ASTM D6052-97(2023)

Standard Test Method for Preparation and Elemental Analysis of Liquid Hazardous Waste by Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The elemental analysis of liquid hazardous waste is often important for regulatory and process-specific requirements. This test method provides the user an accurate, rapid method for trace and major element determinations.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of trace and major element concentrations by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF) in liquid hazardous waste (LHW).  
1.2 This test method has been used successfully on numerous samples of aqueous and organic-based LHW for the determination of the following elements: Ag, As, Ba, Br, Cd, Cl, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, I, K, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Se, Sn, Tl, V, and Zn.  
1.3 This test method is applicable for other elements (Si-U) not listed in 1.2.  
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2023
• Technical Committee: D34 - Waste Management
• Drafting Committee: D34.01.06 - Analytical Methods

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6052-97(2016) - Standard Test Method for Preparation and Elemental Analysis of Liquid Hazardous Waste by Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023

Overview

ASTM D6052-97(2023) - Standard Test Method for Preparation and Elemental Analysis of Liquid Hazardous Waste by Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence provides a well-established procedure for the accurate and rapid determination of major and trace element concentrations in liquid hazardous waste. Developed by ASTM International, this standard supports regulatory compliance and industrial process control by enabling effective elemental analysis using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF).

Elemental analysis of liquid hazardous waste is essential for meeting regulatory requirements, managing hazardous materials responsibly, and ensuring environmental safety. ASTM D6052-97(2023) delivers a consistent method that is adaptable for both aqueous and organic-based waste samples, covering a broad range of elements including toxic metals and halides.

Key Topics

• Scope of Analysis: The standard applies to the determination of both trace and major elements via EDXRF in various types of liquid hazardous waste (LHW), expanding to include elements from Si to U as needed.
• Elemental Range: Commonly analyzed elements include Ag, As, Ba, Br, Cd, Cl, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, I, K, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Se, Sn, Tl, V, and Zn.
• Sample Preparation: The method involves mixing liquid hazardous waste with activated alumina for matrix stabilization and optimal analysis.
• Spectral and Matrix Interferences: The standard addresses X-ray emission line overlaps and matrix interferences with recommendations for instrument settings and calibration strategies.
• Calibration and Quality Control: Guidance is provided for empirical and fundamental parameter calibration methods, selection of standards, control samples, and ongoing verification of instrument performance.
• Safety and Compliance: Users are responsible for ensuring appropriate safety, health, and environmental protections in line with regulatory limits.

Applications

The ASTM D6052-97(2023) standard is widely applicable in:

• Environmental Laboratories: For quantifying hazardous elements in aqueous and organic liquid waste to assess environmental impact and regulatory conformity.
• Waste Management Facilities: Supporting the safe treatment, recycling, and disposal of industrial or municipal liquid hazardous waste with reliable elemental profiling.
• Industrial Process Monitoring: Facilitating quality control in processes generating liquid hazardous waste, ensuring trace metals and halides remain within allowable limits for downstream processing or discharge.
• Regulatory Compliance: Demonstrating adherence to local, national, and international regulations for hazardous waste characterization, transport, and storage.
• Research and Development: In laboratories developing new waste processing or remediation technologies, requiring precise assessment of elemental content.

Related Standards

For comprehensive hazardous waste analysis and X-ray fluorescence instrumentation, consider these related ASTM standards:

• ASTM D1193 – Specification for Reagent Water: Defines water quality requirements for use in analytical procedures.
• ASTM C982 – Guide for Selecting Components for Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Systems (Withdrawn): Guidance on EDXRF system selection (for historical reference).
• ASTM Data Series DS 46: Provides X-ray emission wavelengths and keV tables for non-diffractive analysis.

Practical Value

By following ASTM D6052-97(2023), laboratories and waste management professionals ensure high-quality, reproducible elemental analysis of liquid hazardous waste. The method delivers robust trace metals detection, supports process-specific requirements, and fulfills critical compliance needs for waste-derived fuels, toxic metals assessment, and spectrometry-based evaluations. Using EDXRF as described in this standard streamlines hazardous waste analysis while maintaining safety and adherence to international best practices.

Keywords: ASTM D6052-97, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), liquid hazardous waste, elemental analysis, trace metals, halides, toxic elements, spectrometry, waste management, environmental compliance, calibration, sample preparation.

