ASTM D4793-93(2004)

This test method is intended as a means for obtaining sequential extracts of a waste. The extracts may be used to estimate the release of certain constituents of the waste under the laboratory conditions described in this test method.

This test method is not intended to provide extracts that are representative of the actual leachate produced from a waste in the field or to produce extracts to be used as the sole basis of engineering design.

This test method is not intended to simulate site-specific leaching conditions. It has not been demonstrated to simulate actual disposal site leaching conditions.

An intent of this test method is that the final pH of each of the extracts reflects the interaction of the extractant with the buffering capacity of the waste.

An intent of this test method is that the water extractions reflect conditions where the waste is the dominant factor in determining the pH of the extracts.

This test method produces extracts that are amenable to the determination of both major and minor constituents. When minor constituents are being determined, it is especially important that precautions are taken in sample storage and handling to avoid possible contamination of the samples.

This test method has been tested to determine its applicability to certain inorganic components in the waste. This test method has not been tested for applicability to organic substances, volatile matter (see Note 3 in 5.15), or biologically active samples.

The agitation technique, rate, liquid-to-solid ratio, and filtration conditions specified in the procedure may not be suitable for extracting all types of wastes (see Sections 7, 8, and the discussion in Appendix X1).

1.1 This test method is a procedure for the sequential leaching of a waste containing at least five % solids to generate solutions to be used to determine the constituents leached under the specified testing conditions.

1.2 This test method calls for the shaking of a known weight of waste with water of a specified purity and the separation of the aqueous phase for analysis. The procedure is conducted ten times in sequence on the same sample of waste and generates ten aqueous solutions.

1.3 This test method is intended to describe the procedure for performing sequential batch extractions only. It does not describe all types of sampling and analytical requirements that may be associated with its application.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, 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.