ASTM D4646 : 03

Standard Test Method for 24-h Batch-Type Measurement of Contaminant Sorption by Soils and Sediments

Standard Details

1.1 This test method describes a procedure for determining the sorption affinity of waste solutes by unconsolidated geologic material in aqueous suspension. The waste solute may be derived from a variety of sources such as wells, underdrain systems, or laboratory solutions such as those produced by waste extraction tests like the Method D3987 shake extraction method.

1.2 This test method is applicable in screening and providing relative rankings of a large number of geomedia samples for their sorption affinity in aqueous leachate/geomedia suspensions. This test method may not exactly simulate sorption characteristics that would occur in unperturbed geologic settings.

1.3 While this procedure may be applicable to both organic and inorganic constituents, care must be taken with respect to the stability of the particular constituents and their possible losses from solution by such processes as degradation by microbes, light, or hydrolysis. This test method should not be used for volatile chemical constituents (see 6.1).

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.