Standards Content (Sample)

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: D6052 − 97 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Preparation and Elemental Analysis of Liquid Hazardous
Waste by Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6052; 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 2.2 Other ASTM Documents:
ASTM Data Series DS 46 X-ray Emission Wavelengths and
1.1 This test method covers the determination of trace and
KeV Tables for Nondiffractive Analysis
major element concentrations by energy-dispersive X-ray fluo-
rescence spectrometry (EDXRF) in liquid hazardous waste
3. Summary of Test Method
(LHW).
3.1 A weighed portion of activated alumina and sample are
1.2 This test method has been used successfully on numer-
combined in a mixing vessel and shaken until well mixed. The
ous samples of aqueous and organic-based LHW for the
sample mixture is transferred into a disposable sample cup and
determination of the following elements: Ag, As, Ba, Br, Cd,
placed in the spectrometer for analysis.
Cl, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, I, K, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Se, Sn, Tl, V, and Zn.
3.2 The K spectral emission lines are used for elements
1.3 This test method is applicable for other elements (Si-U)
Si-Ba.
not listed in 1.2.
3.3 The L spectral emission lines are used for elements with
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
atomic numbers greater than Ba.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4. Significance and Use
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4.1 The elemental analysis of liquid hazardous waste is
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
often important for regulatory and process-specific require-
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
ments. This test method provides the user an accurate, rapid
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
method for trace and major element determinations.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5. Interferences
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.1 Spectral Overlaps (Deconvolution):
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.1.1 Samples containing a mixture of elements often ex-
hibit X-ray emission line overlap. Modern Si (Li) detectors
2. Referenced Documents
generally provide adequate resolution to minimize the effects
2.1 ASTM Standards:
of spectral overlap. In cases where emission line overlap exists,
C982 Guide for Selecting Components for Energy-
techniques of peak fitting exist for extracting corrected analyte
Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Systems (With-
emission line intensities. For example, the PbLα “line overlaps
drawn 2008)
with the AsKα.” The PbLβ line can be used to avoid this
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
overlap and the AsK lines can then be resolved from the PbLα
overlap. The actual lines used for any particular element should
be such that overlaps are minimized. Follow the EDXRF
manufacturer’s recommendation concerning spectral deconvo-
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Waste
lution. Reference should be made to ASTM Data Series DS 46
Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.01.06 on
Analytical Methods.
for detailed information on potential line overlaps.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally
5.2 Matrix Interferences (Regression):
approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D6052 – 97 (2016).
DOI: 10.1520/D6052-97R23.
5.2.1 Matrix interference in the measurement of “as re-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
ceived” LHW samples using EDXRF has been the principle
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
limitation in the development and expanding use of this
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. Available from ASTM Headquarters, Customer Service.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6052 − 97 (2023)
TABLE 1 Recommended Standards Ranges
instrumental technique. Using well-understood XRF principles
for controlling matrix effects, for example, dilution and matrix Low Con- High Con- High Con-
Low Con-
centration centration centration
modification using lithium borate fusion and addition of heavy
Analyte Analyte centration
Range, Range, Range,
Range, mg/kg
absorbers, a matrix can be stabilized. Using calcined alumina
mg/kg mg/kg mg/kg
and the above principles, matrices are stabilized for quantita-
Ag 5 600 Zn 5 600
Ba 5 600 As 5 600
tive EDXRF analysis.
P 0.1 % 5 % Se 5 600
5.2.2 The response range of this test method should be
S 0.05 % 5 % Br 10 5000
linear with respect to the elements of interest and their
Cl 0.05 % 5 % Cd 5 600
regulatory or process control, or both, action thresholds. Large K 0.1 % 5 % Sb 5 600
V 5 600 Sn 5 600
concentration variations of element or matrix, or both, compo-
Cr 5 600 I 5 600
nents in LHW samples can result in nonlinear X-ray intensity
Fe 5 600 Hg 5 600
Ni 5 600 Tl 5 600
response at increasing element concentrations.
Cu 5 600 Pb 5 600
6. Apparatus
6.1 Energy-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer,
capable of measuring the wavelengths of the elements listed in
7.8 Mixing Balls, approximately 1 cm diameter, stainless
1.2. Refer to Guide C982 for system specifications.
steel or equivalent.
6.2 Analytical Balance, capable of weighing to 0.001 g. 1
NOTE 2—Potential low level Cr, Fe or Ni (<20 mg/kg ) contamination
due to the use of stainless steel may exist. Other suitable materials would
7. Reagents and Materials be tungsten carbide, Zr or Ta.
7.9 Thin-Film Support.
7.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that
NOTE 3—The user should select a thin-film support that provides for
all reagents conform to the specifications of the Committee on
maximum transmittance and is resistant to typical components in LHW.
Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society, where The thin-film supports used in the development of this test method were
a polypropylene base and a high-purity 4 μm polyester film.
such specifications are available. Other grades may be used,
provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficiently
7.10 Sample Cups, vented.
high purity to permit its use without lessening the accuracy of
7.11 Helium, He—Minimum 99.99 purity for use as a
the determination.
chamber purge gas for the analysis of Cl, P, and S. This
7.2 Purity of Water—Unless otherwise indicated, references
