The presence and concentration of oil and grease in domestic and industrial wastewater is of concern to the public because of its deleterious aesthetic effect and its impact on aquatic life.

Regulations and standards have been established that require monitoring of oil and grease in water and wastewater.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of oil and grease and nonpolar material in water and wastewater by an infrared (IR) determination of dimer/trimer of chlorotrifluoroethylene (S-316) extractable substances from an acidified sample. Included in this estimation of oil and grease are any other compounds soluble in the solvent.

1.2 The method is applicable to measurement of the light fuel although loss of some light ends during extraction can be expected.

1.3 This method defines oil and grease in water and wastewater as that which is extractable in the test method and measured by IR absorption at 2930 cm-¹ or 3.4 microns. Similarly, this test method defines nonpolar material in water and wastewater as that oil and grease which is not adsorbed by silica gel in the test method and measured by IR absorption at 2930 cm-¹.

1.4 This method covers the range of 5 to 100 mg/L and may be extended to a lower or higher level by extraction of a larger or smaller sample volume collected separately.

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 (D 3856 Guide for Good Laboratory Practices) the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.