ASTM D4978

ASTM D4978 – Standard Test Methods for Screening of Reactive Sulfides in Waste

Description:

Significance and Use

5.1 These test methods are intended for use by waste treatment, storage, disposal, and remedial facilities in order to show the presence of potentially hazardous sulfide.

5.2 Method B: Gas Detector Tube—This proposed test method was designed to measure gases migrating into an air space at a height of ten units (for example, 10 ft) from a receiving or mixing pit of ten units square (for example, 100 ft²). In essence, the total volume of the atmosphere is approximately ten times the surface area of the sample and test solution.

Scope

1.1 These test methods are applicable to the screening of reactive sulfides in wastes, liquids, sludges, semisolids, and solids by using the following methods:

	Sections
Test Method A—Lead Acetate Paper	9 – 14
Test Method B—Gas Detector Tube	15 – 19

1.2 These test methods are not applicable in determining the type and concentration of reactive sulfides.

1.3 These test methods are designed and intended as a preliminary test to complement the more sophisticated quantitative analytical techniques that may be used to determine sulfide concentration. These test methods offer to the user the option and the ability to screen waste for potentially hazardous levels of reactive sulfide when the sophisticated techniques are not available and the total waste composition is unknown.