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D3987-12 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
🧪 Scope and Significance
ASTM D3987-12 is a standard practice for shake extraction of solid waste with water. It provides a rapid leaching method to obtain an aqueous solution for determining constituents released under specified testing conditions. The procedure involves shaking a known mass of waste with water of defined composition and then separating the aqueous phase for analysis.
The standard emphasizes that this practice is not intended to represent actual leachate from field conditions or to serve as the sole basis for engineering design. Instead, it is a laboratory tool to estimate constituent release under controlled conditions. The final pH of the extract reflects the interaction between the extractant and the buffering capacity of the solid waste, with the waste dominating pH determination.
Values are stated in SI units, with inch-pound conversions for reference. Users must establish appropriate safety and environmental practices before use.
⚙️ Apparatus and Test Method
The agitation equipment must rotate about a central axis at a rate of 29 ± 2 r/min, ensuring end-over-end mixing of samples. Reagent water conforming to ASTM D1193 is used as the extractant. The method produces an extract suitable for major and minor constituent analysis, but it has not been tested for organic substances or volatile matter.
Sample storage and handling are critical to avoid contamination, especially when minor constituents are targeted. The practice references multiple ASTM standards for sampling, water quality, and terminology to ensure consistency.
| ⚙️ Parameter | 📏 Requirement |
|---|---|
| Agitation Speed | 29 ± 2 r/min |
| Motion Type | End-over-end rotation |
| Extractant | Reagent water (ASTM D1193) |
| Sample Handling | Contamination precautions required |
⚠️ Important: This practice is not suitable for organic substances or volatile matter as per Section 4.7. Ensure compatibility with target analytes.
📊 Referenced Standards
The practice relies on several ASTM standards to support its methodology. Below are key references:
| 🔍 Standard | 📚 Description |
|---|---|
| D1193 | Specification for Reagent Water |
| D5681 | Terminology for Waste and Waste Management |
| D2216 | Test Methods for Water Content of Soil and Rock |
| E122 | Practice for Sample Size Estimation |
These references ensure proper sampling, water quality, and terminology are applied throughout the practice.
💡 Note: The practice is designed for rapid extraction, but always validate results against specific project requirements and regulatory limits.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the main purpose of ASTM D3987-12?
The standard provides a rapid leaching procedure to obtain an aqueous extract from solid waste for constituent analysis under controlled laboratory conditions.
💡 How is the agitation equipment specified?
Equipment must rotate at 29 ± 2 r/min in an end-over-end fashion to ensure consistent mixing of the waste with reagent water.
⚡ What are the limitations of this practice?
It does not simulate field conditions, is not for organic or volatile substance analysis, and should not be the sole basis for engineering design.
📌 What type of water is used in the extraction?
Reagent water conforming to ASTM D1193 specification must be used as the extractant.