Approach Towards International Standardization: A Concise Scheme for Testing of Granular Waste Leachabnjty

Abstract A series of short and relatively simple leaching tests is proposed for rapid compliance testing of granular (waste) materials. The test conditions selected are based on results obtained from extensive testing programs that have identified several critical factors influencing leachability of a particular granular (waste) material. These factors include specific element solubility and availability or release potential. Solubility can be influenced by pH, complexation by inorganic species or dissolved organic matter, and reducing properties of the waste. The sum of all of these factors reflect the chemical speciation of constituents in the material. Most current regulatory protocols do not explicitly consider these fundamental waste properties during evaluation. The proposed testing protocol includes two serial batch extractions with deionized water, first at liquid to solid ratio of 2:1 followed by L/S 10; and two static pH extractions at L/S 50, first at pH = 8 and then at pH = 4. The entire procedure can be completed within 32 hours and is designed to be simple, concise and reliable. Some typical examples of test results are presented in comparison with more extensive test data.