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ASTM D5550-00

(Test Method)

Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Gas Pycnometer

Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Gas Pycnometer

SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the specific gravity of soil solids by means of a gas pycnometer. Particle size is limited by the dimensions of the specimen container of the particular pycnometer being used.
1.2 Test Method D854 may be used instead of or in conjunction with this test method for performing specific gravity tests on soils. Note that Test Method D854 does not require the specialized test apparatus needed by this test method. However, Test Method D854 may not be used if the specimen contains matter that can readily dissolve in water, whereas this test method does not have that limitation.
1.3 The values stated in acceptable SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for information only.
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.

General Information

Status
Historical
Publication Date
09-Nov-2000
ICS
13.080.10 - Chemical characteristics of soils
Technical Committee
D18 - Soil and Rock
Drafting Committee
D18.03 - Texture, Plasticity and Density Characteristics of Soils
Current Stage
Ref Project

Relations

Replaces
ASTM D5550-94 - Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Gas Pycnometer
Effective Date
10-Nov-2000
Replaced By
ASTM D5550-06 - Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Gas Pycnometer
Effective Date
01-Nov-2006
Referred By
ASTM E2277-14(2019) - Standard Guide for Design and Construction of Coal Ash Structural Fills
Effective Date
10-Nov-2000
Referred By
ASTM F1815-11(2018) - Standard Test Methods for Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity, Water Retention, Porosity, and Bulk Density of Athletic Field Rootzones
Effective Date
10-Nov-2000
Referred By
ASTM D4018-23 - Standard Test Methods for Properties of Continuous Filament Carbon and Graphite Fiber Tows
Effective Date
10-Nov-2000

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ASTM D5550-00 - Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Gas PycnometerASTM D5550-00 - Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Gas Pycnometer
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ASTM D5550-00 - Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Gas Pycnometer
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Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D 5550 – 00
Standard Test Method for
1
Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Gas Pycnometer
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5550; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope * 3.1.1 The definitions of terms used in this test method shall
be in accordance with Terminology D 653.
1.1 Thistestmethodcoversthedeterminationofthespecific
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
gravity of soil solids by means of a gas pycnometer. Particle
3.2.1 specific gravity—the ratio of the mass in air of a given
size is limited by the dimensions of the specimen container of
volume of solids to the mass in air of an equal volume of
the particular pycnometer being used.
distilled water at a temperature of 4°C (in accordance with
1.2 Test Method D 854 may be used instead of or in
Terminology D 653).
conjunction with this test method for performing specific
gravity tests on soils. Note that Test Method D 854 does not
NOTE 1—Distilled water at a temperature of 4°C has a density of 1.000
3
require the specialized test apparatus needed by this test
g/cm . It is recommended that this test method be performed at or near
method. However, Test Method D 854 may not be used if the room temperature. The temperature at which the soil volume is measured
can be reported but is not required by this test method because of the
specimen contains matter that can readily dissolve in water,
negligible effect of temperature on the volume of soil solids. However,
whereas this test method does not have that limitation.
temperature may have a significant effect on performance of the gas
1.3 The values stated in acceptable SI units are to be
pycnometer. Therefore, testing should be conducted within the specified
regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units given in
operating temperature range of the apparatus.
parentheses are for information only.
4. Summary of Test Method
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 This test method is used to determine the specific
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
gravity of soil grains using a gas pycnometer. This test method
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
alsocontainsequationsforcorrectingtheinitialspecificgravity
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
value for dissolved matter within the pore fluid.
2. Referenced Documents
5. Significance and Use
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.1 Thespecificgravityvalueisusedinmanyphaserelation
C 670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
equations to determine relative volumes of particle, water, and
2
for Test Methods for Construction Materials
gas mixtures.
D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
5.2 The term soil particle typically refers to a naturally
3
Fluids
occurring mineral grain that is not readily soluble in water.
3
D 854 Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soils
Therefore, the specific gravity of soils that contain extraneous
D 3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
matter (such as cement, lime, and the like) or water-soluble
Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock
material (such as salt) must be corrected for the precipitate that
3
as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
forms on the specimen after drying. If the precipitate has a
D 4753 Specification for Evaluating, Selecting, and Speci-
specific gravity less than the parent soil grains, the uncorrected
fying Balances and Scales for Use in Testing Soil, Rock,
test result will be too low. If the precipitate has a higher
3
and Related Construction Materials
specific gravity, then the uncorrected test value will be too
high.
3. Terminology
NOTE 2—Not withstanding the statements on precision and bias con-
3.1 Definitions:
tained in this test method: The precision of this test method is dependent
on the competence of the personnel performing it and the suitability of the
equipmentandfacilitiesused.AgencieswhichmeetthecriteriaofPractice
1
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland
D 3740 are generally considered capable of competent testing. Users of
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.13 on Marine and
this test method are cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3740 does
Coastal Geotechnical.
not ensure reliable testing. Reliable testing depends on several factors;
Current edition approved Nov. 10, 2000. Published February 2001. Originally
Practice D 3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
published as D 5550 –
...

