Exposure to beryllium can cause a potentially fatal disease, and occupational exposure limits for beryllium in air and on surfaces have been established to reduce exposure risks to potentially affected workers (2, 3). Measurement of beryllium in matrices such as soil, rock, sediment, and fly ash is important in environmental remediation projects involving beryllium contamination (4) and for establishment of background levels of beryllium at sites where anthropogenic beryllium may have been used (2). Sampling and analytical methods for beryllium are needed in order to meet the challenges relating to exposure assessment and risk reduction. Sampling and analysis methods, such as the procedure described in this test method, are desired in order to facilitate measurements of beryllium that can be used as a basis for management of remediation projects and protection of human health.

This test method can be used for purposes such as environmental remediation projects where beryllium is a contaminant of concern. It is also useful for characterization of levels of beryllium in soil at sites where beryllium is in mining or manufacturing applications, and for determination of background levels of beryllium in soil.

Note 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D 3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing, sampling, inspection, etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D 3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.

1.1 This test method is intended for use in the determination of beryllium in samples of soil, rock, sediment, and fly ash. This test method can be used for purposes such as environmental remediation projects where beryllium is a contaminant of concern. It is also useful for characterization of levels of beryllium in soil at sites where beryllium is in mining or manufacturing applications, and for determination of background levels of beryllium in soil.

1.2 This test method assumes that samples of soil, rock, sediment, or fly ash are collected using appropriate and applicable ASTM International standard practices.

1.3 This test method includes a procedure for on-site extraction (dissolution) of beryllium in dilute ammonium bifluoride, followed by analysis of aliquots of the extract solution using a beryllium-specific fluorescent dye.

1.4 No detailed operating instructions are provided because of differences among various makes and models of suitable fluorometric instruments. Instead, the analyst shall follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the particular instrument. This test method does not address comparative accuracy of different devices or the precision between instruments of the same make and model.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D 6026.

1.6.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded, or calculated, in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analytical methods for engineering design.

1.7 This test method contains notes that are explanatory and not part of mandatory requirements of the standard.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, 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. Specific hazards associated with performance of this test method are described in Section 9.