ASTM International

Standard Test Method for Determination of Beryllium in Soil, Rock, Sediment, and Fly Ash Using Ammonium Bifluoride Extraction and Fluorescence Detection
 N D7458

Annotation

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.