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ASTM D8459-23(Test Method)
Standard Test Methods for Detecting Water Soluble Sulfates in Construction Soils

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Where sulfates are suspected, subgrade soils should be tested as an integral part of a geotechnical evaluation because the possibility that sulfate induced heave may occur if calcium containing stabilizers are used to improve the soils and sulfate reactions may also cause deterioration in concrete structures. When planning to treat a soil used in construction with lime, testing the soil for water soluble sulfates prior to treatment becomes very important (Note 2).  
5.2 When sulfate containing cohesive soils are treated with calcium-based stabilizers for foundation improvements, sulfates and free alumina in natural soils react with calcium and free hydroxide to form crystalline minerals, such as ettringite and thaumasite.4 Thaumasite forms when ettringite undergoes changes in the presence of carbonates at low temperatures.5 The sulfate minerals expand considerably when they are hydrated.
Note 2: For more information on the effect of treating soils containing water soluble sulfates, refer to the following publication: Little, D.N., Stabilization of Pavement Subgrades and Base Course with Lime, Kendal/Hunt Publishing Co., Dubuque, IA, 1995.
Note 3: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
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1.1 These methods determine the water soluble sulfate content of cohesive soils used in construction by using the colorimetric technique. Two methods are presented in this standard. Method A is for use in the field and Method B is for use in the laboratory. The colorimetric technique involves measuring the scattering of a light beam through a solution that contains suspended particulate matter. Measurements of sulfate concentrations in construction soils can be used to guide professionals in the selection of appropriate stabilization methods and to assist in assessment of potential deterioration in concrete structures.
Note 1: These test methods are partially based on the research conducted by Texas A & M University.  
1.2 The field method, Method A, is used as a screening test for the presence of sulfates and their concentration. The laboratory method, Method B, provides better resolution than the field method.  
1.3 Ion chromatography is also an acceptable alternative method that can be used to evaluate results, however, it is outside the scope of this standard.  
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.5 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026, unless superseded by this test method.  
1.5.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded and calculated in the 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 these test methods to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering data.  
1.6 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 appropri...

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ASTM D5550-23(Test Method)
Standard Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Gas Pycnometer

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The specific gravity value is used in many phase relation equations to determine relative volumes of particle, water, and gas mixtures.  
5.2 The term soil particle typically refers to a naturally occurring mineral grain that is not readily soluble in water. Therefore, the specific gravity of soils that contain extraneous matter (such as cement, lime, and the like) or water-soluble material (such as salt) must be corrected for the precipitate that forms on the test specimen after drying. If the precipitate has a specific gravity less than the parent soil grains, the uncorrected test result will be too low. If the precipitate has a higher specific gravity, then the uncorrected test value will be too high.  
5.3 Heating during drying may diagenetically alter the structure of some clay minerals.3 Therefore caution should be exercised if the mineral composition of a clay test specimen is going to be determined after drying. It is possible to dry the test specimen at a lower temperature. However, the effect on water content4 and hence specific gravity should be investigated. In addition, some materials other than clay may be affected by drying at 110°C, such as gypsum, soils containing organics, fly ash containing residual coal, island sands. Test Method D2216 includes recommendations for drying gypsum using a lower temperature, such as 60°C.
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SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the specific gravity of soil solids by means of a gas pycnometer. Particle size is limited by the dimensions of the test specimen container of the particular pycnometer being used.  
1.2 Test Method D854 may be used instead of or in conjunction with this test method for performing specific gravity tests on soils. Note that Test Method D854 does not require the specialized test apparatus needed by this test method. However, Test Method D854 may not be used if the test specimen contains matter that can readily dissolve in water, whereas this test method does not have that limitation.  
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.  
1.3.1 For purposes of comparing a measured or calculated value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant digits in the specified limits.  
1.3.2 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded and calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that should generally 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 analysis methods for engineering design.  
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
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ASTM D4542-22(Test Method)
Standard Test Methods for Pore Water Extraction and Determination of the Soluble Salt Content of Soils by Refractometer

