ISO/TC 190 - Soil quality

This document specifies a method for quantitative determination of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and semi-volatile chlorobenzenes in soil and sediment, using GC-MS and GC-ECD. The limit of detection and the limit of application depends on the determinants, the sample intake, the equipment used, the quality of chemicals used for the extraction of the sample and the clean-up of the extract. Under the conditions specified in this document, lower limits of application from 1 μg/kg (expressed as dry matter) for soils to 10 μg/kg (expressed as dry matter) for sediments can be achieved. The necessity to achieve these lower limits of application depends on the analyses order and the current limit values. Soils and sediments can differ in properties as well as in the expected contamination levels of OCPs and the presence of interfering substances. These differences make it impossible to describe one general procedure. Based on the properties of the samples, this document contains decision tables regarding drying-, extraction- and clean-up procedures. This method is performance based. The method can be modified if all performance criteria given in this method are met. The method can be applied to the analysis of other chlorinated compounds not specified in the scope in cases where suitability has been proven by proper in-house validation experiments. NOTE The validation data are shown in Annex A. This document is validated only for α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, δ-HCH, o,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDE, o,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDD, o,p′-DDT and p,p′-DDT. For sediments, data are displayed measured using an ECD detection. The comparability of ECD and MS data in terms of the approach of this document was demonstrated on additional matrices.

This document describes a method to assess the bioaccumulation of chemicals in snails, i.e. concentrations of metal(loid)s (ME) or organic compounds [e.g. polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)] accumulated in their tissues. This document presents how to prepare snails for caging in situ for 28 days, the in situ test design and then how to collect and prepare the snails until conservation and further analysis. If a kinetic study of accumulation is necessary, sampling of snails at different time-points during exposure is possible as well [13],[19],[22]. This document excludes analytical methods. Preparation (extraction and mineralization) of the samples and quantification of chemicals are not in the scope of the present document. The method is applicable for soils under different uses (agricultural, industrial, residential, forests, before and after remediation, on potentially contaminated sites, etc.) and waste materials [8],[10], preferably with vegetation and/or humus cover. The method is applicable subject to certain limits of temperature (frost-free period, i.e. mainly from April to October in temperate region). Optionally (see Annex I), the method can be used in the laboratory to evaluate the accumulation of contaminants [and optionally, the sum of excess of transfer (SET) index for ME, PAH, PCB] of snails exposed only to soil.

This document presents a method to quantify the soil organic carbon and nitrogen stocks in mineral soils at plot scale. It also provides guidance on how to detect and quantify simultaneously the variations of carbon and nitrogen stocks over time in mineral soils at field scale. It is based on several documents already published[2],[3],[4],[5],[6],[7],[8]. This document does not apply to organic soils, soils with permafrost, wetland soils, or to soil layers prone to submergence below the groundwater table. NOTE 1 The possibility of increasing soil C storage is viewed as a means to sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Information on soil nitrogen (N) stocks is crucial because it interacts with carbon cycling through plant nutrition and organic matter decomposition, and leakage of N is of environmental concern (e.g. N2O emissions, NO3- leaching). Therefore, it is becoming increasingly important to measure accurately the impact of changes of land uses and practices on organic carbon and nitrogen stocks. NOTE 2 While understanding changes in soil inorganic carbon it is important also to understand the land-atmosphere exchange of CO2, measuring stocks of soil inorganic carbon is outside the scope of this document.

This document specifies the measurement of explosives and related nitrocompounds (as given in Table 1) in soil and soil materials. This document is intended for the trace analysis of explosives and related compounds by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Generally, LC-MS/MS measurement shows the lower LOQ (limit of quantification) for each compound in Table 1 than using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV-detection (see Annex B and Annex C). Under the conditions specified in this document, concentrations as low as 0,005 mg/kg to 0,014 mg/kg-dry matter can be determined, depending on the substance. Similar compounds, in particular various nitroaromatics, by-products and degradation products of explosive compounds can be analysed using this method provided that the applicability is checked on a case-by-case basis.

This document specifies a simple method for the extraction of only phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) from soils.

This document specifies the determination of Cr(VI) in solid waste material and soil by alkaline digestion and ion chromatography with spectrophotometric detection. This method can be used to determine Cr(VI)-mass fractions in solids higher than 0,1 mg/kg. NOTE In case of reducing or oxidising waste matrix no valid Cr(VI) content can be reported.

This document provides guidance on the selection and application of screening methods for assessing soil quality and waste characterization, including distribution of target parameters in soil and soil‑like material. The aim of this document is to set up criteria as to when the different kind of screening methods can be applied for the analysis of a certain parameter in soil, including soil‑like material, and waste, and which steps are required to prove their suitability. This document does not recommend any particular screening method but confirms the principles of their selection and application.

This document specifies an instrumental method for the routine determination of pH within the range pH 2 to pH 12 using a glass electrode in a 1:5 (volume fraction) suspension of soil, sludge and treated biowaste in either water (pH in H2O), in 1 mol/l potassium chloride solution (pH in KCl) or in 0,01 mol/l calcium chloride solution (pH in CaCl2). This document is applicable to all types of air-dried soil and treated biowaste samples. NOTE For example, pretreated in accordance with ISO 11464 or EN 16179 or EN 15002.

