SIST ISO 15800:2006
(Main)Soil quality -- Characterization of soil with respect to human exposure
Soil quality -- Characterization of soil with respect to human exposure
ISO 15800:2003 gives guidelines on the kind and extent of soil characterization necessary for the evaluation of human exposure to substances that can cause adverse effects.
The possibilities of standardizing the calculations used for the assessment of human exposure are not included in ISO 15800:2003.
The information needed for evaluation of human exposure to contaminants leached from soil to surface and/or groundwater or transferred by runoff is not included in ISO 15800:2003. Aspects related to radioactivity and pathogens in soil and potential human exposure hereto are also not included in ISO 15800:2003.
Qualité du sol -- Caractérisation des sols relative à l'exposition des personnes
L'ISO 15800:2004 spécifie les lignes directrices concernant la nature et l'étendue de la caractérisation des sols nécessaire à l'évaluation de l'exposition des personnes aux substances pouvant être à l'origine d'effets néfastes.
L'ISO 15800:2004 ne prend pas en compte les possibilités de normalisation des calculs qui sont utilisés pour l'évaluation de l'exposition des personnes.
En outre, l'ISO 15800:2004 ne tient pas compte des informations nécessaires à l'évaluation de l'exposition des personnes relative à des produits contaminants lixiviés depuis le sol vers les eaux de surface et/ou souterraines ou transférées par écoulement. De la même manière, elle ne prend pas en compte les aspects liés à la radioactivité et aux bactéries pathogènes présentes dans le sol et à l'exposition potentielle des personnes qui en découle.
Kakovost tal – Karakterizacija tal v zvezi z izpostavljenostjo ljudi
General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 15800
First edition
2003-12-15
Soil quality — Characterization of soil
with respect to human exposure
Qualité du sol — Caractérisation des sols relative à l'exposition des
personnes
Reference number
©
ISO 2003
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ii © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved
Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope. 1
2 Normative references. 1
3 Terms and definitions. 1
4 Characterization of soil and sites with respect to human exposure . 4
4.1 Introduction. 4
4.2 Exposure routes. 5
5 Characterization of soil and sites. 8
5.1 Relevant soil processes and parameters . 8
5.2 Sampling. 10
5.3 Site characterization. 10
5.4 Characterization of soil . 11
5.5 Characterization of contamination. 15
6 Data handling, evaluation and quality . 18
Annex A (informative) Exposure routes depending on actual site use . 20
Annex B (informative) Industries and related polluting substances. 21
Bibliography . 22
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 15800 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 190, Soil quality, Subcommittee SC 7, Soil and site
assessment.
iv © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved
Introduction
Characterizations of soils and sites relative to human exposure are performed all over the world. They are
often planned and conducted by consultancy companies and expert organizations. Data from these
characterizations are used in the assessment of human exposure. These characterizations are, furthermore,
used for decision-making by companies, individuals and local and national authorities as well as for
recommendations and regulations issued by national and international authorities.
The assessment of potential human health effects from exposure may be used for:
classification of contaminated sites;
recommendations regarding remediation of sites, soils and soil materials, e.g. priority of remediation;
decisions regarding the future/planned use of contaminated sites;
decisions regarding the disposal/treatment/reuse of contaminated or remediated soil and/or soil material.
The data needed for evaluations of human exposure are to some extent dependent on the way in which the
exposure is assessed, i.e. calculations may be based on scenarios each requiring different data.
The extent of investigations necessary for the assessment of human exposure may vary depending on the
level of contamination and the areal use in question. In some cases the assessment of potential human health
exposure may be based solely on information regarding the substances present in the soil and their
concentrations and the relevant soil parameters. In other cases more detailed information on the availability of
the substance will be necessary. This information will depend on the type and concentration of the substance,
the relevant soil parameters and the type of exposure relevant for the areal use in question. Furthermore, the
sampling method and strategies may depend on the areal use and the possible exposure patterns.
Due to the large expenditure necessary for both private landowners and public funds set aside for the
remediation of contaminated land and the general movement of capital and industry/business corporations,
International Standards on the characterization of contaminated soil, especially with regard to human health,
are in great demand.
International Standards in this complex field will support the creation of a common scientific basis for the
exchange of data, development of knowledge and sound commercial evaluation.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 15800:2003(E)
Soil quality — Characterization of soil with respect to human
exposure
1 Scope
This International Standard gives guidelines on the kind and extent of soil characterization necessary for the
evaluation of human exposure to substances that can cause adverse effects.
The possibilities of standardizing the calculations used for the assessment of human exposure are not
included in this International Standard.
The information needed for evaluation of human exposure to contaminants leached from soil to surface and/or
groundwater or transferred by runoff is not included in this International Standard. Aspects related to
radioactivity and pathogens in soil and potential human exposure hereto are also not included in this
International Standard.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 10381-1, Soil quality — Sampling — Part 1: Guidance on the design of sampling programmes
ISO 10381-5, Soil quality — Sampling — Part 5: Guidance on investigation of soil contamination of urban and
industrial sites
ISO 11074 (all parts), Soil quality — Vocabulary
ISO 15175, Soil quality — Characterization of soil related to groundwater protection
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this International Standard, the terms and definitions given in ISO 11074 (all parts),
ISO 11259:1998 and the following apply.
3.1
bioavailability
degree to which substances present in a soil matrix may be absorbed or metabolized in the human body
NOTE In this context the definition refers to availability in the human body.
3.2
biodegradation
breakdown of a substance or chemical by living organisms, usually bacteria
3.3
contaminant
substance or agent present in the soil as a result of human activity
cf. pollutant (3.10)
NOTE There is no assumption in this definition that harm results from the presence of the contaminant.
3.4
data quality objectives
statement of the required detection limits, accuracy, reproducibility and repeatability of the required analytical
and other data
NOTE Generic data quality objectives can sometimes be set at national level. Data quality objectives can also
embrace an amount of data required for an area of land (or part of a site) to enable sound comparison with generic
guidelines or standards or for a site-specific or material-specific estimation of risk.
3.5
exposure
reception of a dose of a substance
3.6
exposure assessment
process of establishing whether, and how much, exposure will occur between a receptor and a contaminated
source
3.7
exposure pathway
course a substance takes from a source to a receptor
NOTE Each exposure pathway links a source to a receptor.
3.8
groundwater
any water, except capillary water, beneath the land surface or beneath the bed of any stream, lake reservoir
or other body of surface water, whatever may be the geological formation or structure in which such water
stands, flows, percolates or otherwise moves
3.9
hazard
inherently dangerous quality of a substance, procedure or event
3.10
pollutant
those substances which due to their properties, amount or concentration cause impacts on (i.e. harm to) the
soil functions or soil use
[ISO 11074-1:1996]
3.11
receptor
potentially exposed person
3.12
risk
combination of the probability of occurrence of harm and the severity of that harm
[ISO/IEC Guide 51:1999]
2 © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved
3.13
risk analysis
use of available information to identify hazard and to estimate the risk
3.14
risk assessment
process of risk analysis and risk characterization
3.15
risk characterization
evaluation and conclusion based on the hazard identification and the exposure and effect assessment
3.16
site
defined area, in this context often contaminated by human activities
3.17
site characterization
collection of data providing appropriate information for exposure assessment
3.18
soil
upper layer of the Earth's crust composed of mineral particles, organic matter, water, air and organisms
[ISO 11074-1:1996]
3.19
soil function
function of soil which is significant to man and the environment
[ISO 11074-4:1998]
3.20
source
soil or soil component from which a substance or hazardous agent is released for potential human exposure
3.21
subsoil
material underlying the topsoil and overlying the solid (parent) rock beneath
NOTE All or much of the original rock structure has usually been obliterated by pedogenic processes.
3.22
surface water
lakes, ponds, impounding reservoirs, springs, flowing (streaming) waters, estuaries, wetlands, inlets, canals,
oceans within the relevant territorial limits, and all other bodies of water, natural or artificial, inland or coastal,
fresh or salt
3.23
topsoil
upper part of a natural soil which is generally dark-coloured and has a higher content of organic substances
and nutrient when compared to the subsoil below
[ISO 11074-4:1998]
3.24
trace element
element in low concentration in soil material
NOTE A trace element can be essential at low concentration but harmful at higher concentration.
4 Characterization of soil and sites with respect to human exposure
4.1 Introduction
Characterizations of soils and sites with respect to human exposure are usually performed as a part of a risk
assessment.
In this context, a contaminated site is an area defined e.g. by property boundaries and contaminated by past
or present human activities. In many countries, contaminated sites are registered publicly as a consequence
of specific legislation.
A risk assessment comprises the following elements:
a hazard identification;
a dose-response assessment;
an exposure assessment;
and, based on the above, a risk characterization.
Risk and exposure assessments are usually performed on the basis of one or more defined scenarios, e.g. in
order to obtain general criteria related to the scenario, or on the basis of the data connected with a specific
site.
This International Standard includes the element exposure assessment in relation to human exposure.
An exposure assessment is the process by which the intensity, frequency and duration of human exposure to
a contaminant are estimated, and it comprises:
source identification and characterization,
identification of exposure routes,
identification of relevant receptors/target groups,
and based on this: the actual exposure assessment.
Exposure assessments can be carried out in order to assess either the total exposure of a given receptor
group (e.g. the population at risk) or the additional exposure from a given source or activity. In this
International Standard, only the additional risk from soil contamination is addressed.
For the assessment of possible effects on human health, an analysis of the exposure routes is a prerequisite.
For this purpose, the actual and planned use of the site may be included in the assessment, as this may
define which exposure routes are of relevance. If a new use is planned, a renewed assessment shall be
carried out. Average-, worst- or reasonable-case exposure can be evaluated, and depending on the purpose
of the exposure assessment, the data needs can differ for these situations.
If receptors are not directly exposed to a contaminant, exposure assessment needs to consider the various
ways by which indirect exposure might occur, and its significance. A contaminant can also undergo
transformations through biological, chemical or physical means that might affect its toxicity, availability and
mobility. The risk depends on both the concentration of a contaminant and the route of exposure (skin contact,
inhalation, ingestion, etc.). For this reason, analysis of the changes that the contaminant undergoes as a
result of these transformations and phase transfer processes prior to exposure is an important part of
exposure assessment.
Characterization of soil and sites with respect to exposure routes and quantification of the actual exposure is
described in 4.2. Characterization of soil and sites with respect to source identification and characterization is
described in 5.3, where reference to other relevant International Standards is also made.
4 © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved
4.2 Exposure routes
4.2.1 General
Human exposure from soil contamination may occur through different media.
The following routes of exposure directly from the soil exist:
soil ingestion;
dermal contact.
Airborne exposure due to volatilization comprises
inhalation and ingestion of fugitive dust,
elevation of outdoor concentrations,
intrusion of vapours in buildings.
Exposure through the food chain comprises
consumption of plants, including crops and cultivated plants, wild plants and fungi,
consumption of animals and animal products, including wild animals.
Exposure routes connected to surface and groundwater are not included in this International Standard. These
routes also include exposure due to showering, dishwashing and other domestic use of water, ingestion of fish
and of piped water polluted by contaminated soil or groundwater surrounding the pipe. It should be noted that
these routes can be very relevant pathways in the overall exposure pattern.
Transfer of contaminants from soil to surface waters is highly site-specific and depends on run-off volume,
peak flowrate, soil erodability, slope length and steepness, sorption capacity of the soil, type of vegetation
cover, and distance to receiving body. In practice, surface water pollution is usually monitored via direct
measurement. With regard to exposure in connection with groundwater, ISO 15175 shall be followed.
The actual exposure routes depend on the site use.
Playgrounds and private gardens (kitchen and ornamental) can be considered to cause the highest
degree of human exposure during use. This use may imply close (skin) contact to the soil, ingestion of
soil, ingestion of plants grown in the soil (and of soil on these plants) as well as inhalation of dust and
vapours.
