ASTM D4979-08
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Physical Description Screening Analysis in Waste
Standard Test Method for Physical Description Screening Analysis in Waste
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method is intended for use by those in the waste management industries to aid in describing the physical characteristics of waste.
This test method has two uses. One is to visually screen wastes being received at the laboratory to identifying discrepancies between the waste, manifest, and historical descriptions. The other use is to visually examine soil and water samples while they are being collected. This information, along with professional judgment during sample collection, can be used to increase the knowledge of the site contamination by increasing or reducing the number of samples collected based on visible indication of contamination or lack of visible indication of contamination. For example, if a soil or groundwater sample is collected “up gradient” of the area of known or suspected contamination to obtain site background concentrations, and the sample appears contaminated, the up gradient area can be relocated during that sampling event. Visual observation could also show that the sampling parameters need to be increased or decreased. This may reduce or eliminate the need for additional sampling trips to the field.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method is used to identify wastes by describing certain physical properties. It has been developed as a rapid but effective means for visually screening wastes when received in the laboratory or during collection at the sampling site.
1.2 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 hazard and warning information is given in 8.1.6.
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Designation: D4979 − 08
StandardTest Method for
1
Physical Description Screening Analysis in Waste
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4979; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope increase the knowledge of the site contamination by increasing
or reducing the number of samples collected based on visible
1.1 This test method is used to identify wastes by describing
indication of contamination or lack of visible indication of
certain physical properties. It has been developed as a rapid but
contamination. For example, if a soil or groundwater sample is
effective means for visually screening wastes when received in
collected “up gradient” of the area of known or suspected
the laboratory or during collection at the sampling site.
contamination to obtain site background concentrations, and
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
the sample appears contaminated, the up gradient area can be
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
relocated during that sampling event. Visual observation could
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
also show that the sampling parameters need to be increased or
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
decreased.Thismayreduceoreliminatetheneedforadditional
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazard and
sampling trips to the field.
warning information is given in 8.1.6.
5. Interferences
2. Terminology
5.1 Opaque sample containers require removal of a repre-
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
sentative sample sufficient for complete observation. It is
2.1.1 screening analysis—a preliminary qualitative or semi-
recommended that a representative portion be transferred to a
quantitative test that is designed to efficiently give the user
clean, dry, clear container.
specific information about a waste that will aid in determining
6. Apparatus
waste identification, process compatibility, and safety in han-
dling.
6.1 Disposable Spatula or Eye Dropper.
6.2 Clear Glass Sample Containers.
3. Summary of Test Method
7. Sampling
3.1 Samples are inspected and the physical appearance is
recorded, including color, turbidity, viscosity, physical state,
7.1 Samples should be obtained in clear glass containers.
layering, and any other observable attribute (for example,
7.2 Liquid samples may require time to stabilize (that is,
texture).
until layers reform).
4. Significance and Use
7.3 It may be helpful to pick up the sample container and
tilt, rotate, swirl, invert it or to manipulate the sample with a
4.1 This test method is intended for use by those in the
clean, disposable spatula or eye dropper.
waste management industries to aid in describing the physical
characteristics of waste.
7.4 In the laboratory, if necessary, allow the sample to come
to room temperature in a sealed container. For example, frozen
4.2 This test method has two uses. One is to visually screen
material should be allowed to thaw completely.
wastes being received at the laboratory to identifying discrep-
ancies between the waste, manifest, and historical descriptions.
8. Procedures
The other use is to visually examine soil and water samples
8.1 Inspect the waste sample and describe the physical
while they are being collected. This information, along with
attributes noting the following areas.
professional judgment during sample collection, can be used to
8.1.1 Color—Describe the visual color of the sample. If
more than one color is present, list colors in decreasing order
1
of prominence.Additional descriptive terms may be useful (for
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Waste
Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.01.05 on
example, purple with swirls of blue and flecks of yellow).
Screening Methods.
8.1.2 Turbidity—Describe liquid samples or liquid portions
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2008. Published October 2008. Originally
of samples in terms of clear (transparent), cloudy (translucent),
approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D4979 – 95(2003).
DOI: 10.1520/D4979-08. or opaque.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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D4979 − 08
8.1.3 Viscosity—Describe the viscosity of liquids and slud- 90 % black opaque low-viscosity liquid over 5 % blue trans-
ges. Describe viscosity in reference to viscosity like water, lucent low-viscosity liquid).
medium viscosity like syru
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:D4979–95 (Reapproved 2003) Designation: D 4979 – 08
Standard Test Method for
1
Physical Description Screening Analysis in Waste
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4979; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1This test method is used to identify wastes by describing certain physical properties. It has been developed as a rapid but
effective means for visually screening wastes.
1.1 This test method is used to identify wastes by describing certain physical properties. It has been developed as a rapid but
effective means for visually screening wastes when received in the laboratory or during collection at the sampling site.
1.2 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 hazard and warning information is given in Section 7 and 9.1.68.1.6.
2. Terminology
2.1 Description of Term Specific to This Standard:
2.1.1 screening analysis—a preliminary qualitative or semiquantitative test that is designed to efficiently give the user specific
information about a waste that will aid in determining waste identification, process compatibility, and safety in handling.
3. Summary of Test Method
3.1 Samples are inspected and the physical appearance is recorded, including color, turbidity, viscosity, physical state, layering,
and any other observable attribute (for example, texture).
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This test method is intended for use by those in the waste management industries to aid in describing the physical
characteristics of waste.
4.2This test method can be used in identifying discrepancies between the waste, manifest, and historical descriptions.
4.2 This test method has two uses. One is to visually screen wastes being received at the laboratory to identifying discrepancies
between the waste, manifest, and historical descriptions. The other use is to visually examine soil and water samples while they
are being collected. This information, along with professional judgment during sample collection, can be used to increase the
knowledge of the site contamination by increasing or reducing the number of samples collected based on visible indication of
contamination or lack of visible indication of contamination. For example, if a soil or groundwater sample is collected “up
gradient” of the area of known or suspected contamination to obtain site background concentrations, and the sample appears
contaminated, the up gradient area can be relocated during that sampling event. Visual observation could also show that the
sampling parameters need to be increased or decreased. This may reduce or eliminate the need for additional sampling trips to the
field.
5. Interferences
5.1 Opaque sample containers require removal of a representative sample sufficient for complete observation. It is
recommended that a representative portion be transferred to a clean, dry, clear glass container.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Disposable Spatula or Eye Dropper.
6.2 Clear Glass Sample Containers .
7. Hazards
7.1Avoid inhalation and skin or eye contact, or both, with any hazardous materials.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Waste Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.01.05 on Screening
Methods.
Current edition approved June 15, 1995. Published August 1995. Originally published as D4979–89. Last previous edition D4979–89.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2008. Published October 2008. Originally approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D 4979 – 95(2003).
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D4979–08
7.2This procedure must be carried out within a laboratory fume hood.
8.Sampling
87.1 Samples should be obtained in clear glass containers.
87.2 Liquid samples may require time to stabilize (that is, until layers reform).
8.3It7.3 Itmaybehelpfultopickupthesamplecontainerandtilt,rotate,swirl,invertitortomanipulatethesamplewithaclean,
disposable spatula or eye dropper.
8.4I
...
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