Proposed ASTM Standard aids contaminated soil sample collection.
Press Release Summary:
ASTM International Committee on Soil and Rock is developing WK37133, Guide for Using a Disposable Handheld Soil Core Samplers for the Collection and Storage of Soil for Volatile Organic Analysis, which will help people who collect soils contaminated with VOCs. Specifically, this proposed standard describes how to collect and store soils in handheld, disposable containers. Target users of this standard are field samplers and planners as well as regulators, labs, and consumers.
Original Press Release:
ASTM Standard Will Help with Collecting Contaminated Samples
W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa.—ASTM International’s Committee on Soil and Rock is developing a standard that will help people who collect soils contaminated with volatile organic compounds. The proposed standard (WK37133, Guide for Using a Disposable Handheld Soil Core Samplers for the Collection and Storage of Soil for Volatile Organic Analysis) describes how to collect and store soils in handheld, disposable containers.
ASTM member Brian Schumacher, Associate Director of Science, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, notes that soils are sampled to determine contamination levels of compounds like benzene, toluene, and xylenes (from petroleum products) as well as perchloroethylne (from dry cleaner fluid) and trichloroethylene (a strong degreaser). Disposable samplers with airtight seals can work for up to 48 hours without loss of these compounds. Among other benefits, this allows for shipping to laboratories without chemical preservatives.
Field samplers and planners, as well as regulators, will use the proposed standard when deciding how to collect contaminated samples. In addition, labs will be able to use the standard to prepare for receipt and processing of samples in these types of containers. Consumers in the market for disposable handheld samplers will also find the standard helpful.
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ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock Next Meeting: Jan. 29 – Feb. 1, 2017, January Committee Week, Norfolk, Va.
Media Inquiries: Dan Bergels, tel +1.610.832.9602; dbergels@astm.org
Technical Contact: Brian Schumacher, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, tel +1.702.798.2242; schumacher.brian@epa.gov
ASTM Staff Contact: Robert Morgan, tel +1.610-832-9732; rmorgan@astm.org