Agricultural zones can be the principal exposure route through the food chain. The size of these areas
means that, except when the farmer and his/her family consume part of production, crops are widely
distributed to a large population. On the other hand, if the soil is the only source of contamination, the
consumption of goods produced in the contaminated area represents only a very small part of those
consumed by the population (through dilution with other product sources);
Parks may be used in ways exposing humans to inhalation of dust and vapours, skin contact with
soil/dust and, to a lesser degree than gardens, ingestion of soil;
Sports facilities mainly give rise to exposure via inhalation of soil/dust and skin contact with soil/dust;
Consolidated surfaces such as parking lots, roads, etc. give rise to exposure via inhalation of vapours and
from accumulation of fine dust;
Buildings (homes, schools, kindergartens, offices, industry and shops) give rise to exposure via vapours;
soil carried into the buildings may cause inhalation and/or ingestion of dust.
Industry can comprise consolidated and unconsolidated areas, park-like areas and buildings. The
information needed for evaluation of human exposure in these types of areas have been listed above.
The actual exposure time can differ between similar site uses, due to differences in climate and actual site use
patterns (e.g. number of days per week the site is in use).
An overview of relevant exposure routes for each site use is given in Annex A (informative).
In the following, the characterization of soils with respect to the different exposure routes is described. The
uptake patterns and thus the importance of the different exposure routes will vary depending on the properties
of the contaminants in question.
4.2.2 Soil ingestion
Soil ingestion by children happens through ingestion of dust, sucking of dirty fingers and by actual eating of
soil. Distinction should be made between inadvertent and accidental intake and deliberate long-term persistent
behaviour (Pica behaviour). In general Pica behaviour should be regarded as a special case, not necessarily
relevant for the actual assessment.
NOTE Some young children go through a short period of exploratory soil ingestion.
Adults mainly ingest soil as dust, e.g. in connection with gardening, and as soil on non-cleaned vegetables
and fruit. In the case of the characterization of a specific site, the actual behaviour should be taken into
account.
To assess soil ingestion, the contaminant content usually taken into account is that resulting from extraction
with strong extractants [this content is known as (pseudo)total for metals]. In addition, the hypothesis of total
absorption of the contaminant in the digestive track is often made. A few animal experiments carried out show
that this hypothesis is not always relevant, at least for metals. Methods (employing slightly weaker extractants)
used for the description of uptake of metals from toys have also been used for this type of assessment. The
potential for absorption of a given contaminant can vary with the soil particle size, and information on
particle-size distribution may be relevant.
NOTE (Pseudo)total concentration is defined by the actual method of analysis, including the specific extraction
method utilized, see 5.5.
4.2.3 Dermal contact
Skin contact with contaminated soil could be caused by dust reaching the skin through atmospheric deposition,
by playing or by working with the soil. It should be noted that there is a distinction between skin contact in e.g.
a private home and workplace contact, since the latter is usually regulated by health and safety at work. It
should be noted that work-related matters are not covered by this International Standard.
For an assessment of this route of exposure, the information needed is the (pseudo)total concentration of
each substance in the soil. For calculations of the efficiency of uptake through skin, once the soil particles
have reached this surface, the parameters determining the bioavailability may be useful. In evaluation of soil
contaminants in connection with skin contact, distinction should be made between contaminants that can be
absorbed through the skin and substances potentially causing other effects, such as rashes from hyper-
sensitivity.
4.2.4 Inhalation of dust
The actual importance of dust inhalation (and digestion) as an exposure route is connected to the actual site
use [e.g. motorcycle scrambling and soccer fields are site uses where dust inhalation (and digestion) can play
a major role]. Climatic conditions and vegetation cover also influence the actual exposure.
Calculations pertaining to uptake via dust can be based on general models for dust in air. For a detailed
assessment of the uptake of contaminants from inhaled dust, the parameters determining the bioavailability
can be useful. The concentration level usually varies with particle size, the smallest particles usually
containing the highest concentrations and having the longest exposure times. This should be taken into
account if only measurements of the average concentrations are available.
6 © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved
4.2.5 Inhalation of vapours (outdoors)
Assessment of the inhalation of vapours should primarily be based on measurements of soil air concentrations,
preferably by passive sampling methods. If this is not possible or otherwise not relevant (e.g. in the case of
planned activities that would alter the distance between the contaminated zone and the receptors, for example
by inserting venting systems), calculations of air flux from the contaminated soil volume to surface can be
performed. The relevant soil parameters for these calculations would be (together with information on the
depth of the vapour dose zone and variations therein):
concentration;
porosity;
water content;
bulk density;
organic carbon fraction.
Relevant substance parameters such as water and organic carbon partition coefficients, Henry's constant, and
vapour pressure should also be determined. Porosity and water content are also relevant, together with soil
type for the characterization of soil air concentrations at depths less than actually measured, and thus of the
soil contaminants' contribution to outdoor air concentrations.
4.2.6 Inhalation of vapours (indoors)
Inhalation of vapours indoors can be assessed on the same basis as outdoor vapours, plus data relevant for
the estimation of diffusion and advective (crack) transport through the relevant floor construction. These data
may include information on pressure differences between the contaminated area in the soil and the target
indoor area due to e.g. temperature differences, wind, changes in atmospheric pressure and the ventilation
pattern of the building.
4.2.7 Intake via plants
The amount of contaminants taken up and accumulated by plants depends on the physico-chemical
characteristics of the contaminant, the type of soil (including soil characteristics), the type and part of the plant
that is consumed, and even climate. It should be noted that plants are contaminated by both root uptake and
deposition on the leaves, etc. Intake by humans also depends on how a plant is treated before consumption
(washing, peeling, cooking, packaging, etc.). Care should be taken in using general models for the
assessment of plant uptake in a specific case. Results of experimental studies on accumulation by plants
should be used when available, if they have been obtained under conditions similar to those of the assessed
site.
It is important to be aware of the total exposure via plant uptake, taking local conditions into account and the
influence hereon of possible additional exposure caused by soil contamination.
For the assessment of the exposure of humans to organic compounds via plants, the relevant parameters
may include the following: organic carbon fraction, w ; content (fraction) of clay particles, w ; cation
OC CM
exchange capacity of the soil, CEC; soil pH; soil bulk density; soil water content; organic carbon partition
coefficient, K ; and redox potential.
OC
Uptake of metals can be evaluated based on e.g. (pseudo)total concentration, clay content, organic carbon
content, CEC, distribution coefficients and pH. Plant uptake can also (at least for some metals) be estimated
via extraction tests utilizing dilute, non-complexing or organic complexing salts or diluted acids.
The importance of the different parameters mentioned varies not only with the soil, but also with the
vegetation and individual species and variety of plants.
4.2.8 Intake via animals
Intake by animals is usually mainly due to direct ingestion of soil from the surface layer or from soil adhering to
forage. To a lesser degree, it comes from consumption of fodder after plant uptake and accumulation. The
degree of accumulation of the contaminants by animals depends on the properties of the soil, the level of
contamination and other components of the diet.
5 Characterization of soil and sites
5.1 Relevant soil processes and parameters
During transport of contaminants in soil, the contaminants are affected by a number of physical or reactive
geochemical and biological processes, which may attenuate, concentrate, immobilize, liberate, degrade or
otherwise transform the contaminants. Since these transformations affect both contaminant concentration and
the route of exposure, information concerning the parameters governing these processes is important for the
exposure assessment. It should be noted that the relative importance of the different parameters for the
processes is not yet fully understood.
The potential processes involved in fate and transport of the contaminants in the soil depend on type of soil
and the type of contaminant, and include
sorption/desorption,
binding,
dispersion,
solubilization,
diffusion, including intraparticle diffusion,
complexation,
precipitation/dissolution,
evaporation,
chemical transformation,
photodegradation,
uptake by plants and other organisms,
biological transformations including microbial, soil animal and plant metabolism.
Fate and transport analysis does not normally include all the above processes, but should at least integrate
the key processes. In Table 1 and Table 2 a number of parameters governing the above-mentioned processes
and the overall transport processes to different degrees are listed and connected to the exposure route for
which they might be relevant.
8 © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved
Table 1 — Matrix of soil properties relevant for different exposure routes
Inhalation Inhalation
Soil Dermal Inhalation Intake via Intake via
Soil parameter of vapours of vapours
ingestion contact of dust plants animals
(outdoors) (indoors)
a
org
Porosity X X X
a
org
Water content X X X X X
Bulk density X X X X
Particle size
distribution
X X X X
X X X
Organic carbon
a
org
fraction X X X X X
b b
inorg inorg
Clay content X X X X
Stratification X X
Depth of vapour
dose zone X X
CEC X X
pH X X
Redox potential X X
Temperature X X X
This table gives examples and is not exhaustive.
NOTE The actual amounts of the different contaminants will vary. Inhalation of vapours usually refers to organic contaminants, for
all practical purposes.
a org
X : relevant only for organic contaminants.
b inorg
X : relevant only for inorganic contaminants.
Table 2 — Matrix of type of contaminant content relevant for different exposure routes
Contaminant Soil Dermal Inhalation Inhalation Inhalation Intake via Intake via
content ingestion contact of dust of vapours of vapours plants animals
(outdoors) (indoors)
Total (pseudo) X X X X X X X
Acid extractable X X
Extractable in
organic
X X X
extractants
Extractable in
weak extractants X X X
In small particles X X X X
In soil air X X
In soil pore water X X
Partition
coefficient X X X X
Distribution
coefficient X
Plant/soil
concentration ratio
X X
This table gives examples and is not exhaustive.
NOTE The concentration ratio (bioaccumulation factor) can vary substantially between the leaves and the roots of the plant, and
depends on the actual plant species.
5.2 Sampling
5.2.1 General
The strategies for sampling and analysis should be based on knowledge of actual or planned use of the
area/site, together with knowledge of the site history. For more details, ISO 10381-1 shall be considered.
Sampling depths relevant for human exposure depend on the exposure route in question, and should be
decided carefully based on the actual and/or planned uses for a site. The factors that may be considered for
each exposure route include those in 5.2.2 to 5.2.5.
5.2.2 Soil ingestion
Contaminant concentrations relevant with respect to soil ingestion are primarily connected with children
playing in and on the soil. Therefore samples should be taken from topsoil in particular. Nevertheless, it
should be noted that in gardens, parks and playgrounds occasional activities can bring soil from deeper layers
to the surface. For instance, planting and replacement of trees and bushes can imply digging of holes, and
some of the soil from the bottom of the hole can, in this way, be brought to the surface.
Earthworms and other soil fauna may also transport soil from deeper layers to the surface.
5.2.3 Inhalation and transport of dust
Dust transport is mainly relevant in areas where the soil in periods is without plant cover (e.g. gardens and
cultivated agricultural land) or in areas with intense activity (e.g. gardens, parks and sports facilities). Dust
originally comes from the very top layers of the soil, and probably mainly consists of the finer fractions. A
separate analysis of the finer soil fraction may be relevant if dust transport and inhalation is considered a
major exposure route.
5.2.4 Uptake by plants
Garden and agricultural plants generally have a root depth of less than 30 cm, they can however reach 60 cm
but yet rarely exceed 160 cm. Trees may have roots reaching down several metres (they do, however, take up
the majority of nutrients in the first 40 cm of the temperate zone).
Garden cultivation and agriculture (hoeing, digging and ploughing) usually affect soil at depths to 30 cm and
very rarely reach greater depths (except with subsoiling which can reach 60 cm).
5.2.5 Inhalation of vapours
Based on actual measurements and conservative model calculations, impacts from vapours in outdoor air
seldom occur unless the contaminant is very close to the surface and consists of pollutants in free or near-free
phase.
Indoor impact due to vaporization of the more volatile organic contaminants can arise if the soil concentration
is sufficient and the contaminant is localized in the upper layers of the soil.
5.3 Site characterization
An exposure assessment of contaminated sites as well as soil in general depends on the data available about
the characteristics of the site, including contaminant sources, pathways and the potential receptors that may
be at risk. Site characterization can thus, for the purpose of this International Standard, be defined as the
source identification and characterization element of the exposure assessment.
