Method Statement Toluene Extractable Matter/Free Sulphur

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Contents

Introduction

Principle

Performance Characteristics

Range of Application

Limit of Detection

Analytical Quality Control

References

Introduction

The performance of this method is validated in accordance with internationally recognised procedures.

This procedure describes the determination of toluene extractable matter (tolex) and free sulphur in soils and waters by solvent extraction and gravimetric determination.

Principle

An aliquot of the test sample is extracted with hot toluene. The extracted residue is determined gravimetrically. If free sulphur is required, the extract is attacked with concentrated sulphuric acid. The residue is then re-extracted, filtered and weighed to determine free sulphur content.

Performance Characteristics

Substances Determined

Toluene extractable material and free sulphur in soils and water.

Range of Application

  • Soil samples 500 to 50000 mg / kg

  • Aqueous samples 10 to 1000 mg / l

Limit of Detection

  • Solid samples 500 mg / kg

  • Aqueous samples 10 mg / l

Analytical Quality Control

Analytical quality control is maintained by a number of measures:

  • Multi-point calibration with authentic standards (with defined minimum performance characteristics)

  • Analysis of control samples within each analytical batch, such as independent standards, matrix spikes or reference materials

  • Analysis of reagent/method blanks within each analytical batch

  • Ongoing quality assured by the use of control charts in conjunction with warning and action limits for the QC sample data

  • Participation in external proficiency testing and interlaboratory schemes such as LGC CONTEST, HSE WASP, CSL FAPAS

References

Standard Methods for the Examination of Waters and Wastewaters. 18th Edition 1992. APHA-AWWA-WEF.

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