g/L;
and in groundwaters it is ⬍0.1 mg/L. Germanium is found in
germanite, in certain zinc ores, and in elevated levels in certain
hot spring waters. Germanium alloys are used in transistors, gold
alloys, phosphors, and semiconducting devices.
Joint Task Group: 20th Edition—See 3500-Al.
3-75
Germanium is present in natural waters in the tetravalent state,
and its distribution in natural waters probably is controlled by
adsorption on clay mineral surfaces. It is nonessential for plants
and animals.
Perform analyses by the electrothermal atomic absorption
method (3113B). The inductively coupled plasma/mass spectro-
metric method (3125) also may be applied successfully in most
cases (with lower detection levels), even though germanium is
not specifically listed as an analyte in the method.