SW-846 Test Method 9071B: n-Hexane Extractable Material (HEM) for Sludge, Sediment, and Solid Samples.
Get more information about the standard at EPA 9071B.
Facts about the EPA 9071B Test Method
EPA 9071B can be used for the determination of n-hexane extracable material (HEM) in sludge, sediment and soil. Similar to EPA 1664B it is not possible to determine hydrocarbons that volatilize at a temperature of below 85°C. However, compared to EPA 1664B and even ISO 16703 (another method used for oil in soil determination), is more complex. MgSO4 is added to the sample to create a solid sample, which is grinded to a fine powder. This powder is extracted by boiling n-hexane for some hours. Afterwards the solvent is removed from the extract by evapouration and the determination of HEM is done by gravimetry.
Replacing n-hexane with cyclohexane and using the ERACHECK instead of the gravimetric determination produces comparable results if the calibration is amended. In addition a sample preparation similar to ISO 16703 can be done for measurements using the ERACHECK.