ASTM Offers Standard for Beryllium
A proposed new ASTM
International standard will fill a need for a reliable method for
measuring beryllium at various levels in soil samples that does not
require the use of aggressive digestion methods involving strong acids.
The proposed standard, WK17600,
Test Method for Determination of Beryllium in Soil, Rock, Sediment and
Fly Ash Using Field-Based Extraction and Fluorescence Detection, is
being developed by Subcommittee D18.01 on Surface and Subsurface Characterization, which is part of ASTM International Committee D18 on Soil and Rock.
According to Michael Brisson, senior technical advisor for
Washington Savannah River Company and secretary of ASTM Committee D22
on Air Quality, WK17600 will be used by environmental and industrial
hygiene laboratories to determine levels of beryllium in soil to
support environmental remediation projects and to determine background
beryllium levels at industrial sites.
Brisson notes that WK17600 is an adaptation of D 7202,
Test Method for Determination of Beryllium in the Workplace Using
Field-Based Extraction and Fluorescence Detection, a standard under the
jurisdiction of Subcommittee D22.04 on Workplace Air Quality.
For further technical information, contact Brisson, at 803-952-4400 or mike.brisson@srs.gov.