The present document specifies a method for direct extraction of DNA from soil samples to analyse the abundance and composition of microbial communities by various techniques of molecular biology including real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). This method is mainly dedicated to agricultural and forest soils. This method can possibly not be suitable for soils rich in organic matter (e.g. peat soils) or soils heavily polluted with organic pollutants or heavy metals. The direct extraction of DNA from soil samples provides unique insight into the α- and β-diversity of microbial communities. Next-generation sequencing of amplicons obtained by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification of soil DNA constitutes a promising domain which will in the near future contribute to the development of routine tools to monitor microbial communities in soil environments.

This document specifies two methods for digestion of soil, treated biowaste, sludge and waste by the use of an aqua regia digestion. Digestion with aqua regia will not necessarily accomplish total decomposition of the sample. The extracted analyte concentrations may not necessarily reflect the total content in the sample but represent the aqua regia soluble metals under the condition of this test procedure. It is generally agreed that for environmental analysis purposes, the results are fit for the intended purpose to protect the environment. This document is applicable for the following elements: Aluminium (Al), antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), barium (Ba), beryllium (Be), boron (B), cadmium (Cd), calcium (Ca), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), selenium (Se), silver (Ag), sodium (Na), strontium (Sr), sulfur (S), tellurium (Te), thallium (Tl), tin (Sn), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn). This document can also be applied for the digestion of other elements, provided the user has verified the applicability.

This document specifies an extraction method to determine the bioavailable (potential and environmental available) fraction and the non-bioavailable fraction of a contaminant in soil using a "receiver phase" for an organic contaminant with strong sorbing or complexing properties, for example, Tenax®[1] or cyclodextrin, respectively. NOTE 1 The bioavailable fraction is defined in ISO 17402 as environmental bioavailability. The method is applicable for non-polar organic contaminants with an aqueous solubility of NOTE 2 The method is theoretically applicable to non-polar organic contaminants with an aqueous solubility of 1 000 mg/l. The method has been often applied for compounds with a much lower solubility (Kow > 3) and less for compounds with a higher solubility. The applicability is therefore defined for compounds with an aqueous solubility of [1] Tenax® is an example of a suitable product available commercially. This information is given for the convenience of users of this document and does not constitute an endorsement by ISO of this product.

This document specifies one of the methods for evaluating the habitat function of soils and determining effects of soil contaminants and individual chemical substances on the reproduction of the oribatid mite Oppia nitens by dermal and alimentary uptake. This chronic (28-day) test is applicable to soils and soil materials of unknown quality (e.g., contaminated sites, amended soils, soils after remediation, agricultural or other sites under concern and waste materials). This method is not intended to replace the earthworm or Collembola tests since it represents another taxonomic group (= mites; i.e., arachnids), nor the predatory mite test since this species represents a different trophic level and ecological niche. Effects of substances are assessed using standard soil, preferably a defined artificial soil substrate. For contaminated soils, the effects are determined in the test soil and in a control soil. According to the objective of the study, the control and dilution substrate (dilution series of contaminated soil) should be either an uncontaminated soil with similar properties to the soil sample to be tested (reference soil) or a standard soil (e.g., artificial soil). Information is provided on how to use this method for testing substances under temperate conditions. This document is not applicable to substances for which the air/soil partition coefficient is greater than 1, or to substances with vapour pressure exceeding 300 Pa at 25 °C. NOTE The stability of the test substance cannot be assured over the test period. No provision is made in the test method for monitoring the persistence of the substance under test.

This document specifies a basic method of determining the particle size distribution applicable to a wide range of mineral soil materials, including the mineral fraction of organic soils. It also offers procedures to deal with the less common soils mentioned in the introduction. This document has been developed largely for use in the field of environmental science, and its use in geotechnical investigations is something for which professional advice might be required. A major objective of this document is the determination of enough size fractions to enable the construction of a reliable particle-size-distribution curve. This document does not apply to the determination of the particle size distribution of the organic components of soil, i.e. the more or less fragile, partially decomposed, remains of plants and animals. It is also realized that the chemical pre-treatments and mechanical handling stages in this document could cause disintegration of weakly cohesive particles that, from field inspection, might be regarded as primary particles, even though such primary particles could be better described as aggregates. If such disintegration is undesirable, then this document is not used for the determination of the particle size distribution of such weakly cohesive materials.

This document provides guidance on the use of chemical methods establishing the bioavailability of trace elements in soil and soil-like materials and to stimulate the use of bioavailability in assessments. The methods themselves are not subject of this document.

