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.

The pH of the extraction fluid used in this test method is to reflect the pH of acidic precipitation in the geographic region in which the waste being tested is to be disposed.

Note 1—Possible sources of information concerning the pH of precipitation in the geographic region of interest include state and federal environmental agencies, state universities, libraries, etc.

Note 2—For sequential batch extraction of waste using a nonacidic extraction fluid, see Test Method D 4793.

An intent of this test method is for the final pH of each of the extracts to reflect the interaction of the extractant with the buffering capacity of the waste.

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 has not been demonstrated to simulate actual disposal site leaching conditions.

This test method produces extracts that are amenable to the determination of both major and minor (trace) constituents. When minor constituents are being determined, it is especially important that precautions be 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 5), 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 and 8 and Appendix X1).

1.1 This test method provides a procedure for the sequential leaching of a waste containing at least 5 % dry solids in order 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 acidic extraction fluid of a specified composition as well as the separation of the liquid phase for analysis. The pH of the extraction fluid is to reflect the pH of acidic precipitation in the geographic region in which the waste being tested is to be disposed. The procedure is conducted ten times in sequence on the same sample of waste, and it generates ten 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 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 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.