Standard Practice for Solvent Extraction of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons from Soils and Sediments Using Closed Vessel Microwave Heating

1.1 This practice covers the solvent extraction of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) from soils and sediments, using closed vessel microwave heating, for subsequent determination by gravimetric or gas chromatographic techniques.

1.2 This practice is recommended only for solid samples that can pass through a ten mesh screen (approximately 2-mm openings).

1.3 The solvent extract obtained by this practice may be analyzed for total or specific nonvolatile and semivolatile petroleum hydrocarbons but may require sample clean-up procedures prior to specific compound analysis.

1.4 This practice is limited to solvents that are recommended for use in microwave solvent extraction systems.

1.5 The values stated in pounds per square inch (psi) are to be regarded as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for information only.

1.6 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. Specific hazard statements are given in Section 8.