For practical and economic reasons, investigation of contaminated sites cannot include sampling and analysis
for all substances. A phased approach is usually the best way of providing the required data in the most cost-
effective and efficient manner. At the initial stage of the assessment, the (types of) substances likely to be
found, and their pattern(s) of distribution in the soil, can often be identified by characterization of the possible
sources of contamination of the site. This is typically a part of what is often called a “historical survey” of the
10 © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved
activities carried out in the site. At this stage it may be relevant to also include a characterization of the
general exposure pattern in the area under consideration (e.g. old waste disposal sites, proximity to
industries) as well as identification and characterization of possible former activities on the site that could lead
to specific contaminations (e.g. gasoline stations, specific industry). It may be relevant to identify different
sources (contaminants and location) for the different exposure routes.
The aim of the main site investigation is to define the extent and degree of contamination and to assess the
exposures associated with the identified hazards and receptors. It is of major importance to an assessment of
human exposure that the extent (concentrations and physical extent) of contamination in all relevant media is
determined in the site investigation. As is stated in connection with the soil characterization, an assessment of
the availability is just as important.
For a detailed description of the relevant types of investigation, sampling and assessment of a site,
ISO 10381-5 shall be considered.
A number of general site characteristics are necessary to assess the possible exposure pattern. Relevant
characteristics of the site that might be determined are listed in Table 3.
Table 3 — Parameters useful for site description
Parameters Description ISO Standard
Landform and topography topography, landform, land element, position, slope, microtopography ISO 11259
Land use and vegetation land use, human influence, vegetation, buildings, etc.
Geology origin of parent material, effective soil depth ISO 11259
Surface characteristics rock outcrops, surface coarse fragments, wind and water erosion,
ISO 11259
surface sealing, surface cracks, other characteristics
Hydrology surface water balance, rainfall, evapotranspiration, surface runoff,
groundwater recharge, presence and depth of water table, moisture
conditions
Meteorological conditions wind speed, predominant wind direction, temperature
Soil type/ Soil horizon soil type in regard of the classification system used, sequence and
description depth of diagnostic horizons, soil colour (matrix, mottling), organic
matter, texture, coarse elements, pedofeatures, carbonates, field-pH,
ISO 11259
structure, fracturing, inhomogeneities, presence of non-soil material,
compactness, total estimated porosity, geochemistry, roots, worm
channels, biological activity
NOTE See also [1].
5.4 Characterization of soil
5.4.1 General
Soil is a mixture of three phases: liquid and gas present in a solid matrix. Soil characteristics depend on the
original rock or geological deposit from which it comes, and on other parameters such as the organisms living
in and on it and climatological factors. With time, they modify the original material, giving distinct horizons
within the profile. This modification results in a wide variety of soils differing in physical and chemical
characteristics. Even within one soil type, large variations may occur within a short distance. On a
contaminated site, the soil may also contain ash, clinker, bricks, rubble, etc.
Substances present in soil can be bound to the soil matrix by sorptive and binding mechanisms, which can
affect availability with respect to uptake and/or metabolization by living organisms, e.g. in the case of
inhalation and ingestion. The binding of substances can change with time, due to alteration of the soil or to
alteration of the binding mechanism. For the quantification of human exposure to substances present in soil,
information regarding the total content of each substance in the soil may therefore not be sufficient. For some
substances (e.g. trace elements), the evaluation of human exposure could be based on contents measured by
analytical techniques, resulting in data that are expected to be adequate for an evaluation of the (bio)available
portion of the substances in soil. Investigators may also take into account available knowledge on resorption
and metabolism of the substances in the organism, and the related differences between individuals and
population groups (e.g. children versus adults).
As the assessment of possible effects on human health is primarily based on information regarding single
substances found in the soil, the possibility of the occurrence of other substances (not investigated) should be
evaluated. This evaluation could be based on experience from other site investigations regarding the
simultaneous presence of several substances. In general there is a great need for the development of tests
that in a broader sense assess a complex soil contamination’s impact on human health. It should also be kept
in mind that synergistic or antagonistic-type interactions between substances can affect the actual impact of
an exposure.
In the following paragraphs, soil characteristics affecting the sorption and the movement of substances in soils
and, consequently, their availability, in context with an assessment of human exposure, are mentioned. The
choice of relevant parameters depends on the purpose of the characterization, e.g. a general classification or
the characterization of a specific site for a specific site use. Characterization of soil requires the determination
of physical, chemical and biological properties, but depending on the specific assessment, not all soil
parameters will be relevant in all cases.
5.4.2 Physical characteristics of soils
A number of physical soil parameters are relevant in connection with the assessment of human exposure
caused by contamination in soil. Below a number of physical characteristics are listed, together with
comments on their relevance in exposure assessments. The actual choice of parameters should be based on
the preliminary knowledge of site geology, pedology and contaminant situation.
Porosity: the volume of pore space in the total volume of soil. The pore space can be occupied by air
and water (or free chemical phase).
Air permeability: In soil, this is a function of porosity, grain size and water content. Air permeability
influences the exposure route for inhalation of vapours.
Bulk density: directly related to the porosity and relevant when estimating phase-partitioning in soil.
Dry matter content: the amount of the total volume (or mass) of soil taken up by soil particles. Chemical
analysis often relates the amount of a substance to the dry matter content, so knowledge hereof is
important to correctly estimate the partitioning of a substance in the soil.
Particle-size distribution: Four fractions should be distinguished: clay, silt, sand, gravel/stones. The
particle-size distribution determines the soil texture and also the surface area of a soil, the finest fraction
having the largest specific surface. The surface area influences the actual sorption of substances onto the
soil. It should be noted that particles of size < 0,002 mm, usually defined as clay, may contain other
materials which are not clay minerals.
Clay: Clay particles (< 0,002 mm) affect the reactive properties of soil due to their large surface (for
sorption) and the (electrical) properties of the surface. Depending on the type of clay mineral, the charge
may be positive, negative or neutral.
Water content: the amount of pore space occupied by water. It influences the binding and the diffusion of
substances in the soil matrix.
Organic matter content: This influences biotransformation processes, especially for organic compounds
that are difficult to biodegrade and primarily degrade under co-metabolic processes. It also influences
adsorption of substances and thus availability.
Temperature: Soil temperature may affect the volatility of organic compounds present and also the
possible biotransformation processes in the soil.
Particle density: together with porosity and water content, defines the bulk density and thus relevant in
connection with the estimation of phase-partitioning in the soil.
12 © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved
Physical characteristics for which International Standards are available are listed in Table 4. Note that some
properties can only be measured in situ and some on laboratory samples.
Table 4 — Physical parameters
Parameter ISO Standard
Particle-size distribution ISO 11277
Water content ISO 10573
ISO 11461
ISO 11465
Dry matter content ISO 11465
Temperature ISO 11275
Pore-size distribution ISO 11259
Bulk density ISO 11272
Particle density ISO 11508
5.4.3 Biological characteristics of soil
The soil concentration of a contaminant at different depths in the soil will depend not only on physical and
chemical processes but also on the
...
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2006
Kakovost tal – Karakterizacija tal v zvezi z izpostavljenostjo ljudi
Soil quality -- Characterization of soil with respect to human exposure
Qualité du sol -- Caractérisation des sols relative à l'exposition des personnes
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: ISO 15800:2003
ICS:
13.080.99 Drugi standardi v zvezi s Other standards related to
kakovostjo tal soil quality
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 15800
First edition
2003-12-15
Soil quality — Characterization of soil
with respect to human exposure
Qualité du sol — Caractérisation des sols relative à l'exposition des
personnes
Reference number
©
ISO 2003
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ii © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved
Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope. 1
2 Normative references. 1
3 Terms and definitions. 1
4 Characterization of soil and sites with respect to human exposure . 4
4.1 Introduction. 4
4.2 Exposure routes. 5
5 Characterization of soil and sites. 8
5.1 Relevant soil processes and parameters . 8
5.2 Sampling. 10
5.3 Site characterization. 10
5.4 Characterization of soil . 11
5.5 Characterization of contamination. 15
6 Data handling, evaluation and quality . 18
Annex A (informative) Exposure routes depending on actual site use . 20
Annex B (informative) Industries and related polluting substances. 21
Bibliography . 22
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 15800 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 190, Soil quality, Subcommittee SC 7, Soil and site
assessment.
iv © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved
Introduction
Characterizations of soils and sites relative to human exposure are performed all over the world. They are
often planned and conducted by consultancy companies and expert organizations. Data from these
characterizations are used in the assessment of human exposure. These characterizations are, furthermore,
used for decision-making by companies, individuals and local and national authorities as well as for
recommendations and regulations issued by national and international authorities.
The assessment of potential human health effects from exposure may be used for:
classification of contaminated sites;
recommendations regarding remediation of sites, soils and soil materials, e.g. priority of remediation;
decisions regarding the future/planned use of contaminated sites;
decisions regarding the disposal/treatment/reuse of contaminated or remediated soil and/or soil material.
The data needed for evaluations of human exposure are to some extent dependent on the way in which the
exposure is assessed, i.e. calculations may be based on scenarios each requiring different data.
The extent of investigations necessary for the assessment of human exposure may vary depending on the
level of contamination and the areal use in question. In some cases the assessment of potential human health
exposure may be based solely on information regarding the substances present in the soil and their
concentrations and the relevant soil parameters. In other cases more detailed information on the availability of
the substance will be necessary. This information will depend on the type and concentration of the substance,
the relevant soil parameters and the type of exposure relevant for the areal use in question. Furthermore, the
sampling method and strategies may depend on the areal use and the possible exposure patterns.
Due to the large expenditure necessary for both private landowners and public funds set aside for the
remediation of contaminated land and the general movement of capital and industry/business corporations,
International Standards on the characterization of contaminated soil, especially with regard to human health,
are in great demand.
International Standards in this complex field will support the creation of a common scientific basis for the
exchange of data, development of knowledge and sound commercial evaluation.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 15800:2003(E)
Soil quality — Characterization of soil with respect to human
exposure
1 Scope
This International Standard gives guidelines on the kind and extent of soil characterization necessary for the
evaluation of human exposure to substances that can cause adverse effects.
The possibilities of standardizing the calculations used for the assessment of human exposure are not
included in this International Standard.
The information needed for evaluation of human exposure to contaminants leached from soil to surface and/or
groundwater or transferred by runoff is not included in this International Standard. Aspects related to
radioactivity and pathogens in soil and potential human exposure hereto are also not included in this
International Standard.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 10381-1, Soil quality — Sampling — Part 1: Guidance on the design of sampling programmes
ISO 10381-5, Soil quality — Sampling — Part 5: Guidance on investigation of soil contamination of urban and
industrial sites
ISO 11074 (all parts), Soil quality — Vocabulary
ISO 15175, Soil quality — Characterization of soil related to groundwater protection
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this International Standard, the terms and definitions given in ISO 11074 (all parts),
ISO 11259:1998 and the following apply.
3.1
bioavailability
degree to which substances present in a soil matrix may be absorbed or metabolized in the human body
NOTE In this context the definition refers to availability in the human body.
3.2
biodegradation
breakdown of a substance or chemical by living organisms, usually bacteria
3.3
contaminant
substance or agent present in the soil as a result of human activity
cf. pollutant (3.10)
NOTE There is no assumption in this definition that harm results from the presence of the contaminant.
3.4
data quality objectives
statement of the required detection limits, accuracy, reproducibility and repeatability of the required analytical
and other data
NOTE Generic data quality objectives can sometimes be set at national level. Data quality objectives can also
embrace an amount of data required for an area of land (or part of a site) to enable sound comparison with generic
guidelines or standards or for a site-specific or material-specific estimation of risk.
3.5
exposure
reception of a dose of a substance
3.6
exposure assessment
process of establishing whether, and how much, exposure will occur between a receptor and a contaminated
source
3.7
exposure pathway
course a substance takes from a source to a receptor
NOTE Each exposure pathway links a source to a receptor.
