5.1 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 (1, 2).5 Measurement of beryllium in matrices such as soil and sediment is important in environmental remediation projects involving beryllium contamination (3) and for establishment of background levels of beryllium at sites where anthropogenic beryllium may have been used (2, 4-6). 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.

5.2 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.

5.3 The limit of quantification of this test method varies with the dilution factor (see 13.6.1). For the detection solution containing lysine the detection limit is 0.013 mg beryllium per kilogram of sample, based on a 0.5 g sample (7) extracted in a 50 mL extraction solution and analyzed using a dilution factor of 20×. When the lysine-free detection solution is used one may use a 20× dilution factor and obtain the same detection limit or use 5× dilution factor and obtain a detection limit of 0.004 mg/kg of sample.

Note 1: Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 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 and sediment. 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 or sediment are collected using appropriate and applicable methods.

1.3 This test method includes a procedure for 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 For a 500 mg sample, the lower limit of the working range is approximately 0.04 mg Be/kg (5× dilution) or 0.1 mg Be/kg (20× dilution). The working range extends to concentrations of at least 500 mg Be/kg.

1.5 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.

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

1.7 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.

1.7.1 For purposes of comparing a measured or calculated value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal of significant digits in the specified limit.

1.7.2 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 data.

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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.