This document specifies methods for the measurements of magnetic susceptibility of soils (κ) as an indicator of potential soil pollution/contamination with trace elements associated with technogenic magnetic particles (TMPs) and describes related procedures, protocols and guidelines to be applied as a screening geophysical method of determination of soil pollution with trace elements. The results of measurements are used for preparing the maps of magnetic susceptibility of soils in the area of interest. From these maps, the areas of elevated and high magnetic susceptibility indicating high trace element total pollution load are discriminated for further identification of pollutants by geochemical methods. This document is applicable to screening all TMPs-related anthropogenic emission sources including long-range transport of airborne elements, of which TMPs are carriers and indicators. Such emission sources comprise the majority of high-temperature industrial processes, where iron is present in any mineralogical form in raw materials, additives or fuels, is transformed into ferrimagnetic iron oxides (e.g. fossil solid and liquid fuels combustion, metallurgy, cement and ceramics industry, coke production, industrial waste landfills, land transport). This document is not applicable to screening anthropogenic emissions not associated with TMPs, e.g. organic pollutants or emissions from agricultural sources. NOTE 1 Copper, zinc and other non-ferrous metal ores also contain iron (in many sulfides) as this element is abundant in almost all environments. During smelting, the iron occurring in sulfides is transformed into ferrimagnetic oxides (TMPs). However, in such cases, the proportion of TMPs and related PTEs is usually less than at coal combustion or iron metallurgy, for example, and not all PTEs are physically associated and transported by TMPs. Non-airborne elements are deposited in the close proximity of the emission source, while TMPs can be used in these cases as indicators of airborne elements and of the spatial distribution of the total element deposition from a smelter in the area. In rare cases, some soils are developed on bedrock exhibiting geogenically high magnetism, which can cause false-positive results. This influence can, however, be easily indicated by measurements of magnetic susceptibility along soil profiles. This method is not applicable when the bedrock exhibits extremely high magnetic signals. NOTE 2 Such cases are rare.

This document specifies a test to obtain information on the short- and long-term leaching behaviour and characteristic properties of materials. The document has been developed to measure the pH-dependent release of inorganic and organic substances from soil and soil-like material as well as to produce eluates for subsequent ecotoxicological testing. For ecotoxicological testing, see ISO 15799 and ISO 17616. The equilibrium condition, as defined in this document, is established by the addition of predetermined amounts of acid or base to reach desired final pH values. NOTE 1 Volatile organic substances include the low molecular weight substances in mixtures such as mineral oil. NOTE 2 It is not always possible to optimize test conditions simultaneously for inorganic and organic substances and optimum test conditions can also vary between different groups of organic substances. Test requirements for organic substances are generally more stringent than those for inorganic substances. The test conditions suitable for measuring the release of organic substances will generally also be applicable to inorganic substances. NOTE 3 Within the category of organic substances, a significant difference in behaviour exists between the more polar, relatively water-soluble compounds and apolar, hydrophobic organic substances (HOCs). In the latter case, mechanisms of release (e.g. particle-bound or dissolved organic carbon-bound) can be more crucial as well as sorption losses of soluble HOCs on different materials with which they come in contact (e.g. bottles, filters). The test and the results should be used for leaching of organic substances only with thorough consideration of the specific properties of the substances in question and the associated potential problems. NOTE 4 For ecotoxicological testing, eluates representing the release of both inorganic and organic substances are needed. In this document, ecotoxicological testing is meant to include genotoxicological testing. The test method produces eluates, which can subsequently be characterized by physical, chemical and ecotoxicological methods in accordance with existing standard methods. The test is not suitable for substances that are volatile under ambient conditions. For the purposes of ecotoxicological tests, the relevant pH range (see 8.2) will usually be pH 5 to pH 9. This test is mainly aimed at being used for routine and control purposes, and it cannot be used alone to describe all leaching properties of a soil. Additional leaching tests are needed for that extended goal. This document does not address issues related to health and safety. It only determines the leaching properties outlined in Clause 5.

This document provides guidance on developing and using conceptual site models (CSMs) through the various phases of investigation, remediation (if required), and any subsequent construction or engineering works. It describes what CSMs are, what they are used for and what their constituents are. It stresses the need for an iterative and dynamic approach to CSM development. This document is intended to be used by all those involved in developing CSMs and by those who rely on using them such as regulators, landowners, developers, and the public (and other relevant parties). Ideally, this includes representatives from all phases of the investigative and remedial processes, for example, preliminary assessment, detailed investigation, baseline human health and environmental risk assessments, and feasibility study, and, any subsequent construction or engineering work. NOTE 1 This document is applicable whenever the presence of "potentially harmful" or "hazardous" substances are present irrespective of whether they are naturally occurring or present due to human activity (i.e. are "contaminants"). NOTE 2 Although most of the principles described for developing CSMs in this document can apply to other domains, such as groundwater resources management, the present document is specifically written for the management of potentially contaminated sites or known contaminated sites.

This document is one of the family of standards (ISO 15799, ISO 19204) providing guidance on the characterization of soils and soil materials in relation to their retention and habitat functions and uses. It is appropriate to use it in conjunction with the two other standards in this family. It provides guidance on the choice and evaluation of tests applied for ecotoxicological characterization of soils and soil materials. Recommendations for test strategies with respect to the protection of ground and surface waters and the maintenance of the habitat function of soil are included. The tests recommended represent a minimum test battery that can be complemented by additional tests, or even be replaced by others, according to the intended uses or protection goals envisaged. The effect values indicated in this document do not refer to regulation but represent the lowest level at which an adverse effect is considered likely to occur.