3.8
groundwater
any water, except capillary water, beneath the land surface or beneath the bed of any stream, lake reservoir
or other body of surface water, whatever may be the geological formation or structure in which such water
stands, flows, percolates or otherwise moves
3.9
hazard
inherently dangerous quality of a substance, procedure or event
3.10
pollutant
those substances which due to their properties, amount or concentration cause impacts on (i.e. harm to) the
soil functions or soil use
[ISO 11074-1:1996]
3.11
receptor
potentially exposed person
3.12
risk
combination of the probability of occurrence of harm and the severity of that harm
[ISO/IEC Guide 51:1999]
2 © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved
3.13
risk analysis
use of available information to identify hazard and to estimate the risk
3.14
risk assessment
process of risk analysis and risk characterization
3.15
risk characterization
evaluation and conclusion based on the hazard identification and the exposure and effect assessment
3.16
site
defined area, in this context often contaminated by human activities
3.17
site characterization
collection of data providing appropriate information for exposure assessment
3.18
soil
upper layer of the Earth's crust composed of mineral particles, organic matter, water, air and organisms
[ISO 11074-1:1996]
3.19
soil function
function of soil which is significant to man and the environment
[ISO 11074-4:1998]
3.20
source
soil or soil component from which a substance or hazardous agent is released for potential human exposure
3.21
subsoil
material underlying the topsoil and overlying the solid (parent) rock beneath
NOTE All or much of the original rock structure has usually been obliterated by pedogenic processes.
3.22
surface water
lakes, ponds, impounding reservoirs, springs, flowing (streaming) waters, estuaries, wetlands, inlets, canals,
oceans within the relevant territorial limits, and all other bodies of water, natural or artificial, inland or coastal,
fresh or salt
3.23
topsoil
upper part of a natural soil which is generally dark-coloured and has a higher content of organic substances
and nutrient when compared to the subsoil below
[ISO 11074-4:1998]
3.24
trace element
element in low concentration in soil material
NOTE A trace element can be essential at low concentration but harmful at higher concentration.
4 Characterization of soil and sites with respect to human exposure
4.1 Introduction
Characterizations of soils and sites with respect to human exposure are usually performed as a part of a risk
assessment.
In this context, a contaminated site is an area defined e.g. by property boundaries and contaminated by past
or present human activities. In many countries, contaminated sites are registered publicly as a consequence
of specific legislation.
A risk assessment comprises the following elements:
a hazard identification;
a dose-response assessment;
an exposure assessment;
and, based on the above, a risk characterization.
Risk and exposure assessments are usually performed on the basis of one or more defined scenarios, e.g. in
order to obtain general criteria related to the scenario, or on the basis of the data connected with a specific
site.
This International Standard includes the element exposure assessment in relation to human exposure.
An exposure assessment is the process by which the intensity, frequency and duration of human exposure to
a contaminant are estimated, and it comprises:
source identification and characterization,
identification of exposure routes,
identification of relevant receptors/target groups,
and based on this: the actual exposure assessment.
Exposure assessments can be carried out in order to assess either the total exposure of a given receptor
group (e.g. the population at risk) or the additional exposure from a given source or activity. In this
International Standard, only the additional risk from soil contamination is addressed.
For the assessment of possible effects on human health, an analysis of the exposure routes is a prerequisite.
For this purpose, the actual and planned use of the site may be included in the assessment, as this may
define which exposure routes are of relevance. If a new use is planned, a renewed assessment shall be
carried out. Average-, worst- or reasonable-case exposure can be evaluated, and depending on the purpose
of the exposure assessment, the data needs can differ for these situations.
If receptors are not directly exposed to a contaminant, exposure assessment needs to consider the various
ways by which indirect exposure might occur, and its significance. A contaminant can also undergo
transformations through biological, chemical or physical means that might affect its toxicity, availability and
mobility. The risk depends on both the concentration of a contaminant and the route of exposure (skin contact,
inhalation, ingestion, etc.). For this reason, analysis of the changes that the contaminant undergoes as a
result of these transformations and phase transfer processes prior to exposure is an important part of
exposure assessment.
Characterization of soil and sites with respect to exposure routes and quantification of the actual exposure is
described in 4.2. Characterization of soil and sites with respect to source identification and characterization is
described in 5.3, where reference to other relevant International Standards is also made.
4 © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved
4.2 Exposure routes
4.2.1 General
Human exposure from soil contamination may occur through different media.
The following routes of exposure directly from the soil exist:
soil ingestion;
dermal contact.
Airborne exposure due to volatilization comprises
inhalation and ingestion of fugitive dust,
elevation of outdoor concentrations,
intrusion of vapours in buildings.
Exposure through the food chain comprises
consumption of plants, including crops and cultivated plants, wild plants and fungi,
consumption of animals and animal products, including wild animals.
Exposure routes connected to surface and groundwater are not included in this International Standard. These
routes also include exposure due to showering, dishwashing and other domestic use of water, ingestion of fish
and of piped water polluted by contaminated soil or groundwater surrounding the pipe. It should be noted that
these routes can be very relevant pathways in the overall exposure pattern.
Transfer of contaminants from soil to surface waters is highly site-specific and depends on run-off volume,
peak flowrate, soil erodability, slope length and steepness, sorption capacity of the soil, type of vegetation
cover, and distance to receiving body. In practice, surface water pollution is usually monitored via direct
measurement. With regard to exposure in connection with groundwater, ISO 15175 shall be followed.
The actual exposure routes depend on the site use.
Playgrounds and private gardens (kitchen and ornamental) can be considered to cause the highest
degree of human exposure during use. This use may imply close (skin) contact to the soil, ingestion of
soil, ingestion of plants grown in the soil (and of soil on these plants) as well as inhalation of dust and
vapours.
Agricultural zones can be the principal exposure route through the food chain. The size of these areas
means that, except when the farmer and his/her family consume part of production, crops are widely
distributed to a large population. On the other hand, if the soil is the only source of contamination, the
consumption of goods produced in the contaminated area represents only a very small part of those
consumed by the population (through dilution with other product sources);
Parks may be used in ways exposing humans to inhalation of dust and vapours, skin contact with
soil/dust and, to a lesser degree than gardens, ingestion of soil;
Sports facilities mainly give rise to exposure via inhalation of soil/dust and skin contact with soil/dust;
Consolidated surfaces such as parking lots, roads, etc. give rise to exposure via inhalation of vapours and
from accumulation of fine dust;
Buildings (homes, schools, kindergartens, offices, industry and shops) give rise to exposure via vapours;
soil carried into the buildings may cause inhalation and/or ingestion of dust.
Industry can comprise consolidated and unconsolidated areas, park-like areas and buildings. The
information needed for evaluation of human exposure in these types of areas have been listed above.
The actual exposure time can differ between similar site uses, due to differences in climate and actual site use
patterns (e.g. number of days per week the site is in use).
An overview of relevant exposure routes for each site use is given in Annex A (informative).
In the following, the characterization of soils with respect to the different exposure routes is described. The
uptake patterns and thus the importance of the different exposure routes will vary depending on the properties
of the contaminants in question.
4.2.2 Soil ingestion
Soil ingestion by children happens through ingestion of dust, sucking of dirty fingers and by actual eating of
soil. Distinction should be made between inadvertent and accidental intake and deliberate long-term persistent
behaviour (Pica behaviour). In general Pica behaviour should be regarded as a special case, not necessarily
relevant for the actual assessment.
NOTE Some young children go through a short period of exploratory soil ingestion.
Adults mainly ingest soil as dust, e.g. in connection with gardening, and as soil on non-cleaned vegetables
and fruit. In the case of the characterization of a specific site, the actual behaviour should be taken into
account.
To assess soil ingestion, the contaminant content usually taken into account is that resulting from extraction
with strong extractants [this content is known as (pseudo)total for metals]. In addition, the hypothesis of total
absorption of the contaminant in the digestive track is often made. A few animal experiments carried out show
that this hypothesis is not always relevant, at least for metals. Methods (employing slightly weaker extractants)
used for the description of uptake of metals from toys have also been used for this type of assessment. The
potential for absorption of a given contaminant can vary with the soil particle size, and information on
particle-size distribution may be relevant.
NOTE (Pseudo)total concentration is defined by the actual method of analysis, including the specific extraction
method utilized, see 5.5.
4.2.3 Dermal contact
Skin contact with contaminated soil could be caused by dust reaching the skin through atmospheric deposition,
by playing or by working with the soil. It should be noted that there is a distinction between skin contact in e.g.
a private home and workplace contact, since the latter is usually regulated by health and safety at work. It
should be noted that work-related matters are not covered by this International Standard.
For an assessment of this route of exposure, the information needed is the (pseudo)total concentration of
each substance in the soil. For calculations of the efficiency of uptake through skin, once the soil particles
have reached this surface, the parameters determining the bioavailability may be useful. In evaluation of soil
contaminants in connection with skin contact, distinction should be made between contaminants that can be
absorbed through the skin and substances potentially causing other effects, such as rashes from hyper-
sensitivity.
4.2.4 Inhalation of dust
The actual importance of dust inhalation (and digestion) as an exposure route is connected to the actual site
use [e.g. motorcycle scrambling and soccer fields are site uses where dust inhalation (and digestion) can play
a major role]. Climatic conditions and vegetation cover also influence the actual exposure.
Calculations pertaining to uptake via dust can be based on general models for dust in air. For a detailed
assessment of the uptake of contaminants from inhaled dust, the parameters determining the bioavailability
can be useful. The concentration level usually varies with particle size, the smallest particles usually
containing the highest concentrations and having the longest exposure times. This should be taken into
account if only measurements of the average concentrations are available.
6 © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved
4.2.5 Inhalation of vapours (outdoors)
Assessment of the inhalation of vapours should primarily be based on measurements of soil air concentrations,
preferably by passive sampling methods. If this is not possible or otherwise not relevant (e.g. in the case of
planned activities that would alter the distance between the contaminated zone and the receptors, for example
by inserting venting systems), calculations of air flux from the contaminated soil volume to surface can be
performed. The relevant soil parameters for these calculations would be (together with information on the
depth of the vapour dose zone and variations therein):
concentration;
porosity;
water content;
bulk density;
organic carbon fraction.
Relevant substance parameters such as water and organic carbon partition coefficients, Henry's constant, and
vapour pressure should also be determined. Porosity and water content are also relevant, together with soil
type for the characterization of soil air concentrations at depths less than actually measured, and thus of the
soil contaminants' contribution to outdoor air concentrations.
4.2.6 Inhalation of vapours (indoors)
Inhalation of vapours indoors can be assessed on the same basis as outdoor vapours, plus data relevant for
the estimation of diffusion and advective (crack) transport through the relevant floor construction. These data
may include information on pressure differences between the contaminated area in the soil and the target
indoor area due to e.g. temperature differences, wind, changes in atmospheric pressure and the ventilation
pattern of the building.
4.2.7 Intake via plants
The amount of contaminants taken up and accumulated by plants depends on the physico-chemical
characteristics of the contaminant, the type of soil (including soil characteristics), the type and part of the plant
that is consumed, and even climate. It should be noted that plants are contaminated by both root uptake and
deposition on the leaves, etc. Intake by humans also depends on how a plant is treated before consumption
(washing, peeling, cooking, packaging, etc.). Care should be taken in using general models for the
assessment of plant uptake in a specific case. Results of experimental studies on accumulation by plants
should be used when available, if they have been obtained under conditions similar to those of the assessed
site.
It is important to be aware of the total exposure via plant uptake, taking local conditions into account and the
influence hereon of possible additional exposure caused by soil contamination.
For the assessment of the exposure of humans to organic compounds via plants, the relevant parameters
may include the following: organic carbon fraction, w ; content (fraction) of clay particles, w ; cation
OC CM
exchange capacity of the soil, CEC; soil pH; soil bulk density; soil water content; organic carbon partition
coefficient, K ; and redox potential.
OC
Uptake of metals can be evaluated based on e.g. (pseudo)total concentration, clay content, organic carbon
content, CEC, distribution coefficients and pH. Plant uptake can also (at least for some metals) be estimated
via extraction tests utilizing dilute, non-complexing or organic complexing salts or diluted acids.
The importance of the different parameters mentioned varies not only with the soil, but also with the
vegetation and individual species and variety of plants.
