There is a need to monitor the lead content in and around buildings and related structures in order to determine the potential lead hazard. Hence, effective and efficient methods are required for the preparation of soil samples for determination of their lead content.

This practice may be used for the digestion of soil samples that are collected during various construction and renovation activities associated with lead abatement in and around buildings and related structures. The practice is also suitable for the digestion of soil samples for lead analyses collected from other locations, such as near roads and steel structures.

This practice is intended to be used to prepare samples that have been collected for hazard assessment purposes.

This practice is not capable of determining lead bound within matrices, such as silica, that are not soluble in nitric acid.

This practice includes drying and homogenization steps in order to help assure that reported lead results are representative of the sample and are independent of potential differences in soil moisture levels among different sampling locations or changing weather conditions.

1.1 This practice covers drying, homogenization, and acid digestion of soil samples and associated quality control (QC) samples using a hot plate type method for the determination of lead using laboratory atomic spectrometry analysis techniques such as Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES), Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS), and Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GFAAS).

1.2 This practice is based on U.S. EPA SW 846, Test Method 3050.

1.3 This practice contains notes that are explanatory and are not part of the mandatory requirements of this standard.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.5 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.