ASTM D4547-06
Standard Guide for Sampling Waste and Soils for Volatile Organic Compounds

Standard No.

ASTM D4547-06

Release Date

2006

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D4547-09

Latest

ASTM D4547-20

Scope

This guide describes sample collection and handling procedures designed to minimize losses of VOCs. The principal mechanisms for the loss of VOCs from materials during collection, handling and storage are volatilization and biodegradation. Susceptibility of various VOCs to these two loss mechanisms is both compound and matrix specific. In general, compounds with higher vapor pressures are more susceptible to volatilization than compounds with lower vapor pressures. Also, aerobically degradable compounds are generally more susceptible to biodegradation than anaerobically degradable compounds. In some cases, the formation of other compounds not originally present in the material can occur. Loss or gain of VOCs leads to analytical results that are unrepresentative of field conditions.

Ancillary information concerning sample collection, handling and storage for VOC analysis is provided in Appendix X1 and Appendix X2. These appendixes and cited references are recommended reading for those unfamiliar with the many challenges presented during the collection, handling and storage of samples for VOC analysis.

1.1 This guide describes recommended procedures for the collection, handling, and preparation of solid waste, soil, and sediment samples for subsequent determination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This class of compounds includes low molecular weight aromatics, hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbons, ketones, acetates, nitriles, acrylates, ethers, and sulfides with boiling points below 200 Celsius (C) that are insoluble or slightly soluble in water.

1.2 Methods of sample collection, handling, storage, and preparation for analysis are described.

1.3 This guide does not cover the details of sampling design, laboratory preparation of containers, and the analysis of the samples.

1.4 It is recommended that this guide be used in conjunction with Guide D 4687.

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. See and for specific warnings.

ASTM D4547-06 Referenced Document

• ASTM D1193 Standard Specification for Reagent Water
• ASTM D3350 Standard Specification for Polyethylene Plastics Pipe and Fittings Materials*， 2024-04-19 Update
• ASTM D4687 Standard Guide for General Planning of Waste Sampling
• ASTM D4700 Standard Guide for Soil Sampling from the Vadose Zone
• ASTM D5058 Standard Test Methods for Compatibility of Screening Analysis of Waste
• ASTM D5792 Standard Practice for Generation of Environmental Data Related to Waste Management Activities: Development of Data Quality Objectives
• ASTM D6051 Standard Guide for Composite Sampling and Field Subsampling for Environmental Waste Management Activities
• ASTM D6418 Standard Practice for Using the Disposable En Core Sampler for Sampling and Storing Soil for Volatile Organic Analysis
• ASTM D6640 Standard Practice for Collection and Handling of Soils Obtained in Core Barrel Samplers for Environmental Investigations
• ASTM E856 Standard Definitions of Terms and Abbreviations Relating to Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Refuse Derived Fuel

ASTM D4547-06 history

• 2020 ASTM D4547-20 Standard Guide for Sampling Waste and Soils for Volatile Organic Compounds
• 2015 ASTM D4547-15 Standard Guide for Sampling Waste and Soils for Volatile Organic Compounds
• 2009 ASTM D4547-09 Standard Guide for Sampling Waste and Soils for Volatile Organic Compounds
• 2006 ASTM D4547-06 Standard Guide for Sampling Waste and Soils for Volatile Organic Compounds
• 2003 ASTM D4547-03 Standard Guide for Sampling Waste and Soils for Volatile Organic Compounds
• 1998 ASTM D4547-98 Standard Guide for Sampling Waste and Soils for Volatile Organic Compounds