4.2.8 Intake via animals
Intake by animals is usually mainly due to direct ingestion of soil from the surface layer or from soil adhering to
forage. To a lesser degree, it comes from consumption of fodder after plant uptake and accumulation. The
degree of accumulation of the contaminants by animals depends on the properties of the soil, the level of
contamination and other components of the diet.
5 Characterization of soil and sites
5.1 Relevant soil processes and parameters
During transport of contaminants in soil, the contaminants are affected by a number of physical or reactive
geochemical and biological processes, which may attenuate, concentrate, immobilize, liberate, degrade or
otherwise transform the contaminants. Since these transformations affect both contaminant concentration and
the route of exposure, information concerning the parameters governing these processes is important for the
exposure assessment. It should be noted that the relative importance of the different parameters for the
processes is not yet fully understood.
The potential processes involved in fate and transport of the contaminants in the soil depend on type of soil
and the type of contaminant, and include
sorption/desorption,
binding,
dispersion,
solubilization,
diffusion, including intraparticle diffusion,
complexation,
precipitation/dissolution,
evaporation,
chemical transformation,
photodegradation,
uptake by plants and other organisms,
biological transformations including microbial, soil animal and plant metabolism.
Fate and transport analysis does not normally include all the above processes, but should at least integrate
the key processes. In Table 1 and Table 2 a number of parameters governing the above-mentioned processes
and the overall transport processes to different degrees are listed and connected to the exposure route for
which they might be relevant.
8 © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved
Table 1 — Matrix of soil properties relevant for different exposure routes
Inhalation Inhalation
Soil Dermal Inhalation Intake via Intake via
Soil parameter of vapours of vapours
ingestion contact of dust plants animals
(outdoors) (indoors)
a
org
Porosity X X X
a
org
Water content X X X X X
Bulk density X X X X
Particle size
distribution
X X X X
X X X
Organic carbon
a
org
fraction X X X X X
b b
inorg inorg
Clay content X X X X
Stratification X X
Depth of vapour
dose zone X X
CEC X X
pH X X
Redox potential X X
Temperature X X X
This table gives examples and is not exhaustive.
NOTE The actual amounts of the different contaminants will vary. Inhalation of vapours usually refers to organic contaminants, for
all practical purposes.
a org
X : relevant only for organic contaminants.
b inorg
X : relevant only for inorganic contaminants.
Table 2 — Matrix of type of contaminant content relevant for different exposure routes
Contaminant Soil Dermal Inhalation Inhalation Inhalation Intake via Intake via
content ingestion contact of dust of vapours of vapours plants animals
(outdoors) (indoors)
Total (pseudo) X X X X X X X
Acid extractable X X
Extractable in
organic
X X X
extractants
Extractable in
weak extractants X X X
In small particles X X X X
In soil air X X
In soil pore water X X
Partition
coefficient X X X X
Distribution
coefficient X
Plant/soil
concentration ratio
X X
This table gives examples and is not exhaustive.
NOTE The concentration ratio (bioaccumulation factor) can vary substantially between the leaves and the roots of the plant, and
depends on the actual plant species.
5.2 Sampling
5.2.1 General
The strategies for sampling and analysis should be based on knowledge of actual or planned use of the
area/site, together with knowledge of the site history. For more details, ISO 10381-1 shall be considered.
Sampling depths relevant for human exposure depend on the exposure route in question, and should be
decided carefully based on the actual and/or planned uses for a site. The factors that may be considered for
each exposure route include those in 5.2.2 to 5.2.5.
5.2.2 Soil ingestion
Contaminant concentrations relevant with respect to soil ingestion are primarily connected with children
playing in and on the soil. Therefore samples should be taken from topsoil in particular. Nevertheless, it
should be noted that in gardens, parks and playgrounds occasional activities can bring soil from deeper layers
to the surface. For instance, planting and replacement of trees and bushes can imply digging of holes, and
some of the soil from the bottom of the hole can, in this way, be brought to the surface.
Earthworms and other soil fauna may also transport soil from deeper layers to the surface.
5.2.3 Inhalation and transport of dust
Dust transport is mainly relevant in areas where the soil in periods is without plant cover (e.g. gardens and
cultivated agricultural land) or in areas with intense activity (e.g. gardens, parks and sports facilities). Dust
originally comes from the very top layers of the soil, and probably mainly consists of the finer fractions. A
separate analysis of the finer soil fraction may be relevant if dust transport and inhalation is considered a
major exposure route.
5.2.4 Uptake by plants
Garden and agricultural plants generally have a root depth of less than 30 cm, they can however reach 60 cm
but yet rarely exceed 160 cm. Trees may have roots reaching down several metres (they do, however, take up
the majority of nutrients in the first 40 cm of the temperate zone).
Garden cultivation and agriculture (hoeing, digging and ploughing) usually affect soil at depths to 30 cm and
very rarely reach greater depths (except with subsoiling which can reach 60 cm).
5.2.5 Inhalation of vapours
Based on actual measurements and conservative model calculations, impacts from vapours in outdoor air
seldom occur unless the contaminant is very close to the surface and consists of pollutants in free or near-free
phase.
Indoor impact due to vaporization of the more volatile organic contaminants can arise if the soil concentration
is sufficient and the contaminant is localized in the upper layers of the soil.
5.3 Site characterization
An exposure assessment of contaminated sites as well as soil in general depends on the data available about
the characteristics of the site, including contaminant sources, pathways and the potential receptors that may
be at risk. Site characterization can thus, for the purpose of this International Standard, be defined as the
source identification and characterization element of the exposure assessment.
For practical and economic reasons, investigation of contaminated sites cannot include sampling and analysis
for all substances. A phased approach is usually the best way of providing the required data in the most cost-
effective and efficient manner. At the initial stage of the assessment, the (types of) substances likely to be
found, and their pattern(s) of distribution in the soil, can often be identified by characterization of the possible
sources of contamination of the site. This is typically a part of what is often called a “historical survey” of the
10 © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved
activities carried out in the site. At this stage it may be relevant to also include a characterization of the
general exposure pattern in the area under consideration (e.g. old waste disposal sites, proximity to
industries) as well as identification and characterization of possible former activities on the site that could lead
to specific contaminations (e.g. gasoline stations, specific industry). It may be relevant to identify different
sources (contaminants and location) for the different exposure routes.
The aim of the main site investigation is to define the extent and degree of contamination and to assess the
exposures associated with the identified hazards and receptors. It is of major importance to an assessment of
human exposure that the extent (concentrations and physical extent) of contamination in all relevant media is
determined in the site investigation. As is stated in connection with the soil characterization, an assessment of
the availability is just as important.
For a detailed description of the relevant types of investigation, sampling and assessment of a site,
ISO 10381-5 shall be considered.
A number of general site characteristics are necessary to assess the possible exposure pattern. Relevant
characteristics of the site that might be determined are listed in Table 3.
Table 3 — Parameters useful for site description
Parameters Description ISO Standard
Landform and topography topography, landform, land element, position, slope, microtopography ISO 11259
Land use and vegetation land use, human influence, vegetation, buildings, etc.
Geology origin of parent material, effective soil depth ISO 11259
Surface characteristics rock outcrops, surface coarse fragments, wind and water erosion,
ISO 11259
surface sealing, surface cracks, other characteristics
Hydrology surface water balance, rainfall, evapotranspiration, surface runoff,
groundwater recharge, presence and depth of water table, moisture
conditions
Meteorological conditions wind speed, predominant wind direction, temperature
Soil type/ Soil horizon soil type in regard of the classification system used, sequence and
description depth of diagnostic horizons, soil colour (matrix, mottling), organic
matter, texture, coarse elements, pedofeatures, carbonates, field-pH,
ISO 11259
structure, fracturing, inhomogeneities, presence of non-soil material,
compactness, total estimated porosity, geochemistry, roots, worm
channels, biological activity
NOTE See also [1].
5.4 Characterization of soil
5.4.1 General
Soil is a mixture of three phases: liquid and gas present in a solid matrix. Soil characteristics depend on the
original rock or geological deposit from which it comes, and on other parameters such as the organisms living
in and on it and climatological factors. With time, they modify the original material, giving distinct horizons
within the profile. This modification results in a wide variety of soils differing in physical and chemical
characteristics. Even within one soil type, large variations may occur within a short distance. On a
contaminated site, the soil may also contain ash, clinker, bricks, rubble, etc.
Substances present in soil can be bound to the soil matrix by sorptive and binding mechanisms, which can
affect availability with respect to uptake and/or metabolization by living organisms, e.g. in the case of
inhalation and ingestion. The binding of substances can change with time, due to alteration of the soil or to
alteration of the binding mechanism. For the quantification of human exposure to substances present in soil,
information regarding the total content of each substance in the soil may therefore not be sufficient. For some
substances (e.g. trace elements), the evaluation of human exposure could be based on contents measured by
analytical techniques, resulting in data that are expected to be adequate for an evaluation of the (bio)available
portion of the substances in soil. Investigators may also take into account available knowledge on resorption
and metabolism of the substances in the organism, and the related differences between individuals and
population groups (e.g. children versus adults).
As the assessment of possible effects on human health is primarily based on information regarding single
substances found in the soil, the possibility of the occurrence of other substances (not investigated) should be
evaluated. This evaluation could be based on experience from other site investigations regarding the
simultaneous presence of several substances. In general there is a great need for the development of tests
that in a broader sense assess a complex soil contamination’s impact on human health. It should also be kept
in mind that synergistic or antagonistic-type interactions between substances can affect the actual impact of
an exposure.
In the following paragraphs, soil characteristics affecting the sorption and the movement of substances in soils
and, consequently, their availability, in context with an assessment of human exposure, are mentioned. The
choice of relevant parameters depends on the purpose of the characterization, e.g. a general classification or
the characterization of a specific site for a specific site use. Characterization of soil requires the determination
of physical, chemical and biological properties, but depending on the specific assessment, not all soil
parameters will be relevant in all cases.
5.4.2 Physical characteristics of soils
A number of physical soil parameters are relevant in connection with the assessment of human exposure
caused by contamination in soil. Below a number of physical characteristics are listed, together with
comments on their relevance in exposure assessments. The actual choice of parameters should be based on
the preliminary knowledge of site geology, pedology and contaminant situation.
Porosity: the volume of pore space in the total volume of soil. The pore space can be occupied by air
and water (or free chemical phase).
Air permeability: In soil, this is a function of porosity, grain size and water content. Air permeability
influences the exposure route for inhalation of vapours.
Bulk density: directly related to the porosity and relevant when estimating phase-partitioning in soil.
Dry matter content: the amount of the total volume (or mass) of soil taken up by soil particles. Chemical
analysis often relates the amount of a substance to the dry matter content, so knowledge hereof is
important to correctly estimate the partitioning of a substance in the soil.
Particle-size distribution: Four fractions should be distinguished: clay, silt, sand, gravel/stones. The
particle-size distribution determines the soil texture and also the surface area of a soil, the finest fraction
having the largest specific surface. The surface area influences the actual sorption of substances onto the
soil. It should be noted that particles of size < 0,002 mm, usually defined as clay, may contain other
materials which are not clay minerals.
Clay: Clay particles (< 0,002 mm) affect the reactive properties of soil due to their large surface (for
sorption) and the (electrical) properties of the surface. Depending on the type of clay mineral, the charge
may be positive, negative or neutral.
Water content: the amount of pore space occupied by water. It influences the binding and the diffusion of
substances in the soil matrix.
Organic matter content: This influences biotransformation processes, especially for organic compounds
that are difficult to biodegrade and primarily degrade under co-metabolic processes. It a
...
