ASTM D3987-06

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

This test method is not intended to provide an extract that is representative of the actual leachate produced from a solid 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.

The intent of this test method is that the final pH of the extract reflect the interaction of the extractant with the buffering capacity of the solid waste.

The intent of this test method is that the water extraction simulate conditions where the solid waste is the dominant factor in determining the pH of the extract.

The test method produces an extract that is 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 solid waste. The test method has not been tested for applicability to organic substances and volatile matter (see 5.3).

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

1.1 This test method covers a procedure for leaching of solid waste to obtain an aqueous solution to be used to determine the materials leached under the specified testing conditions.

1.2 This test method provides for the shaking of a known weight of waste with water of specified composition and the separation of the aqueous phase for analysis.

1.3 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.