EPA 9071B

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.

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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.