This document specifies laboratory methods for determination of the soil water-retention characteristic. This document applies only to measurements of the drying or desorption curve. Four methods are described to cover the complete range of soil water pressures as follows: a) method using sand, kaolin or ceramic suction tables for determination of matric pressures from 0 kPa to −50 kPa; b) method using a porous plate and burette apparatus for determination of matric pressures from 0 kPa to −20 kPa; c) method using a pressurized gas and a pressure plate extractor for determination of matric pressures from −5 kPa to −1 500 kPa; d) method using a pressurized gas and pressure membrane cells for determination of matric pressures from −33 kPa to −1 500 kPa. Guidelines are given to select the most suitable method in a particular case.

This document provides guidance on the description of soil in the field and its environmental context. It is applicable to natural, near-natural, urban and industrial sites. The soil observations and measurements can be made on a project site level, on a plot level, on layer or horizon level and on specific soil constituents. It also provides guidance on how to describe layers of anthropogenic (artificial) material or layers that were not modified by pedogenic processes in the strict sense and how to describe coarse material of natural or artificial origin. This document can be used in combination with other publications that provide guidance or requirements regarding specific aspects of soil observations and measurements. NOTE 1 It might not be possible or necessary to record data under all the headings listed in Clauses 4 to 11. NOTE 2 Overall guidance for presentation of information from soil surveys is given in ISO 15903. NOTE 3 The guidance provided assumes that sampling will be done in accordance with ISO 18400.

This document specifies a test, which is aimed at determining the leaching behaviour of inorganic and organic substances from a soil and soil-like materials. The method is a once-through up-flow percolation test under standardized conditions of flow rate. The material is leached under dynamic hydraulic conditions. The document has been developed to measure the release of inorganic and organic substances from soil and soil-like material as well as to produce eluates for subsequent ecotoxicological testing. For ecotoxicological testing, see ISO 15799[6] and ISO 17616[7]. The test results enable the distinction between different release patterns, for instance wash-out and release under the influence of interaction with the matrix, when approaching local equilibrium between material and leachant. This test method produces eluates, which can subsequently be characterized by physical, chemical and ecotoxicological methods in accordance with existing standard methods. The results of eluate analysis are presented as a function of the liquid/solid (L/S) ratio. The test is not suitable for substances that are volatile under ambient conditions. NOTE 1 Volatile organic substances include the low-molecular-weight substances in mixtures such as mineral oil. NOTE 2 It is not always possible to optimize test conditions simultaneously for inorganic and organic substances and optimum test conditions can also vary between different groups of organic substances. Test requirements for organic substances are generally more stringent than those for inorganic substances. The test conditions suitable for measuring the release of organic substances will generally also be applicable to inorganic substances. NOTE 3 Within the category of organic substances, a significant difference in behaviour exists between the more polar, relatively water-soluble compounds and apolar, hydrophobic organic substances (HOCs). In the latter case, mechanisms of release (e.g. particle-bound or dissolved organic carbon-bound) can be more crucial as well as sorption losses of soluble HOCs on different materials with which they come in contact (e.g. bottles, filters). The test and the results should be used for leaching of organic substances only with thorough consideration of the specific properties of the substances in question and the associated potential problems. NOTE 4 For ecotoxicological testing, eluates representing the release of both inorganic and organic substances are needed. In this document, ecotoxicological testing is also meant to include genotoxicological testing. NOTE 5 The test is generally not suitable for soils with hydraulic conductivities below 10−8 m/s (see also Annex B). It can be difficult to maintain the designated flow rate already in the range of saturated hydraulic conductivity between 10−7 m/s and 10−8 m/s. The application of this test method alone is not sufficient for the determination of the leaching behaviour of a material under specified conditions different to those from the test procedure, since this generally requires the application of several test methods, behavioural modelling and model validation. This document does not address issues related to health and safety. It only determines the leaching properties as outlined in Clause 4.