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The soluble salt content may be used to correct the index properties of soils such as water content, void ratio, specific gravity, degree of saturation, and dry density.
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1.2 These test methods were developed for soils having a water content equal to or greater than approximately 14 %, for example, marine soils. An extensive summary of procedures for extracting pore water from soils has been presented by Kriukov and Manheim (1).2  
1.3 These test methods are not generally applicable for determining the soluble salt content of the pore water extracted from coarse-grained soils, such as clean sands and gravels.  
1.4 Test Method A provides a procedure using a refractometer with a refraction index scale; Test Method B provides a procedure using a refractometer with a parts per thousand (ppt) scale.  
1.5 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.  
1.6 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026 unless superseded by these test methods.  
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is used to determine the presence and quantity of carbonate in a soil or soft rock specimen in terms of the calcite equivalent. The method is generally intended for use as an index of approximate carbonate content to assist with characterizing marine soils, but can be used for other soils and soft rock. Other test methods exist (such as Method C25 and Test Method D3042) to evaluate calcium carbonate equivalency for purposes of characterizing use of calcareous materials as soil modifiers or agricultural lining materials.  
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5.2 This test method has limitations as follows:  
5.2.1 If low carbonate contents (calcite equivalents) are measured, the user does not know whether the soil is low in carbonate content or contains cerrusite, witherite, and the like, which are carbonate species whose reactions with hydrochloric acid are either very slow or limited.  
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SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of carbonate content of soils and soft rock which can be readily broken down by mechanical effort. It is a gasometric method that uses a simple portable apparatus. Results should be clearly stated as the calcite equivalent in percent because different carbonate species cover a wide range of percent calcite equivalent as shown below for a number of carbonates:    
Species  
Cation  
Calcite
Equivalent, %  
Magnesite  
Mg  
117.0  
Dolomite  
Ca, Mg  
108.6  
Calcite  
Ca  
100.0  
Aragonite  
Ca  
100.0  
Rhodocrosite  
Mn  
87.1  
Siderite  
Fe  
86.4  
Smithsonite  
Zn  
79.8  
Witherite  
Ba  
50.7  
Cerrusite  
Pb  
37.5
For example, a 100 % dolomite would be expected to yield 108.6 % calcite equivalent while 100 % siderite would yield only 86.4 % calcite equivalent. Calcite and aragonite reactions will typically complete within about 10 minutes. This method does not distinguish between the carbonate species and such determination must be made using quantitative chemical analysis methods such as atomic absorption.  
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only and are not considered standard. Reporting of test results in units other than SI shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard  
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ASTM D8299-19(Guide)
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD) and Beryllium Sensitization (Be-S) caused by exposure to anthropogenic Beryllium (A-Be) are a continuing health concern in the nuclear and defense industries. The traditional worker protection strategy has been to compare total Be (T-Be) measurements taken in workplaces with appropriate limits or local background Be measurements. That strategy can be ineffective, however, where naturally occurring Be (N-Be) from local soils can be a non-negligible component of the measured T-Be. N-Be is not known to have adverse health effects. This MRM uses the ratio(s) of measurements of Be with measurements of one or more metals found in background materials, but not likely to be in facilities, to predict the amount of N-Be expected in individual samples based on the measurement(s) of the predictor metal(s) in those samples. The measured T-Be can be compared with the predictions to estimate the amount of A-Be present, if any.  
5.2 In order to use the MRM it is required to identify local sources of N-Be that can be credibly transported into facilities, along with a means of sampling those sources. It would be helpful also to have insight into the metal content of the soils at those sources, to facilitate the identification of candidate predictor metals. Regarding the latter, there are published databases describing the chemistry of surface soils in many regions; however, information found in those databases should be regarded as suggestive, due to the modified sample preparation and analysis methods currently expected to be used because of the need to digest high-fired BeO, one form of A-Be of concern.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide describes a general approach to planning investigations in which the goal is to obtain background measurements of naturally occurring Beryllium (N-Be) along with one or more predictor metals in local soils, to be used in predicting the amount of N-Be expected in samples taken for evaluation using the Metal Ratio Method (MRM). Generally, systematic random sampling is recommended, after which the results are interpreted using statistical methods described in this guide.  
1.2 The total Be (T-Be) measured in evaluation samples can then be compared with the predicted N-Be to estimate the amount of anthropogenic Be (A-Be) present, if any. Several scenarios are discussed in which samples taken and analyzed for T-Be for worker or public protection purposes might include both N-Be and A-Be (see 6.1). This method can allow the N-Be and A-Be components of T-Be measurements to be estimated.  
1.3 Values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.4 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard guide is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project’s many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.  
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
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ASTM D4972-19(Test Method)
Standard Test Methods for pH of Soils

