5.1 This test method is intended to generate an extract with a concentration of the target analyte(s) representative of the expected release under the scenario simulated, and which can be compared with concentration levels acceptable in waste disposal, treatment, or production activities.
5.2 The extraction conditions of the test method were chosen to simulate a potential disposal scenario to which the wastes may be exposed.
5.3 One intent of this test method is that the amount of acid in the extraction fluids reflects the acid available from the leachate of a specific landfill where municipal and industrial wastes were co-disposed.7
5.4 One intent of this test method is to not allow the pH of the extraction fluid to be lower than that of the leachate of a specific landfill where municipal and industrial wastes were co-disposed. Therefore, the pH of the extraction fluid was chosen with the following considerations:
(1) Not to be less than 4.93 ± 0.05 for the extraction of wastes with an acid neutralization capacity of less than the acid available in the total volume of extraction fluid used in the method (Extraction Fluid No. 1).
(2) At 2.88 ± 0.05, as defined by the pH of the acid, for the extraction of wastes with an acid neutralization capacity of more than the acid available in the extraction fluid used in the method (Extraction Fluid No. 2).
5.5 The interpretation and use of the results of this test method are limited by the assumptions of a single co-disposal scenario and by the factors affecting the composition of a landfill leachate and chemical or other differences between a selected extraction fluid and the real landfill leachate.
5.6 This test method may be affected by biological changes in the waste, and it is not designed to isolate or measure the effect of such processes.
5.7 This test method produces extracts that are amenable to the determination of both minor and major constituents. When minor constituents are being determined, it is especially important that precautions be taken in sample storage and handling to avoid possible contamination of the samples.
5.8 The agitation technique, rate, liquid-to-solid ratio, and filtration conditions specified in the method may not be suitable for extracting all types of wastes.
5.9 This test method is intended to extract the samples in their original physical state as is, without any size reduction. However, the sample/extractor interaction is expected to correlate with the environmental conditions to which a waste may be exposed.8
5.10 The extraction conditions defined by this test method are expected to yield steady-state concentrations, determined by the extraction liquid-to-solid ratio and the duration of the extraction, which m