This document specifies a test providing information on leaching of soil and soil-like materials under the experimental conditions specified hereafter, and particularly at a liquid to solid ratio of 2 l/kg dry matter. The document has been developed to measure the release of inorganic and organic substances from soil and soil-like material as well as to produce eluates for subsequent ecotoxicological testing. For ecotoxicological testing, see ISO 15799[6] and ISO 17616[7]. NOTE 1 Volatile organic substances include the low-molecular-weight substances in mixtures such as mineral oil. NOTE 2 It is not always possible to optimise test conditions simultaneously for inorganic and organic substances and optimum test conditions can also vary between different groups of organic substances. Test requirements for organic substances are generally more stringent than those for inorganic substances. The test conditions suitable for measuring the release of organic substances will generally also be applicable to inorganic substances. NOTE 3 Within the category of organic substances, a significant difference in behaviour exists between the more polar, relatively water-soluble compounds and apolar, hydrophobic organic substances (HOCs). In the latter case, mechanisms of release (e.g. particle-bound or dissolved organic carbon-bound) can be more crucial as well as sorption losses of soluble HOCs on different materials with which they come in contact (e.g. bottles, filters). The test and the results should be used for leaching of organic substances only with thorough consideration of the specific properties of the substances in question and the associated potential problems. NOTE 4 For ecotoxicological testing, eluates representing the release of both inorganic and organic substances are needed. In this document, ecotoxicological testing is also meant to include genotoxicological testing. This test method produces eluates, which can subsequently be characterized by physical, chemical and ecotoxicological methods in accordance with existing standard methods. The test is not suitable for substances that are volatile under ambient conditions. This procedure is not applicable to materials with a dry-matter-content ratio lower than 33 %. This test is mainly aimed at being used for routine and control purposes, and it cannot be used alone to describe all leaching properties of a soil. Additional leaching tests are needed for that extended goal. This document does not address issues related to health and safety. It only determines the leaching properties as outlined in Clause 4.

This document specifies a test providing information on leaching of soil and soil materials under the experimental conditions specified hereafter, and particularly at a liquid to solid ratio of 10 l/kg dry matter. The document has been developed to measure the release of inorganic and organic substances from soil and soil-like material as well as to produce eluates for subsequent ecotoxicological testing. For ecotoxicological testing, see ISO 15799[6] and ISO 17616[7]. NOTE 1 Volatile organic substances include the low-molecular-weight substances in mixtures such as mineral oil. NOTE 2 It is not always possible to optimize test conditions simultaneously for inorganic and organic substances and optimum test conditions can also vary between different groups of organic substances. Test requirements for organic substances are generally more stringent than those for inorganic substances. The test conditions suitable for measuring the release of organic substances will generally also be applicable to inorganic substances. NOTE 3 Within the category of organic substances, a significant difference in behaviour exists between the more polar, relatively water-soluble compounds and apolar, hydrophobic organic substances (HOCs). In the latter case, mechanisms of release (e.g. particle-bound or dissolved organic carbon-bound) can be more crucial as well as sorption losses of soluble HOCs on different materials with which they come in contact (e.g. bottles, filters). The test and the results should be used for leaching of organic substances only with thorough consideration of the specific properties of the substances in question and the associated potential problems. NOTE 4 For ecotoxicological testing, eluates representing the release of both inorganic and organic substances are needed. In this document, ecotoxicological testing is also meant to include genotoxicological testing. This test method produces eluates, which can subsequently be characterized by physical, chemical and ecotoxicological methods in accordance with existing standard methods. The test is not suitable for substances that are volatile under ambient conditions. This procedure is not applicable to materials with a dry-matter-content ratio lower than 33 %. This test is mainly aimed at being used for routine and control purposes, and it cannot be used alone to describe all leaching properties of a soil. Additional leaching tests are needed for that extended goal. This document does not address issues related to health and safety. It only determines the leaching properties as outlined in Clause 4.

This document provides guidance on the type and extent of soil characterization necessary for the evaluation of human exposure to substances present in possibly leading to adverse effects. It does not provide guidance on: — the design or selection of numerical models that can be used to estimate exposure; — potential exposure to radioactivity, pathogens or asbestos in soil. Background information is provided on human health related to exposure to soil and the influence on exposure via different pathways. NOTE 1 For convenience "soil" in this document also includes "soil material" unless stated otherwise. NOTE 2 Overall exposure can be due to potentially harmful substances (PHSs) in soil, groundwater and air. Exposure to those in soil can be direct (e.g. through inhalation, ingestion, cutaneous contact), or indirect (through the consumption of plants or animals that have taken up substances of concern). NOTE 3 The evaluation of the possible impact on human health of potentially harmful substances is most commonly required when these are present as a result of human activity (e.g. on old industrial sites) but can sometimes be required when they are present naturally. NOTE 4 Soil characterization precedes the assessment of the compatibility between soil and its use (i.e. soil quality assessment). Tools such as a conceptual site model (CSM) and health risk assessment can be used to aid this assessment. NOTE 5 Soil characterization can be used to develop an overview of population exposure to soil. Other International Standards are available that can aid the characterization of other media (e.g. surface and groundwater), in terms of their possible adverse effects on humans.

This document specifies a method for sampling, handling and extracting enchytraeids from terrestrial field soils as a prerequisite for using these animals as bioindicators (e.g. to assess the quality of a soil as a habitat for organisms). Basic information on the ecology of enchytraeids and their use as bioindicators in the terrestrial environment is included in the Bibliography. This document applies to all terrestrial biotopes in which enchytraeids occur. The sampling design of field studies in general is given in ISO 18400-101. These details can vary according to the climatic/regional conditions of the site to be sampled and an overview on the determination of effects of pollutants on enchytraeids in field situations is given in Reference [6]. Methods for some other soil organism groups such as earthworms or arthropods are given in ISO 23611-1, ISO 23611-2, ISO 23611-4 and ISO 23611-5. This document is not applicable for very wet or flooded soils and might be difficult to use under extreme climatic or geographical conditions (e.g. in high mountains). When sampling soil invertebrates, it is highly recommendable to characterize the site (e.g. concerning soil properties, climate and land use). However, such a characterization is not covered by this document. ISO 10390, ISO 10694, ISO 11272, ISO 11274, ISO 11277, ISO 11461 and ISO 11465 are more suitable for measuring pH, particle size distribution, C/N ratio, organic carbon content and water-holding capacity.

