Water that is to be analyzed for inorganic metals should be filtered for ____________ before ____________.

When analyzing water for inorganic metals, it is essential to filter the sample for dissolved metals prior to preservation. This step is crucial because dissolved metals refer to those that remain in the aqueous phase and are generally available to biological systems. Filtering the sample helps separate these dissolved constituents from particulate matter, which could otherwise skew the analytical results.

Preserving the sample afterward is equally significant to ensure that the integrity of the dissolved metals is maintained until the analysis is performed. Preservation might involve adjusting the pH or adding specific chemicals to prevent changes in the concentration or form of the metals during storage.

The other options do not accurately reflect the standard procedures for analyzing inorganic metals in water. For instance, total metal analysis generally includes both dissolved and suspended forms, which would not be prioritized before filtration. Suspended solids analysis follows a different protocol and does not align with the specific requirements for inorganic metal analysis. Lastly, organic compounds are unrelated to this particular context of inorganic metal analysis, making that choice irrelevant.