Standard Practice for the Preparation of Substitute Wastewater

1.1 This practice covers the preparation of an aqueous mixture containing constituents in concentrations such that it will have physical and chemical matrix characteristics similar to municipal wastewater.

1.2 Wastewaters are extremely variable, depending on the quantity and nature of the materials being discharged into the collection system. The mixture prepared with this practice is not representative of any particular wastewate. Rather, it allows the user to prepare a mixture that exhibits a similar matrix impact on test method performance as is typical of municipal wastewater and can be prepared from common materials inexpensively and reproducibly. It allows the evaluation of test methods, over time, against the same reference point.

1.3 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.