numerical purity is intended to specify a general grade of
to water shall be understood to mean meeting the numerical
helium. Ultra-high purity helium is not required for this test
requirements of Type II water as defined by Specification
method.
D1193.
8. Sample
7.3 Aluminum Oxide, Al O , pre-calcined at 1500 °C, ap-
2 3
8.1 Because of the potential heterogeneous nature of LHW,
proximately 100 to 125 mesh.
all possible efforts should be made to ensure that representative
7.4 Aqueous or Organic-Based Atomic Absorption Stan-
samples are taken.
dards (AAS), 1000 mg/L for the elements Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Cr,
Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Tl, V, and Zn. Standard
9. Preparation of Apparatus
solutions for elements not listed are also available.
9.1 Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for set-up,
NOTE 1—AAS standards are typically presented in mass/vol units. The
conditioning, preparation, and maintenance of the XRF spec-
density of these solutions can be considered as unity (that is, 1) thus they
trometer.
can be considered as % mass/mass (m/m).
9.2 When required, reference spectra should be obtained
7.5 1-bromonaphthalene, trichlorobenzene, iodobenzoic
from pure element standards for all deconvoluted elements.
acid, triethyl phosphate, and dithiodiglycol are the recom-
mended standards for the elements Br, Cl, I, P and S,
9.3 Spectral and matrix interferences as listed in the Inter-
respectively.
ferences section must be addressed per the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
7.6 Low Molecular Weight Polyethylene Glycol (PEG 400,
or equivalent) or Water is used for producing method blank.
10. Calibration and Standardization
7.7 High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Wide Mouth,
10.1 The spectrometer must be calibrated using an appro-
Round, Screw-Cap Bottles, 50 to 60 mL capacity.
priate reference element(s) at a minimum frequency as recom-
mended by the manufacturer.
10.2 Analytical standards should be prepared gravimetri-
Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications, American
Chemical Society, Washington, DC. For suggestions on the testing of reagents not
cally by blending the solution or pure element standards with
listed by the American Chemical Society, see Analar Standards for Laboratory
Al O to suitable standard concentrations as determined by the
2 3
Chemicals, BDH Ltd., Poole, Dorset, U.K., and the United States Pharmacopeia
user’s analytical requirements. Table 1 gives recommended
and National Formulary, U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. (USPC), Rockville,
MD. concentration ranges for regression. Standards can be single or
D6052 − 97 (2023)
multi-element mixtures. Standard solutions are generally the calibration range, and the other should provide a low net
mixed with Al O at a ratio of 3:1. count rate similar to the blank. Measure the net count rate for
2 3
each element in the high concentration disk in such a way that
NOTE 4—More than one standard element(s) solution can be added to a
the counting statistical error due to random fluctuation of the
single 15 g Al O mass provided the total mass of standard is 5 g. This will
2 3
maintain the proper 3:1 ratio while allowing mixtures of potentially X-ray flux is less than 0.5 % relative to the net count rate.
incompatible elements to be combined in a single standard.
Counting times must be long enough to collect 40 000 net
10.2.1 The number of standards required to produce cali- counts for each element in the high-concentration disk. Use the
brations is dependent on the number of elements to be same counting times when measuring the low-concentration or
determined. Generally, two calibrations are produced, the first
blank disk.
is to determine potentially major elements such as halogens, S
10.4.2 Method B—Fundamental parameters method. Most
and P. The second is to determine trace elements, typically
EDXRF manufacturers provide software capable of estimating
toxic metals and heavy elements. The minimum number of
the composition of materials without the use of a suite of
standards required can be determined from the following
standards. The set-up of a particular manufacturer’s fundamen-
equation: minimum standards required = number elements de-
tal parameters method may require a high and low concentra-
termined plus two. Both of the above calibrations should use a
tion or mid-range concentration for each element present to
minimum of ten standards each to cover the element concen-
determine the initial sensitivity for the elements in the alumina
tration ranges shown in Table 1 and to ensure that adequate
matrix. Other manufacturers provide the initial sensitivity with
data is available to assess spectral overlaps as described in 5.1.
the added option to align the sensitivity to a specific matrix
10.3 The Al O + element(s) specimen is placed into an
type for more accurate determinations using a single similar
2 3
XRF sample cup supported by a suitable thin film. The sample
standard containing the elements of interest. By measuring the
is gently tapped on a flat, hard surface to settle the powder
X-ray intensity (cps) for each element and using the above
against the thin-film support and ensure there are no air gaps.
determined sensitivity factor for each element plus various
10.3.1 The standard specimen in the sample cups is placed
equations to account for X-ray absorption and enhancement
in the spectrometer’s sample holder, avoiding any contact with
effects, the concentration of all elements present can be
the film or rough handling that may disturb the standards.
estimated. The exact equations used will differ for each
manufacturer.
10.4 Two methods of calibration are available.
10.4.1 Method A—Empirical calibration method using a
10.4.2.1 Follow the manufacturer’s fundamental parameters
suite of standard concentrations. Standard concentrations are
set-up recommendations. The stoichiometric set-up of the
limited to 600 mg/kg for Ag, As, Ba, Br, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg,
fundamental parameters method for the analysis of the LHW
I, K, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Tl, V, and Zn. Standard concentrations
mixed with alumina should allow for the manual input of a
are limited to 5 % for Cl, P, S, and other light elements (that is,
fixed 75 % Al O concentration and the use of carbon as a
2 3
...