NORME ISO
INTERNATIONALE 15800
Première édition
2003-12-15
Qualité du sol — Caractérisation des sols
relative à l'exposition des personnes
Soil quality — Characterization of soil with respect to human exposure
Numéro de référence
©
ISO 2003
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ii © ISO 2003 — Tous droits réservés
Sommaire Page
Avant-propos. iv
Introduction . v
1 Domaine d'application. 1
2 Références normatives. 1
3 Termes et définitions . 1
4 Caractérisation de sols et de sites relative à l'exposition des personnes. 4
4.1 Introduction . 4
4.2 Voies d'exposition. 5
5 Caractérisation des sols et des sites. 8
5.1 Processus et paramètres pertinents du sol .8
5.2 Échantillonnage . 10
5.3 Caractérisation du site . 11
5.4 Caractérisation du sol . 12
5.5 Caractérisation de la contamination . 16
6 Traitement, évaluation et qualité des données. 20
Annexe A (informative) Voies d'exposition en fonction de l'utilisation réelle du site. 22
Annexe B (informative) Industries et substances polluantes correspondantes. 23
Bibliographie . 24
Avant-propos
L'ISO (Organisation internationale de normalisation) est une fédération mondiale d'organismes nationaux de
normalisation (comités membres de l'ISO). L'élaboration des Normes internationales est en général confiée
aux comités techniques de l'ISO. Chaque comité membre intéressé par une étude a le droit de faire partie du
comité technique créé à cet effet. Les organisations internationales, gouvernementales et non
gouvernementales, en liaison avec l'ISO participent également aux travaux. L'ISO collabore étroitement avec
la Commission électrotechnique internationale (CEI) en ce qui concerne la normalisation électrotechnique.
Les Normes internationales sont rédigées conformément aux règles données dans les Directives ISO/CEI,
Partie 2.
La tâche principale des comités techniques est d'élaborer les Normes internationales. Les projets de Normes
internationales adoptés par les comités techniques sont soumis aux comités membres pour vote. Leur
publication comme Normes internationales requiert l'approbation de 75 % au moins des comités membres
votants.
L'attention est appelée sur le fait que certains des éléments du présent document peuvent faire l'objet de
droits de propriété intellectuelle ou de droits analogues. L'ISO ne saurait être tenue pour responsable de ne
pas avoir identifié de tels droits de propriété et averti de leur existence.
L'ISO 15800 a été élaborée par le comité technique ISO/TC 190, Qualité du sol, sous-comité SC 7, Évaluation
des sols et des sites.
iv © ISO 2003 — Tous droits réservés
Introduction
Des caractérisations de sols et de sites relatives à l'exposition des personnes sont effectuées dans le monde
entier. En général, elles sont planifiées et conduites par des bureaux d'études ou des groupes d'experts. Les
données issues de ces caractérisations sont utilisées pour l'évaluation de l'exposition des personnes. En
outre, ces caractérisations interviennent non seulement dans les processus de prises de décisions au niveau
des entreprises, des individus et des instances locales et nationales mais aussi dans les recommandations et
réglementations édictées par des instances nationales et internationales.
Les évaluations relatives aux effets potentiels sur la santé des personnes, dus à l'exposition, peuvent être
utilisées dans les cadres suivants:
classification des sites contaminés;
recommandations relatives à la réhabilitation des sites, des sols et des matériaux du sol, par exemple
fixation de priorités pour la dépollution;
décisions quant à l'usage futur/planifié des sites contaminés;
décisions à propos de l'élimination/du traitement/de la réutilisation des sols/matériaux du sol pollués ou
dépollués.
Les données nécessaires à l'évaluation de l'exposition des personnes dépendent, dans une certaine mesure,
de la façon dont l'exposition est évaluée. Ainsi, les calculs peuvent reposer sur des scénarios nécessitant
chacun des données différentes.
L'étendue des investigations nécessaires à cette évaluation peut varier en fonction du niveau de
contamination et de l'usage du site en question. Dans certains cas, l'évaluation de l'exposition potentielle sur
la santé des personnes ne peut s'appuyer que sur des informations concernant les substances présentes
dans le sol, leurs niveaux de concentration et les paramètres pertinents du sol. Dans d'autres cas, des
informations plus détaillées sur la disponibilité de la substance se révèlent nécessaires. Ces informations
dépendront de la nature et de la concentration de la substance, des paramètres pertinents du sol et du type
d'exposition concernant l'usage du site en question. En outre, la méthode et les stratégies d'échantillonnage
peuvent découler de l'usage du site et des voies d'exposition possibles.
En raison des dépenses élevées qui tendent à s'imposer à la fois pour les propriétaires fonciers privés et les
fonds publics destinés aux mesures correctives concernant les terres contaminées, aux mouvements
généraux de capitaux et aux entreprises industrielles/commerciales, la demande en matière de Normes
internationales concernant la caractérisation des sols contaminés est très forte, notamment au regard de la
santé des personnes.
Les Normes internationales associées à ce domaine complexe viendront à l'appui de la création d'une base
scientifique commune pour l'échange d'informations, le développement des connaissances et d'une solide
évaluation commerciale.
NORME INTERNATIONALE ISO 15800:2003(F)
Qualité du sol — Caractérisation des sols relative à l'exposition
des personnes
1 Domaine d'application
La présente Norme internationale spécifie les lignes directrices concernant la nature et l'étendue de la
caractérisation des sols nécessaire à l'évaluation de l'exposition des personnes aux substances pouvant être
à l'origine d'effets néfastes.
La présente Norme internationale ne prend pas en compte les possibilités de normalisation des calculs qui
sont utilisés pour l'évaluation de l'exposition des personnes.
En outre, la présente Norme internationale ne tient pas compte des informations nécessaires à l'évaluation de
l'exposition des personnes relative à des produits contaminants lixiviés depuis le sol vers les eaux de surface
et/ou souterraines ou transférés par écoulement. De la même manière, elle ne prend pas en compte les
aspects liés à la radioactivité et aux bactéries pathogènes présentes dans le sol et à l'exposition potentielle
des personnes qui en découle.
2 Références normatives
Les documents de référence suivants sont indispensables pour l'application du présent document. Pour les
références datées, seule l'édition citée s'applique. Pour les références non datées, la dernière édition du
document de référence s'applique (y compris les éventuels amendements).
ISO 10381-1, Qualité du sol — Échantillonnage — Partie 1: Lignes directrices pour l'établissement des
programmes d'échantillonnage
ISO 10381-5, Qualité du sol — Échantillonnage — Partie 5: Lignes directrices relatives à l'investigation des
sols pollués en sites urbains et industriels
ISO 11074 (toutes les parties), Qualité du sol — Vocabulaire
ISO 11259:1998, Qualité du sol — Description simplifiée du sol
ISO 15175, Qualité du sol — Caractérisation des sols en relation avec la nappe phréatique
3 Termes et définitions
Pour les besoins du présent document, les termes et définitions donnés dans l'ISO 11074 (toutes les parties)
et dans l'ISO 11259:1998 ainsi que les suivants s'appliquent.
3.1
biodisponibilité
degré d'absorption ou de métabolisation, dans le corps humain, des substances présentes dans une matrice
du sol
NOTE Dans le contexte de la présente Norme internationale, cette définition fait référence à la disponibilité dans le
corps humain.
3.2
biodégradation
décomposition d'une substance ou d'un produit chimique par un organisme vivant, généralement des
bactéries
3.3
contaminant
substance ou agent présent(e) dans le sol et résultant d'une activité humaine
cf. polluant (3.10)
NOTE Cette définition ne laisse présumer en aucune manière que des dommages résultent de la présence du
contaminant.
3.4
objectifs en matière de qualité des données
spécification relative aux limites de détection, à la précision, à la reproductibilité et à la répétabilité
nécessaires pour les données analytiques et autres
NOTE Il est possible que des objectifs génériques en matière de qualité des données soient parfois définis au niveau
national. Les objectifs en matière de qualité des données peuvent également englober le volume de données requis pour
une zone de terre (ou une partie d'un site) afin de permettre une comparaison efficace avec des lignes directrices ou des
normes génériques ou pour une estimation du risque spécifique à un site ou à un matériau.
3.5
exposition
réception d'une dose de substance
3.6
évaluation de l'exposition
processus utilisé pour établir si, et en quelle proportion, un récepteur peut être placé en situation d'exposition
vis-à-vis d'une source contaminée
3.7
voies d'exposition
trajet qu'utilise la substance pour passer de la source au récepteur
NOTE Chaque voie d'exposition est un lien entre une source et un récepteur.
3.8
eaux souterraines
eaux, à l'exception des eaux capillaires, situées au-dessous de la surface de la terre ou au-dessous du lit d'un
courant d'eau, d'un plan d'eau ou d'autres eaux de surface, quelle que soit la formation ou la structure
géologique dans lesquelles ces eaux sont retenues, s'écoulent, percolent ou se déplacent
3.9
danger
propriété inhérente à une substance, à un mode opératoire ou à un événement de provoquer un dommage
3.10
polluant
substance qui, en raison de ses propriétés, de sa quantité ou de sa concentration, a un effet néfaste sur les
fonctions et l'utilisation du sol
3.11
récepteur
personne potentiellement exposée
3.12
risque
combinaison de la probabilité d'un dommage et de sa gravité
[Guide ISO/CEI 51:1999]
2 © ISO 2003 — Tous droits réservés
3.13
analyse du risque
utilisation des informations disponibles pour identifier le danger et estimer le risque
3.14
évaluation du risque
processus d'analyse et de caractérisation du risque
3.15
caractérisation du risque
évaluation et conclusion basées sur l'identification du risque et sur l'évaluation de l'exposition et des effets
3.16
site
zone définie, qui, dans ce contexte, est souvent contaminée par des activités humaines
3.17
caractérisation du site
collecte de données offrant des informations pertinentes pour l'évaluation de l'exposition
3.18
sol
couche supérieure de la croûte terrestre composée de particules minérales, de matière organique, d'eau, d'air
et d'organismes
[ISO 11074-1:1996]
3.19
fonctions du sol
fonctions définissant l'importance du sol pour l'homme et l'environnement
[ISO 11074-4:1999]
3.20
source
sol ou composant du sol qui libère une substance ou un agent dangereux auquel les humains peuvent être
exposés
3.21
sous-sol
matériaux situés en dessous du sol superficiel et au-dessus de la roche (mère) solide du dessous
NOTE D'une manière générale, la structure d'origine de la roche a été entièrement ou partiellement dégradée par
des processus de pédogenèse.
3.22
eaux de surface
lacs, étangs, réservoirs d'accumulation, sources, cours d'eau, estuaires, terrains marécageux, arrivées d'eau,
canaux, océans dans les limites territoriales correspondantes ainsi que tous les autres milieux aqueux, qu'ils
soient naturels ou artificiels, intérieurs ou côtiers, doux ou salés
3.23
sol superficiel
partie supérieure d'un sol naturel, généralement de couleur brune, contenant plus de substances organiques
et de nutriments que le sous-sol
[ISO 11074-4:1999]
3.24
élément trace
élément à faible concentration dans les matériaux du sol
NOTE Un élément trace peut être essentiel à faible concentration et nocif à forte concentration.
4 Caractérisation de sols et de sites relative à l'exposition des personnes
4.1 Introduction
Les caractérisations de sols et de sites relatives à l'exposition des personnes sont généralement effectuées
dans le cadre de l'évaluation du risque.
Dans ce contexte, un site contaminé se caractérise par une zone définie, par exemple par les limites de
propriété, et contaminée par des activités humaines passées ou présentes. Dans de nombreux pays, les sites
contaminés sont dûment signalés auprès du public en raison d'une législation spécifique.
Une évaluation du risque comporte les éléments suivants:
l'identification du danger;
l'évaluation de la relation dose-effet;
l'évaluation de l'exposition;
et, à partir des éléments précédents, la caractérisation du risque.
D'une manière générale, les évaluations du risque et de l'exposition sont effectuées à partir d'un ou de
plusieurs scénarios définis, par exemple pour obtenir des critères généraux relatifs au scénario ou à partir de
données relatives à un site spécifique.
La présente Norme internationale inclut l'évaluation de l'exposition en tant qu'élément relatif à l'exposition des
personnes.
L'évaluation de l'exposition est un processus d'évaluation de l'intensité, de la fréquence et de la durée de
l'exposition des personnes à un contaminant, et se compose des éléments suivants:
l'identification et la caractérisation de la source;
l'identification des voies d'exposition;
l'identification des récepteurs/groupes cibles pertinents;
et, à partir des éléments précédents, l'exposition réelle des personnes.