This document specifies a method for the measurement of several enzyme activities (arylsulfatase, α −glucosidase, β -glucosidase, Cellubisidase, β -Xylosidase, phosphodiesterase (PDE), chitinase, phosphomonoesterase (PME), leucine-aminopeptidase, Alanine-aminopeptidase) simultaneously (or not) using fluorigenic substrates in soil samples. Enzyme activities of soil vary seasonally and depend on the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of soil. Its application for the detection of harmful effects of toxic chemicals or other anthropogenic impacts depends on the simultaneous comparison of enzyme activities in a control soil similar to the test soil, or on exposure tests with chemicals or treatments.

This document gives an overview and provides guidance on the main methods available to quantify the exchanges of greenhouse gases (CO2, N2O, CH4) and ammonia (NH3) between soils and the atmosphere. It is intended to help users to select the measurement method or methods most suited to their purposes by setting out information on the application domain and the main advantages and limitations of each methods.

This document describes a method to compare the quality of soils by determining the fatty acid composition of the leaves of plant species grown in these soils. This method does not make it possible to determine an optimal value of the Omega-3 index and, therefore, cannot be used to determine the intrinsic quality of a soil from a specific area (regarded as homogeneous). The method can only be used to compare the quality of soils between various areas. This method is applicable to: — soils from contaminated sites; — amended soils; — soils after remediation; ? soil with waste products (e.g. slurry, manure, sludge or composts). Alternatively, the quality of soils can be assessed by determining the Omega-3 index of Lactuca sativa seedlings grown in these soils under controlled conditions (i.e. phytotronic chamber) and by comparing these values to those obtained from control soils (see Annex B).

This document provides guidance on the range of tests that could be necessary to characterize soil and other soil materials intended to be re-used, with or without preliminary treatment (e.g. screening to remove over large material). It is intended to be of use in determining the suitability of soil materials for re-use (see 3.4.1), and the assessment of the environmental impacts that might arise from re-use. It takes into account the different requirements of topsoil, sub-soil and other soil materials such as sediments or treated soils. International Standard methods are listed that might be of use for characterization. Soil materials include natural soils and other materials (e.g. fill, made ground) excavated, stripped, or otherwise removed from their original in-ground or above-ground location (e.g. stockpile), dredged materials, manufactured soils, and soil treated to remove or destroy contaminants. For manufactured soils, which are often made using excavated materials together with other materials such as "green waste", the characteristics of the components and of the manufactured product might need to be determined. NOTE The terms "excavated soil" and "excavated soil materials" are used for brevity throughout the document to embrace the range of materials covered. An overriding principle governing the guidance provided in this document is that when there is to be no change in intended land use at the target site, imported soil materials cannot lead to a permanent reduction in performance of relevant soil functions. The guidance provided is intended to cover a range of possible end uses, including: — play areas for small children, including nursery schools, kindergartens, etc.; — schools; — gardens and other residential areas; — allotments; — horticulture; — agriculture; — forestry; — recreational areas, e.g. parks, sport fields; — restoration of damaged ecosystems; — mining and industrial sites; — construction sites; — road and rail constructions. It is not applicable to the placement of soil materials in an aqueous environment or to restore underground workings. It does not address geotechnical requirements when soil materials are to be used as construction material. NOTE The sensitive end uses listed above such as play areas for small children, schools, gardens, agriculture and recreational areas require particular care, particularly when excavated soils are derived from contaminated sites.

This document specifies a chronic test method for evaluating the habitat function of soils and determining effects of soil contaminants and substances on the reproduction of Hypoaspis aculeifer by ? mainly ? alimentary uptake. This method is applicable to soils and soil materials of unknown quality, e.g. from contaminated sites, amended soils, soils after remediation, industrial, agricultural or other sites under concern and waste materials (e.g. dredged material, municipal sludge from a wastewater treatment plant, composed material, or manure, especially those for possible land disposal). The reproduction (= number of juveniles) is the measured parameter of the test. The test reflects the bioavailability of a mixture of contaminants in natural soils (contaminated site soils) to a species which represents a trophic level which is not covered by other ISO standards. This test is not intended to replace the earthworm (see ISO 11268-2) or Collembola (see ISO 11267) reproduction tests since this species belongs not only to a different trophic group but also a different taxonomic group (= mites; i.e. arachnids) than those used usually. Effects of substances are assessed using a standard soil, preferably a defined artificial soil substrate. For contaminated soils, the effects are determined in the soil to be tested and in a control soil. Depending on the objective of the study, the control and dilution substrate (dilution series of contaminated soil) are either an uncontaminated soil comparable to the soil to be tested (reference soil) or a standard soil (e.g. artificial soil). This document provides information on how to use this method for testing samples (soils or substances) under temperate conditions. This document is not applicable to substances for which the air/soil partition coefficient is greater than one, or to substances with vapour pressure exceeding 300 Pa at 25 °C. NOTE The stability of the test substance cannot be ensured over the test period. No provision is made in the test method for monitoring the persistence of the substance under test.

