5.1 Elemental species such as Cr, Ni, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb are widely used in many industrial processes. These elements have been identified in many former industrial sites driving the need for a quick, easy method for testing on-site at trace levels in soil and solid waste matrices.

5.2 This method may be used for quantitative determinations of Cr, Ni, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in soil matrices and solid waste. Typical test time is 90 seconds to 15 minutes.

1.1 This test method is based upon energy-dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry using multiple monochromatic excitation beams for detection and quantification of selected heavy metal elements in soil and related solid waste.

1.2 This test method is also known as High Definition X-ray Fluorescence (HDXRF) or Multiple Monochromatic Beam EDXRF (MMB-EDXRF).

1.3 This test method is applicable to various soil matrices for the determination of Cr, Ni, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in the range of 1 to 5000 mg/kg, as specified in Table 1 and determined by a ruggedness study using representative samples. The limit of detection (LOD) for each element is listed in Table 1. The LOD is estimated by measuring a SiO₂ blank sample (see Table X1.1 in Appendix X1).

1.4 This test method is applicable to other elements: Sb, Cu, Se, Ag, Tl, Zn, Ba, Au, Co, V, Fe, Mn, Mo, K, Rb, Sn, Sr, and Ti.

1.5 X-ray Nomenclature—This standard names X-ray lines using the Siegbahn convention.2

1.6 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.