Des évaluations d'exposition peuvent être effectuées pour évaluer soit l'exposition totale d'un groupe de
récepteurs donnés (par exemple la population exposée au risque), soit l'exposition supplémentaire due à une
source ou à une activité donnée. La présente Norme internationale concerne seulement le risque
supplémentaire issu de la contamination des sols.
Une analyse des voies d'exposition constitue une condition préalable à l'évaluation des effets potentiels sur la
santé des personnes. À ce titre, l'évaluation peut également prendre en compte l'utilisation réelle et planifiée
du site; cette caractéristique peut en effet permettre de définir les voies d'exposition pertinentes. Si une
nouvelle utilisation est planifiée, il faut alors renouveler l'évaluation. L'exposition peut être évaluée selon un
scénario moyen, pire ou raisonnable; en fonction des objectifs de l'évaluation, les besoins en données
peuvent être différents.
Lorsque les récepteurs ne sont pas directement exposés à un contaminant, l'évaluation de l'exposition doit
prendre en compte les différents moyens par lesquels une exposition indirecte peut se produire et leur
importance. Un contaminant peut également subir des transformations biologiques, chimiques ou physiques
susceptibles de modifier sa toxicité, sa disponibilité et sa mobilité. Le risque dépend à la fois de la
concentration du contaminant et des voies d'exposition (contact avec la peau, inhalation, ingestion, etc.). Pour
cette raison, l'analyse des modifications subies par le contaminant en raison des transformations et des
processus de transfert de phase précédant l'exposition constitue une composante importante de l'évaluation
de l'exposition.
4 © ISO 2003 — Tous droits réservés
La caractérisation des sols et des sites en ce qui concerne les voies d'exposition et la quantification de
l'exposition réelle est décrite en 4.2. La caractérisation des sols et des sites en ce qui concerne l'identification
et la caractérisation de la source est décrite en 5.3, où il est également fait référence à d'autres Normes
internationales pertinentes.
4.2 Voies d'exposition
4.2.1 Généralités
L'exposition des personnes à la contamination des sols peut se produire par le biais de milieux différents.
L'exposition directe à partir du sol correspond aux voies suivantes:
ingestion de terre;
contact dermique.
L'exposition atmosphérique par volatilisation de certains produits regroupe les phénomènes suivants:
inhalation et ingestion de poussières fugaces;
augmentation des concentrations extérieures;
intrusion de vapeurs dans les locaux.
L'exposition liée à la chaîne alimentaire englobe les voies suivantes:
consommation de plantes, notamment les cultures, les plantes sauvages et les champignons;
consommation d'animaux et de produits d'origine animale, y compris les animaux sauvages.
La présente Norme internationale ne tient pas compte des voies d'exposition relatives aux eaux de surface et
aux eaux souterraines. Ces voies prennent en compte l'exposition due aux douches, aux lavages de vaisselle
et aux autres usages domestiques de l'eau, à l'ingestion de poisson et d'eau du réseau polluée par des sols
ou des eaux souterraines contaminés en contact avec les canalisations d'alimentation. Il convient de noter
que ces voies peuvent être très pertinentes dans le schéma global d'exposition.
Le transfert de contaminants depuis le sol vers les eaux de surface est très spécifique au site et dépend du
volume de ruissellement, du débit de pointe, de la sensibilité à l'érosion des sols, de la longueur et de
l'inclinaison de la pente, de la capacité d'absorption du sol, du type de couverture végétale et de l'éloignement
du milieu récepteur. En pratique, la surveillance de la pollution des eaux de surface est effectuée à l'aide de
mesurages directs. En ce qui concerne l'exposition par l'intermédiaire des eaux souterraines, l'ISO 15175 doit
être appliquée.
Les voies d'exposition effectives dépendent de l'utilisation du site, comme décrit ci-dessous.
Les terrains de jeu pour enfants et les jardins privés (potagers et d'agrément) peuvent être considérés
comme conduisant au plus haut degré d'exposition des personnes qui les utilisent. Cette utilisation peut
impliquer un contact proche (de la peau) avec le sol, l'ingestion de terre ou de plantes ayant poussé dans
le sol (et de la terre restée collée à ces plantes) ainsi qu'une inhalation de poussières et de vapeurs.
Les zones agricoles peuvent représenter la principale voie d'exposition par le biais de la chaîne
alimentaire. La surface de ces zones implique que, sauf dans le cas où l'agriculteur consommerait avec
sa famille une partie de la production, les cultures sont largement distribuées dans la population. Par
ailleurs, si le sol représente la seule source de contamination, la consommation des denrées produites
dans la zone contaminée représente seulement une très faible partie de la consommation de la
population (par un phénomène de dilution avec d'autres sources de produits).
Les parcs peuvent être source d'exposition des personnes par inhalation de poussières et de vapeurs,
par contact de la peau avec la terre/poussière et, dans une moindre mesure par rapport aux jardins, par
ingestion de terre.
Les installations sportives provoquent principalement une exposition par le biais de l'inhalation de
terre/poussière et du contact de la peau avec la terre/poussière.
Les surfaces compactées, telles que les parcs de stationnement, les routes, etc., sont source d'exposition
par l'inhalation de vapeurs et l'accumulation de poussière fine.
Les bâtiments (maisons, écoles, jardins d'enfants, bureaux, usines et magasins) sont source d'exposition
par des vapeurs; le sol transporté dans les bâtiments peut provoquer une exposition par inhalation et/ou
ingestion de poussières.
L'industrie peut comprendre des surfaces compactées et d'autres non compactées, des zones
assimilables à des parcs et des bâtiments. Les informations nécessaires à l'évaluation de l'exposition des
personnes pour ces types de zones ont été répertoriées plus haut.
Le temps d'exposition réel peut être différent pour des sites de même nature, selon les modes d'utilisation, en
raison des différences de climat et de caractéristiques réelles d'utilisation (par exemple le nombre de jours par
semaine où le site est utilisé).
À titre d'information, l'Annexe A récapitule les voies d'exposition importantes pour chacune des utilisations des
sites.
La description ci-après traite de la caractérisation des sols en ce qui concerne les différentes voies
d'exposition. Les modèles d'absorption, et par conséquent l'importance des différentes voies d'exposition,
varient en fonction des propriétés des contaminants concernés.
4.2.2 Ingestion de sol
L'ingestion de sol par les enfants se produit quand ces derniers avalent de la poussière, mettent leurs doigts
sales à la bouche et mangent réellement de la terre. Il convient d'établir une distinction entre une absorption
par inadvertance ou accidentelle et un comportement délibéré et persistant à long terme (allotriophagie).
D'une manière générale, il convient de considérer l'allotriophagie comme un cas spécifique, et donc pas
nécessairement pertinent pour une évaluation réelle.
NOTE 1 Certains jeunes enfants passent par une courte période d'exploration pendant laquelle ils ingèrent de la terre.
Les adultes absorbent principalement de la terre sous forme de poussières, en jardinant par exemple, mais
aussi directement sur les légumes et les fruits non préalablement nettoyés. Dans le cas de la caractérisation
d'un site donné, il convient de tenir compte du comportement réel.
Pour évaluer l'exposition par ingestion de terre, la teneur en contaminant généralement prise en considération
est celle obtenue par extraction avec des solvants d'extraction forts [cette teneur est appelée teneur
(pseudo)totale dans le cas des métaux]. De plus, l'hypothèse de l'absorption totale du contaminant par le
système digestif est souvent avancée, mais quelques expérimentations animales montrent qu'elle n'est pas
toujours pertinente, du moins pour les métaux. Des méthodes (employant des solvants d'extraction
légèrement plus faibles) servant à décrire l'absorption de métaux présents dans des jouets ont également été
utilisées pour ce type d'évaluation. La capacité d'absorption d'un contaminant donné peut varier selon la taille
des particules du sol; dans ce cas, les informations relatives à la distribution granulométrique peuvent se
révéler pertinentes.
NOTE 2 La concentration (pseudo)totale est définie par la méthode d'analyse réelle et notamment par la méthode
d'extraction spécifique utilisée (voir en 5.5).
4.2.3 Contact dermique
Le contact de la peau avec le sol contaminé peut être dû à la poussière qui atteint la peau par le biais de
dépôts atmosphériques, en jouant ou en travaillant avec le sol. Il convient de noter qu'il existe une distinction
entre le contact de la peau qui intervient dans un lieu comme une habitation privée et le contact sur un lieu de
travail, puisque ce dernier fait généralement l'objet d'une réglementation particulière en matière d'hygiène et
de sécurité. Il convient de noter que les questions relatives aux lieux de travail ne sont pas traitées dans la
présente Norme internationale.
6 © ISO 2003 — Tous droits réservés
Les informations nécessaires à l'évaluation de cette voie d'exposition comprennent la concentration
(pseudo)totale de chacune des substances présentes dans le sol. Les paramètres permettant de déterminer
la biodisponibilité peuvent se révéler utiles pour mener des calculs relatifs aux capacités d'absorption de la
peau (une fois que les particules du sol ont atteint cette surface). Dans le cadre de l'évaluation des
contaminants du sol par rapport au contact de la peau, il convient d'établir une distinction entre les
contaminants pouvant être absorbés par celle-ci et les substances susceptibles de provoquer d'autres effets,
tels que les réactions d'hypersensibilité.
4.2.4 Inhalation de poussières
La véritable importance de l'inhalation des poussières (et leur digestion) en tant que voie d'exposition est
principalement liée à l'utilisation réelle du site [par exemple, des manifestations de moto-cross et des terrains
de football représentent des sites où l'inhalation de poussières (et leur digestion) peuvent jouer un rôle
majeur]. Les conditions climatiques et la couverture végétale influencent également l'exposition réelle.
Les calculs concernant l'absorption par la poussière peuvent s'appuyer sur des modèles généraux se
rapportant à la poussière présente dans l'air. Les paramètres permettant de déterminer la biodisponibilité
peuvent se révéler utiles pour mener une évaluation détaillée relative à l'absorption de contaminants à partir
de la poussière inhalée. D'une manière générale, le niveau de concentration varie selon la taille des particules,
les plus petites qui contiennent généralement les concentrations les plus élevées, restent plus longtemps en
suspension. Il convient de prendre en compte cette information si seuls les mesurages des concentrations
moyennes sont disponibles.
4.2.5 Inhalation de vapeurs (en plein air)
Il convient de baser l'évaluation de l'inhalation de vapeurs essentiellement sur des mesurages relatifs à la
concentration dans l'air du sol, de préférence par des méthodes d'échantillonnage passives. Si cela se révèle
impossible ou inapproprié (par exemple dans le cadre d'activités planifiées qui pourraient modifier la distance
entre la zone contaminée et le récepteur, notamment par l'insertion de systèmes de ventilation), il est possible
d'effectuer des calculs de flux d'air du volume du sol contaminé vers la surface. Les paramètres pertinents du
sol relatifs à ces calculs sont les suivants (associés aux informations relatives à la profondeur de la zone non
saturée et aux variations correspondantes):
la concentration;
la porosité;
la teneur en eau;
la masse volumique apparente;
la fraction de carbone organique.
Il convient en outre de déterminer les paramètres de substances pertinents, tels que les coefficients de
partage octanol/eau et carbone organique/eau, la constante de Henry et la pression de vapeur. La porosité et
la teneur en eau sont également pertinentes, tout comme le type de sol, pour la caractérisation des
concentrations dans l'air du sol à des profondeurs inférieures à celles effectivement mesurées, et par
conséquent pour la caractérisation de la contribution des contaminants du sol à la concentration extérieure.
4.2.6 Inhalation de vapeurs (à l'intérieur)
L'inhalation de vapeurs à l'intérieur peut être évaluée de la même façon que pour les vapeurs en plein air, en
y ajoutant néanmoins des données pertinentes relatives à l'évaluation du transport par diffusion et par
advection (fissures) à travers les fondations du bâtiment. Ces données peuvent inclure des informations
relatives aux différences de pression existant entre la zone contaminée du sol et la zone cible à l'intérieur, en
raison par exemple de différences de température, du vent, des changements de pression atmosphérique et
de la façon dont la maison est aérée.