This document is one of a family of International Standards providing guidance on soils and soil materials in relation to certain functions and uses including conservation of biodiversity. It applies in conjunction with these other standards. It provides guidance on the selection of experimental methods for the assessment of the ecotoxic potential of soils and soil materials (e.g. excavated and remediated soils, refills, embankments) with respect to their intended use and possible adverse effects on aquatic and soil dwelling organisms. NOTE This is a reflection of the maintenance of the habitat and retention function of the soil. In fact, the methods listed in this document are suitable for usage in a TRIAD approach, i.e. for an ecological assessment of potentially contaminated soils (see ISO 19204). This document does not cover tests for bioaccumulation. The ecological assessment of uncontaminated soils with a view to natural, agricultural or horticultural use is not within the scope of this document. Such soils can be of interest if they can serve as a reference for the assessment of soils from contaminated sites. The interpretation of results gained by applying the proposed methods is not in the scope of this document.

This document specifies a protocol to identify ecotoxicological test specimens (mainly invertebrates and plants) to the species level, based on the DNA barcoding technique. This protocol can be used by laboratories performing DNA barcoding in order to standardize both the wet-lab and data analysis workflows as much as possible, and make them compliant with community standards and guidelines. This document does not intend to specify one particular strain for each test method, but to accurately document the species/strain which was used. NOTE 1 This does not imply that DNA barcoding is performed in parallel to each test run, but rather regularly (e.g. once a year, such as reference substance testing) and each time a new culture is started or new individuals are added to an ongoing culture. This document does not aim at duplicating or replacing morphological-based species identifications. On the contrary, DNA barcoding is proposed as a complementary identification tool where morphology is inconclusive, or to diagnose cryptic species, in order to ensure that the results obtained from different ecotoxicological laboratories are referring to the same species or strain. This document is applicable to identifications of immature forms which lack morphological diagnostic characters (eggs, larvae, juveniles), as well as the streamline identification of specimens collected in field monitoring studies, where large numbers of organisms from diverse taxa are classified. NOTE 2 In principle, all species regularly used in ecotoxicological testing can be analysed by DNA barcoding. Besides the earthwoms Eisenia fetida and E. andrei, further examples for terrestrial species are Lumbricus terrestris, L. rubellus, Allolobophora chlorotica, Aporrectodea rosea, and A. caliginosa, Dendrodrilus rubidus, Enchytraeus albidus, and E. crypticus (Haplotaxida); Folsomia candida, F. fimetaria, Proisotoma minuta, and Sinella curviseta (Collembola); Hypoaspis aculeifer and Oppia nitens (Acari); Aleochara bilineata and Poecilus cupreus (Coleoptera); Scathophaga stercoraria, Musca autumnalis (Diptera) or Pardosa sp. (Arachnida). Nematodes or snails and even plants can also be added to this list.

This document specifies a method for determining the activity of dehydrogenases enzymes in soil using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC).

This document specifies a method for determining activity of dehydrogenases in soil, using 2-(4-iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-phenyltetrazolium chloride (INT)[1]-[5]. As the INT reduction is less sensitive to O2, the method is more robust than the TTC-method described in ISO 23753-1.

This document gives general guidance on the selection of procedures for the establishment and maintenance of programmes for long-term monitoring of soil quality. It takes into account the large number of objectives for soil-monitoring programmes. This document is intended to help provide a basis for dialogue between parties which might be involved in a monitoring scheme.

This document provides guidance on the principles behind, and main methods for, the evaluation of sites, soils and soil materials in relation to their role as a source of contamination of groundwater and their function in retaining, releasing and transforming contaminants. It is focused on contaminated land management identifying and listing relevant monitoring strategies, methods for sampling, soil processes and analytical methods.

This document provides standard procedures for the collection, handling and storage of soil for subsequent biological testing under aerobic conditions in the laboratory. It applies to the collection, handling and storage for assessing the effects of soil on microorganisms, invertebrates (e.g. survival, reproduction, growth, behaviour) and plants (e.g. development, growth). This document is not applicable to the handling of soil where anaerobic conditions need to be maintained throughout. This document describes how to minimize the effects of differences in temperature, water content, and availability of oxygen on aerobic processes as well as the fractionation of soil particles to facilitate reproducible laboratory determinations[1][2]. This document is mainly applicable to temperate soils. Soils collected from extreme climates (e.g. permafrost, tropical soils) can require special handling. NOTE This document does not provide standard procedures on the collection, handling and storage of soil organisms when assessing the structure and function of soil organism communities in the field. Such standard procedures are provided in ISO 23611‑1 to ISO 23611‑6.

