scope:

This European Standard specifies the quantitative determination of 16 polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) according to the priority list of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, 1982). This European Standard is applicable for wastes such as contaminated soil, sludge and rubble, bitumen or waste containing bitumen. This European Standard describes a gas chromatographic method with mass spectrometric detection (GC-MS). Under the conditions specified in this document, a typical lower limit of application of 0,1 mg/kg for each individual PAH can be achieved. NOTE 1 - This method may be applied to the analysis of other PAH compounds not specified in the scope provided its applicability has been proven by proper in-house validation experiments. NOTE 2 - For some materials, e. g. bitumen, the lower limit of application of 0,1 mg/kg cannot be achieved due to interferences. NOTE 3 - Under certain circumstances the method may be applicable to PAH concentrations lower than 0,1 mg/kg but it is in the responsibility of the laboratory to provide proper validation data for such low concentrations.