4.2.7 Absorption par l'intermédiaire des plantes
La quantité de contaminants absorbés et accumulés par les plantes dépend des propriétés physico-chimiques
du contaminant, du type de sol (y compris les propriétés de celui-ci), du type de plante et de la partie de la
plante qui est consommée, voire du climat. Il convient de noter que les plantes sont contaminées à la fois par
assimilation par les racines et par dépôt sur les feuilles, etc. L'absorption par des personnes dépend également
du mode de traitement de la plante avant sa consommation (rinçage, épluchage, cuisson, conditionnement,
etc.). Il convient d'être prudent lors de l'utilisation de modèles généraux relatifs à l'évaluation de l'assimilation
de substances par les plantes pour étudier un cas spécifique. Lorsque c'est possible, il convient d'utiliser les
résultats d'études expérimentales sur l'accumulation par les plantes concernées, s'ils ont été obtenus dans des
conditions semblables à celles du site évalué.
Il est important d'étudier l'exposition totale liée à l'assimilation par les plantes en prenant en compte les
conditions locales, auxquelles s'ajoute une éventuelle exposition supplémentaire due à un sol contaminé.
Dans le cadre de l'évaluation de l'exposition des personnes aux composés organiques par l'intermédiaire des
plantes, les paramètres pertinents peuvent comprendre les éléments suivants: la fraction de carbone
organique, w ; la teneur (fraction) en particules argileuses, w ; la capacité d'échange cationique du sol
OC CM
(CEC); le pH du sol; la masse volumique apparente du sol; la teneur en eau du sol; le coefficient de partage
carbone organique/eau, K ; le potentiel d'oxydoréduction.
OC
L'évaluation de l'absorption des métaux peut s'effectuer en fonction, par exemple, de la concentration
(pseudo)totale, de la teneur en argile, de la teneur en carbone organique, de la CEC, des coefficients de
distribution et du pH. L'évaluation de l'assimilation par les plantes peut également (du moins pour certains
métaux) être effectuée grâce à des essais d'extraction qui utilisent des sels dilués non complexants, des sels
organiques complexants ou des acides dilués.
L'importance des différents paramètres mentionnés ne varie pas seulement avec le type de sol, mais aussi
avec le type de végétation, les espèces et les variétés individuelles de plantes.
4.2.8 Absorption par l'intermédiaire des animaux
L'absorption par les animaux est principalement due à une ingestion directe de terre provenant de la couche
superficielle ou au fait que le fourrage consommé contient de la terre. À un moindre degré, elle est due à la
consommation de denrées fourragères après l'assimilation et l'accumulation par les plantes. Le degré
d'accumulation des contaminants par des animaux dépend des propriétés du sol, du niveau de contamination
et d'autres composants de l'alimentation.
5 Caractérisation des sols et des sites
5.1 Processus et paramètres pertinents du sol
Au cours de leur transport dans le sol, les contaminants sont soumis à un certain nombre de processus
physiques ou de réactions géochimiques et biologiques qui peuvent se traduire par une atténuation, une
concentration, une immobilisation, une libération, une dégradation ou tout autre type de transformation des
contaminants. Étant donné que ces transformations affectent à la fois la concentration des contaminants et
les voies d'exposition, les informations relatives aux paramètres qui régissent ces processus sont importantes
dans le cadre de l'évaluation de l'exposition. Il convient de noter que l'importance relative des différents
paramètres associés à ces processus n'est pas encore très claire.
Les processus potentiels impliqués dans le devenir et le transport des contaminants dans le sol dépendent du
type de sol et du type de contaminant et incluent
la sorption/désorption,
la fixation,
la dispersion,
8 © ISO 2003 — Tous droits réservés
la solubilisation,
la diffusion, notamment la diffusion intraparticulaire,
la complexation,
la précipitation/dissolution,
l'évaporation,
la transformation chimique,
la photodégradation,
l'assimilation par les plantes et par d'autres organismes,
les transformations biologiques, y compris le métabolisme microbien, celui des animaux vivants dans le
sol et celui des plantes.
En général, l'analyse du devenir et du transport ne comprend pas tous les processus mentionnés ci-dessus;
toutefois, il convient qu'elle intègre les processus clés. Dans les Tableaux 1 et 2, un certain nombre de
paramètres régissant chacun des processus mentionnés ci-dessus et les processus globaux de transport à
différents degrés sont répertoriés et associés à la voie d'exposition qui pourrait être pertinente.
Tableau 1 — Matrice des paramètres du sol pertinents pour différentes voies d'exposition
Absorption Absorption
Inhalation Inhalation
Paramètre du Ingestion Contact Inhalation de par l'inter- par l'inter-
de vapeurs de vapeurs
sol de terre dermique poussières médiaire des médiaire des
(en plein air) (à l'intérieur)
plantes animaux
a
org
Porosité X X X
a
org
Teneur en eau X X X X X
Masse volumi-
X X X X
que apparente
Distribution
X X X X X X X
granulométrique
Fraction de car- a
org
X X X X X
bone organique
b b
inorg inorg
Teneur en argile X X X X
Stratification X X
Profondeur de la
X X
zone non saturée
CEC X X
pH X X
Potentiel
X X
d'oxydoréduction
Température X X X
Le présent tableau n'est pas exhaustif et se borne à donner des exemples.
NOTE Les quantités effectives varieront d'un contaminant à l'autre. À toutes fins utiles, l'inhalation de vapeurs fait généralement
référence à des contaminants organiques.
a org
X s'applique uniquement aux contaminants organiques.
b inorg
X s'applique uniquement aux contaminants inorganiques.
Tableau 2 — Matrice des divers types de teneur en contaminants pertinents pour différentes voies
d'exposition
Absorption Absorption
Inhalation Inhalation
Teneur en Ingestion Contact Inhalation de par l'inter- par l'inter-
de vapeurs de vapeurs
contaminant de terre dermique poussières médiaire des médiaire des
(en plein air) (à l'intérieur)
plantes animaux
Teneur
X X X X X X X
(pseudo)totale
Extractible dans
X X
l'acide
Extractible dans
les solvants
X X X
d'extraction
organiques
Extractible dans
les solvants d'ex-X X X
traction faibles
Dans les petites
X X X X
particules
Dans l'air du sol X X
Dans l'eau inter-
X X
stitielle du sol
Coefficient de
X X X X
partage
Coefficient de
X
distribution
Taux de concen-
X X
tration plante/sol
Le présent tableau n'est pas exhaustif et se borne à donner des exemples.
NOTE Le taux de concentration (facteur de bioaccumulation) peut considérablement varier entre les feuilles et les racines des
plantes et dépend de l'espèce de plante concernée.
5.2 Échantillonnage
5.2.1 Généralités
Il convient que les stratégies d'échantillonnage et d'analyse s'appuient sur les connaissances de l'usage réel
ou planifié de la zone ou du site mais aussi sur son historique. Pour plus de détails, l'ISO 10381-1 doit être prise
en considération. Les profondeurs d'échantillonnage applicables pour l'exposition des personnes dépendent
de la voie d'exposition utilisée; il convient de les définir avec soin en fonction de l'usage réel et/ou planifié du
site. Les facteurs énoncés en 5.2.2 à 5.2.5 sont parmi ceux qui peuvent entrer en ligne de compte pour
chacune des voies d'exposition.
5.2.2 Ingestion de sol
Les concentrations de contaminants relatives à l'ingestion de sol concernent principalement les enfants jouant
dans et sur le sol. Par conséquent, il convient de prendre en particulier des échantillons de sol superficiel.
Cependant, il convient de noter que dans les jardins, les parcs et les terrains de jeu, des activités
occasionnelles peuvent ramener vers la surface de la terre provenant de couches plus profondes. Par
exemple, la plantation et le remplacement d'arbres et de bosquets peuvent conduire au creusement de trous
et une partie de la terre provenant du fond du trou peut ainsi être ramenée à la surface.
10 © ISO 2003 — Tous droits réservés
Des vers de terre et d'autres animaux vivant sous terre peuvent également transporter de la terre des
couches plus profondes vers la surface.
5.2.3 Inhalation et transport de poussières
Le transport de poussières est particulièrement important dans des zones où le sol n'est pas recouvert de
plantes pendant certaines périodes (par exemple jardins et terres agricoles cultivées) ou dans des zones de
grande activité (par exemple jardins, parcs et installations sportives). La poussière provient des couches
supérieures du sol et est en grande partie constituée des fractions les plus fines. Une analyse distincte de la
fraction la plus fine du sol peut être pertinente si le transport et l'inhalation de poussières sont considérés
comme une voie d'exposition importante.
5.2.4 Assimilation par les plantes
D'une façon générale, la profondeur des racines des plantes de jardin et des plantes agricoles est inférieure à
30 cm; elle peut toutefois atteindre 60 cm mais ne dépasse que rarement 160 cm. En revanche, les racines
des arbres peuvent s'enfoncer à plusieurs mètres dans le sol (cependant, dans les régions tempérées, la
majorité des substances nutritives se trouvent dans les 40 premiers centimètres).
D'une manière générale, la culture des jardins et l'agriculture (binage, arrachage et labour) n'ont un effet que
sur le sol superficiel (profondeur allant jusqu'à 30 cm) et ne touchent que très rarement des profondeurs plus
importantes (sauf en cas de sous-solage où la profondeur peut atteindre 60 cm).
5.2.5 Inhalation de vapeurs
À partir de mesurages réels et de calculs issus de modèles majorants, on constate que les impacts extérieurs
provenant de vapeurs sont très rares, sauf si le contaminant est très proche de la surface et se trouve à l'état
libre ou presque.
Un impact à l'intérieur des bâtiments dû à la vaporisation des contaminants organiques les plus volatils peut
se produire si la concentration du sol est suffisante et si le contaminant est localisé dans les couches
supérieures du sol.
5.3 Caractérisation du site
Une évaluation de l'exposition des sites contaminés et des sols en général dépend des données disponibles
sur les caractéristiques du site, notamment les sources de contamination, les cheminements et les récepteurs
potentiellement à risque. En conséquence, pour les besoins de la présente Norme internationale, la
caractérisation du site peut être définie comme l'élément d'identification et de caractérisation de la source
pour l'évaluation de l'exposition.
Pour des raisons pratiques et économiques, les investigations sur les sites contaminés ne peuvent pas
comprendre un échantillonnage et une analyse de toutes les substances. En général, l'approche progressive
paraît être le meilleur moyen pour fournir les données requises de la façon la plus économique et la plus
efficace. Au stade initial de l'évaluation, une caractérisation des sources possibles de contamination du site
permet souvent l'identification des (types de) substances susceptibles d'être trouvées, ainsi que leur(s)
caractéristiques de distribution dans le sol. Cette activité fait généralement partie de ce qui est souvent appelé
l'enquête historique des activités effectuées sur le site. À ce stade, il peut se révéler important d'inclure
également une caractérisation du modèle général d'exposition dans la zone étudiée (par exemple anciennes
décharges, proximité d'une industrie) ainsi qu'une identification et une caractérisation des éventuelles
anciennes activités du site ayant pu conduire à des contaminations spécifiques (par exemple stations-service,
activité industrielle spécifique). Il peut se révéler important d'identifier différentes sources (contaminants et
emplacement) pour les différentes voies d'exposition.
La principale investigation du site a pour objet de définir l'étendue et le degré de contamination ainsi que
d'évaluer l'exposition relative aux dangers et récepteurs identifiés. Il est particulièrement important dans le
cadre d'une évaluation de l'exposition des personnes que l'étendue (concentration et étendue physique) de la
contamination de tous les milieux concernés soit déterminée lors de l'investigation sur le terrain. Comme
indiqué pour la caractérisation du sol, il est tout aussi important d'effectuer une évaluation de la disponibilité.
Pour obtenir une description plus détaillée des types d'investigation, d'échantillonnage et d'évaluation
pertinents pour un site, l'ISO 10381-5 doit être prise en compte.
Un certain nombre de caractéristiques générales du site sont nécessaires pour évaluer le schéma
d'exposition possible
...
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