This document provides guidance on the sampling of soils of — natural and near-natural sites, — natural arboreal areas including forests and woods, — areas used for agriculture (arable and pasture sites), — areas used for horticulture (including domestic gardens, allotments), and — areas used for special crop-cultivation, orchards, vineyards, commercial plantations and forests, etc. It is applicable to — soil investigations and evaluations in the field, and — collection of samples for chemical, geochemical, physical, and biological characterization of soil and soil materials in the laboratory. This document sets out appropriate strategies for the design of sampling programmes, field procedures and subsequent treatment of samples for transport and storage prior to sample pretreatment (e.g. drying, milling). It is intended to be used in conjunction with the other parts of the ISO 18400 series. Attention is, in particular, drawn to the requirements concerning collection, handling and storage of soil for assessment of biological functions in ISO 18400-206. NOTE 1 Groundwater and surface water can be adversely impacted by agricultural and related activities, such as nitrates and pesticides, and by translocation of soil particles. In turn, knowledge about water quality can provide information about possible sources of groundwater contamination or contaminating run-off. Investigation of groundwater and surface water quality is outside of the scope of this document; relevant guidance is given in the ISO 5667 series of standards. ISO 15175 provides guidance on the relationship between soil properties and groundwater quality. NOTE 2 It could also be appropriate to investigate ambient air, vegetation, potable water supplies and a variety of other media depending on the findings of the preliminary investigation.

This document gives general guidance on the development of site investigation strategies and detailed guidance on the development of sampling strategies, when collecting information on — the average properties of soil, — the variability of soil properties, and — the spatial distribution of soil properties. It is applicable to soil samples intended for chemical testing and determination of a variety of other properties (e.g. physical). Although the main focus of this document is the collection of material (field samples) for transfer to a laboratory for testing, it is also applicable when measurements are made directly in the field. NOTE 1 This document also provides information on the statistical principles underlying the development of appropriate sampling strategies and statistical methodologies. NOTE 2 Guidance on other forms of related sampling activities are given in other International Standards [for soil gas (ISO 18400-204) and for biological testing purposes (ISO 18400-206)]. Guidance on sampling groundwater is provided in ISO 5667-11 and ISO 5667-22 and on sampling methods and groundwater measurements in geotechnical investigations in ISO 22475-1.

This document provides guidance on the design and execution of preliminary investigations comprising desk studies and site reconnaissance, and where appropriate, preliminary risk assessment. It is applicable whenever sampling exercises or investigations are to be carried out to determine soil quality.

This document gives guidance on the: — investigation of sites, where either it is known that soil contamination is present, or the presence of soil contamination is suspected; — investigation of sites where no soil contamination is expected, but the soil quality is to be determined (e.g. to make sure that there is no contamination present); — investigation in anticipation of a need to manage re-use or disposal of excavated soil which might be contaminated; — collection of information that is necessary for risk assessment and/or the development of remedial action plans (e.g. whether remediation is required and suggestions as to how this might be best achieved). Although the information on soil quality for the risk assessment and/or the development of remedial action plans is gathered by applying this document, it does not give guidance on the decisions and actions that follow from a site investigation, for example, risk assessment and decisions about the requirements for remediation (if any).

This document deals with the assessment of human exposure from ingestion of soil and soil materials. It specifies a physiologically based test procedure for the estimation of the human bioaccessibility of metals from contaminated soil in connection with the evaluation of the exposure related to human oral uptake. The method is a sequential extraction using synthetic gastrointestinal fluids and can be used to estimate oral bioaccessibility. Soils or other geological materials, in sieved form, are extracted in an environment that simulates the basic physicochemical conditions of the human gastrointestinal tract. This document describes a method to simulate the release of metals from soil and soil materials after passage through three compartments of the human gastrointestinal tract (mouth, stomach and small intestine). It produces extracts that are representative of the concentration of potentially harmful elements in the human gastrointestinal tract for subsequent chemical characterization. NOTE 1 Bioaccessibility can be used to approximate oral bioavailability. NOTE 2 The test has been validated for arsenic, cadmium and lead in an interlaboratory trial. The method has been in vivo validated to assess the oral bioavailability of arsenic, cadmium and lead.

This document specifies a gas-chromatographic method for the identification and quantification of organotin compounds (OTCs) in soils as specified in Table 1. This document is also applicable to samples from sediments, sludges and wastes (soil-like materials). The working range depends on the detection technique used and the amount of sample taken for analysis. The limit of quantification for each compound is about 10 µg/kg.

This document specifies a method for the determination of perchlorate in soil and soil materials. Under the conditions specified in this document, a concentration as low as 0,1 mg/kg can be determined. The working range is restricted by the ion-exchange capacity of the separator column. Dilution of the water extracts to the working range can be necessary.

This document specifies a method for the determination of cation exchange capacity (CEC) and the content of exchangeable cations (Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg Mn, Na) in soils using a hexamminecobalt(III)chloride solution as extractant. For soils containing calcium carbonate a calcite saturated hexamminecobalt(III)chloride solution is specified particularly for determination of exchangeable Ca. This document is applicable to all types of air-dry soil samples which have been prepared according to ISO 11464.