ASTM D4978-16

• Abstract:

  SIGNIFICANCE AND USE; 5.1 These test methods are intended for use by waste treatment, storage, disposal, and remedial facilities, in order to show the presence of potentially hazardous sulfide. ; 5.2 Method B: Gas Detector Tube—This proposed test method was designed to measure gases migrating into an air space at a height of 10 units (for example, 10 ft) from a receiving or mixing pit of 10 units square (for example, 100 ft2). In essence, the total volume of the atmosphere is approximately 10 times the surface area of the sample and test solution.; SCOPE; 1.1 These test methods are applicable to the screening of reactive sulfides in wastes, liquids, sludges, semisolids, and solids by using the following methods: ; Sections ; Test Method A—Lead Acetate Paper ; 9 – 14 ; Test Method B—Gas Detector Tube ; 15 – 19 ; 1.2 These test methods are not applicable in determining the type and concentration of reactive sulfides. ; 1.3 These test methods are designed and intended as a preliminary test to complement the more sophisticated quantitative analytical techniques that may be used to determine sulfide concentration. These test methods offer, to the user, the option and the ability to screen waste for potentially hazardous levels of reactive sulfide when the sophisticated techniques are not available and the total waste composition is unknown. ; 1.4 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 information is given in Section 7 and 11.3.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2016
• ICS: 13.030.40 - Installations and equipment for waste disposal and treatment
• Technical Committee: D34 - Waste Management
• Drafting Committee: D34.01.05 - Screening Methods

• Refers: ASTM D1193-06 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2006
• Refers: ASTM D1193-99e1 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1999
• Refers: ASTM D1193-99 - Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1999

Overview

ASTM D4978-16: Standard Test Methods for Screening of Reactive Sulfides in Waste provides standardized procedures for the rapid, preliminary detection of potentially hazardous sulfides in waste materials. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is intended to assist waste management professionals-including those in treatment, storage, disposal, and remediation facilities-in identifying the presence of reactive sulfides prior to more detailed quantitative analyses.

The test methods outlined in ASTM D4978-16 can be applied to a variety of waste streams, including liquids, sludges, semisolids, and solids. These procedures are especially valuable in situations where the complete waste composition is unknown and advanced analytical resources are not readily available, offering a practical first step in managing sulfide-containing waste.

Key Topics

• Screening Methods: The standard describes two primary screening techniques:

  • Test Method A (Lead Acetate Paper): Detects hydrogen sulfide gas released from waste upon acidification by observing a color change in lead acetate paper.
  • Test Method B (Gas Detector Tube): Measures hydrogen sulfide gas evolution using a detector tube, which signals sulfide presence through a color stain.

• Waste Types Covered: These test methods can be applied to a wide range of waste matrices, such as:

  • Liquids
  • Sludges
  • Semisolids
  • Solids

• Limitations: The methods are not intended for determining the specific type or concentration of sulfides present. Positive results should be followed up with more detailed quantitative analyses.

• Safety and Handling: Emphasizes the importance of safety measures, such as conducting tests under a fume hood and avoiding inhalation or skin contact with hazardous materials. Users must follow good laboratory practices and comply with regulatory requirements.

Applications

ASTM D4978-16 offers practical benefits for a variety of waste management applications:

• Environmental Assessment: Provides a first-line screening tool for identifying reactive sulfides in unknown waste streams, supporting regulatory compliance and risk assessment processes.
• Waste Handling and Disposal: Assists facilities in determining appropriate handling, treatment, and disposal strategies for sulfide-containing wastes, reducing potential hazards from hydrogen sulfide gas evolution.
• Site Remediation: Useful in field settings for quick screening of soils and materials during remediation of contaminated sites.
• Process Compatibility: Helps facilities assess waste compatibility prior to mixing or treatment, thereby minimizing the risk of hazardous gas release.

By employing ASTM D4978-16, organizations can make informed decisions regarding both worker safety and environmental protection when managing reactive sulfide-bearing wastes.

Related Standards

For comprehensive waste analysis and management, consider these related standards:

• ASTM D1193: Specification for Reagent Water, which defines water quality requirements for testing procedures.
• EPA Methods: EPA SW-846 compendium offers quantitative methods for sulfide analysis in various waste types.
• OSHA and Local Regulations: Regulatory requirements for hydrogen sulfide handling and exposure may also apply, depending on jurisdiction.