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The pH of the soil is a useful variable in determining the solubility of soil minerals, the mobility of ions in the soil, and assessing the viability of the soil-plant environment.  
5.2 pH measurements are made in both test water and a calcium chloride solution because the calcium displaces some of the exchangeable aluminum. The low ionic strength counters the dilution effect on the exchange equilibrium by setting the salt concentration of the solution closer to that expected in the soil solution. The pH values obtained in the solution of calcium chloride are slightly lower than those measured in water due to the release of more aluminum ions which then hydrolyses. Therefore, both measurements are needed to fully define the character of the soil's pH.  
5.3 For the purpose of these test methods, the test specimens are sieved through a 2.00 mm (No. 10) sieve. Measurements on soils or soil fractions having particle sizes larger than 2.0 mm by these test methods may be invalid. If soil or soil fractions with particles larger than 2.0 mm are used, it must be stated in the report since the results may be significantly different.
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SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the measurement of the pH of soils that will pass the 2.00 mm (No. 10) sieve. Such measurements are used in the agricultural, environmental, geotechnical, and natural resources fields. This measurement determines the degree of acidity or alkalinity in soil materials suspended in water and a 0.01 M calcium chloride solution. Measurements in both liquids are necessary to fully define the soil's pH. This variable is useful in determining the solubility of soil minerals and the mobility of ions in the soil and assessing the viability of the soil-plant environment. A more detailed discussion of the usefulness of this parameter is given in Refs (1-6)2.  
1.2 Two methods for measuring the pH of soils are provided. The method to be used shall be specified by the requesting authority. When no method is specified, Method A shall be used. The pH is determined in test water and a calcium chloride solution for both methods.  
1.2.1 Method A—The pH is measured using a potentiometer having a pH sensitive electrode system. This method can be used for any application and must be used when the application warrants a higher level of resolution.  
1.2.2 Method B—The pH is measured using pH sensitive paper. This method can be used for any application, however, because paper typically has a lower resolution, it provides an approximate estimate of the pH of the soil and should not be used when the application requires a higher level of resolution (Note 1).
Note 1: For example, paper with a sensitivity to the nearest 1 pH unit placed into a buffer solution of 4 should indicate a pH of 4, however, it would not indicate if the pH is 4.449 or 3.449.  
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Standard Practice for Screening Fuels in Soils

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This practice is a screening procedure for determining the presence of fuels containing aromatic compounds in soils. If a sample of the contaminant fuel is available for use in calibration, the approximate concentration of the fuel in the soil can be calculated. If the fuel type is known but a sample of the contaminant fuel is not available for calibration, an estimate of the contaminant fuel concentration can be calculated using average response factors based on composition of the fuel in the soil. If the composition of the contaminant fuel is unknown, a contaminant concentration cannot be calculated, and this practice can only be used only to indicate the presence or absence of fuel contamination.  
5.2 Fuels containing aromatic compounds, such as diesel fuel and gasoline, as well as other aromatic-containing hydrocarbon materials, such as crude oil, coal oil, and motor oil, can be determined by this practice. The quantitation limit for diesel fuel is about 75 mg/kg. Approximate quantitation limits for other aromatic-containing hydrocarbon materials that can be determined by this screening practice are given in Table 1. Quantitation limits for highly aliphatic materials, such as aviation gasoline and synthetic motor oil, are much higher than those for more aromatic materials, such as coal oil and diesel fuel.  
Note 1: The quantitation limits listed in Table 1 are estimated values because in this practice, the quantitation limit can be influenced by the particular fuel type and soil background. For information on how the values given in Table 1 were determined, see Appendix X1. Data generated during the development of this screening practice and other information pertaining to this practice can be found in the referenced research reports (1, 2).3  
5.3 When applying this practice to sites contaminated by diesel fuel, care should be taken in selecting the appropriate response factor from the list given in Table 2, with consideration given to whether or not t...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice is a screening procedure for assessing the presence of fuels containing aromatic compounds in soils. If a sample of the contaminant fuel is available, the concentration of the fuel in the soil can be determined. If the contaminant fuel type is known but a sample of the contaminant fuel is not available, an estimate of the concentration of the fuel in the soil can be made using average response factors based on composition of the fuel in the soil. If the kind of contaminant fuel is unknown, this screening method can be used to identify the presence of contamination.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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.

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Standard Test Method for Measuring pH of Soil for Use in Corrosion Evaluations

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Information on pH of soil is used as an aid in evaluating the corrosivity of a soil environment. Some metals are more sensitive to the pH of their environment than others, and information on the stability of a metal as a function of pH and potential is available in the literature.3
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining the pH of a soil in corrosion evaluations. The principle use of the test is to supplement soil resistivity measurements and thereby identify conditions under which the corrosion of metals in soil may be accentuated (see G57 – 78 (2012)).  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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.

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ASTM
ASTM D7968-23(Test Method)
Standard Test Method for Determination of Polyfluorinated Compounds in Soil by Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method has been developed by the U.S. EPA Region 5 Chicago Regional Laboratory (CRL).  
5.2 PFAS are widely used in various industrial and commercial products; they are persistent, bio-accumulative, and ubiquitous in the environment. PFAS have been reported to exhibit developmental toxicity, hepatotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and hormone disturbance. A draft Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is available.7 PFAS have been detected in soils, sludges, and surface and drinking waters. Hence, there is a need for a quick, easy, and robust method to determine these compounds at trace levels in various soil matrices for understanding of the sources and pathways of exposure.  
5.3 This method has been used to determine selected PFAS in sand (Table 4) and four ASTM reference soils (Table 5).
SCOPE
1.1 This procedure covers the determination of selected polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in a soil matrix using solvent extraction, filtration, followed by liquid chromatography (LC) and detection with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). These analytes are qualitatively and quantitatively determined by this method. This method adheres to multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry. This procedure utilizes a quick extraction and is not intended to generate an exhaustive accounting of the content of PFAS in difficult soil matrices. An exhaustive extraction procedure for PFAS, such as published by Washington et al.,2 for difficult matrices should be considered when analyzing PFAS. The approach from this standard was utilized to screen laboratory coats (textiles) to identify if PFAS would be leached from the materials.  
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.3 The method of detection limit3 and reporting range4 for the target analytes are listed in Table 1.    
1.3.1 The reporting limit in this test method is the minimum value below which data are documented as non-detects. Analyte detections between the method detection limit and the reporting limit are estimated concentrations and are not reported following this test method. In most cases, the reporting limit is calculated from the concentration of the Level 1 calibration standard as shown in Table 2 for the PFAS after taking into account a 2 g sample weight and a final extract volume of 10 mL, 50 % water/50 % MeOH with 0.1 % acetic acid. The final extract volume is assumed to be 10 mL because 10 mL of 50 % water/50 % MeOH with 0.1 % acetic acid was added to each soil sample and only the liquid layer after extraction is filtered, leaving the solid and any residual solvent behind. It is raised above the Level 1 calibration concentration for PFOS, PFHxA, FHEA, and FOEA; these compounds can be identified at the Level 1 concentration but the standard deviation among replicates at this lower spike level resulted in a higher reporting limit.  
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.

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ASTM
ASTM D8459-23(Test Method)
Standard Test Methods for Detecting Water Soluble Sulfates in Construction Soils

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Where sulfates are suspected, subgrade soils should be tested as an integral part of a geotechnical evaluation because the possibility that sulfate induced heave may occur if calcium containing stabilizers are used to improve the soils and sulfate reactions may also cause deterioration in concrete structures. When planning to treat a soil used in construction with lime, testing the soil for water soluble sulfates prior to treatment becomes very important (Note 2).  
5.2 When sulfate containing cohesive soils are treated with calcium-based stabilizers for foundation improvements, sulfates and free alumina in natural soils react with calcium and free hydroxide to form crystalline minerals, such as ettringite and thaumasite.4 Thaumasite forms when ettringite undergoes changes in the presence of carbonates at low temperatures.5 The sulfate minerals expand considerably when they are hydrated.
Note 2: For more information on the effect of treating soils containing water soluble sulfates, refer to the following publication: Little, D.N., Stabilization of Pavement Subgrades and Base Course with Lime, Kendal/Hunt Publishing Co., Dubuque, IA, 1995.
Note 3: The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 These methods determine the water soluble sulfate content of cohesive soils used in construction by using the colorimetric technique. Two methods are presented in this standard. Method A is for use in the field and Method B is for use in the laboratory. The colorimetric technique involves measuring the scattering of a light beam through a solution that contains suspended particulate matter. Measurements of sulfate concentrations in construction soils can be used to guide professionals in the selection of appropriate stabilization methods and to assist in assessment of potential deterioration in concrete structures.
Note 1: These test methods are partially based on the research conducted by Texas A & M University.  
1.2 The field method, Method A, is used as a screening test for the presence of sulfates and their concentration. The laboratory method, Method B, provides better resolution than the field method.  
1.3 Ion chromatography is also an acceptable alternative method that can be used to evaluate results, however, it is outside the scope of this standard.  
1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.5 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026, unless superseded by this test method.  
1.5.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded and calculated in the 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 these test methods to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering data.  
1.6 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 appropri...

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