Implementing ASTM D4978-16 alongside related standards supports robust environmental compliance and effective hazardous waste screening, ensuring safer and more efficient waste management operations.

Keywords: ASTM D4978-16, reactive sulfides in waste, sulfide screening, hazardous waste, waste management, hydrogen sulfide detection, environmental testing, lead acetate paper method, gas detector tube, waste remediation.

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.
Designation: D4978 −16
Standard Test Methods for
Screening of Reactive Sulfides in Waste
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4978; 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 quantitative techniques that is designed to efficiently give the
user parameters about a waste that will aid in determining
1.1 These test methods are applicable to the screening of
waste identification, process compatibility, and safety in han-
reactive sulfides in wastes, liquids, sludges, semisolids, and
dling.
solids by using the following methods:
Sections
4. Summary of Test Methods
Test MethodA—LeadAcetate Paper 9–14
Test Method B—Gas Detector Tube 15–19
4.1 Method A: Lead Acetate Paper—A sample of waste
1.2 These test methods are not applicable in determining the material is acidified. If sulfides are present in the waste,
type and concentration of reactive sulfides.
hydrogen sulfide (H S) is evolved. In the presence of hydrogen
sulfide, lead acetate paper changes color to silvery brown or
1.3 These test methods are designed and intended as a
black.
preliminary test to complement the more sophisticated quanti-
tative analytical techniques that may be used to determine 4.2 Method B: Gas Detector Tube—Aportion of the sample
sulfide concentration. These test methods offer, to the user, the
is acidified in a beaker to release sulfide as hydrogen sulfide
option and the ability to screen waste for potentially hazardous gas. The gas is funneled through a detector tube creating a
levels of reactive sulfide when the sophisticated techniques are color stain in the tube proportionate to the concentration of
not available and the total waste composition is unknown. sulfide gas in the vapor.Adefinite color change in the detector
tube indicates a positive presence of sulfide.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5. Significance and Use
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
5.1 These test methods are intended for use by waste
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazard treatment, storage, disposal, and remedial facilities, in order to
information is given in Section 7 and 11.3.
show the presence of potentially hazardous sulfide.
5.2 Method B: Gas Detector Tube—This proposed test
2. Referenced Documents
method was designed to measure gases migrating into an air
2.1 ASTM Standards:
space at a height of 10 units (for example, 10 ft) from a
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
receiving or mixing pit of 10 units square (for example, 100
ft ). In essence, the total volume of the atmosphere is approxi-
3. Terminology
mately 10 times the surface area of the sample and test
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
solution.
3.1.1 reactive sulfide—a compound containing sulfide that
readily forms hydrogen sulfide gas upon reaction with acid.
6. Reagents
3.1.2 screening analysis—a preliminary qualitative or semi-
6.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
quantitative test developed from classical qualitative and
used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
all reagents conform to the specifications of the Committee on
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society where
Waste Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.01.05 on
such specifications are available. Other grades may be used
Screening Methods.
Current edition approved May 1, 2016. Published May 2016. Originally
approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D4978 – 95(2007)
which was withdrawn January 2016 and reinstated in May 2016. DOI: 10.1520/ Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications , American
D4978-16. Chemical Society, Washington, DC. For suggestions on the testing of reagents not
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or listed by the American Chemical Society, see Analar Standards for Laboratory
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Chemicals, BDH Ltd., Poole, Dorset, U.K., and the United States Pharmacopeia
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on and National Formulary, U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. (USPC), Rockville,
the ASTM website. MD.
Copyright ©ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA19428-2959. United States
D4978 − 16
provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficiently 11.6 No color change to the lead acetate paper will be
high purity to permit its use without lessening the accuracy of reported as negative.
the determination.
12. Report
6.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references
12.1 Report the following information:
to water shall be understood to mean reagent water as defined
12.1.1 Sample identification,
by Type III of Specification D1193.
12.1.2 Date of test,
12.1.3 Test procedure performed, and
7. Hazards
12.1.4 Sample classification: positive or negative.
7.1 These tests should be conducted under a fume hood.
13. Quality Control
7.2 Avoid inhalation and skin or eye contact, or both, with
all hazardous material.
13.1 A quality control check sample shall be tested with
each batch of samples.The concentration of this sample should
8. Sampling
reflect the action level required by the laboratory. Method or
8.1 Collect a
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