Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2013C00288:reg:4:p10
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2013C00288
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 4 (pt 10/12)
Character Range: 764836–769673

storage on sample integrity will be based on the concentration of analyte in the sample, sample temperature, reactions with other compounds that may be present, degradation by microbiological factors, etc. Analytes such as metals and some semi-volatile organics (including PCBs, PAHs) are persistent in the environment and are not likely to change significantly after sampling; analysis slightly outside of these holding times is not likely to cause significant variation in results if samples have been handled and stored correctly. However, all tests should be carried out as soon as practicable after sampling, and according to any jurisdictional requirements.

Table 1. Recommended sample containers, holding timesa and condition of soil for analysisb.
Analyte                                                     Containerc                      Maximum holding time                               Sample condition
Moisture content
- Moisture content only                                     - P, PTFE or G                  - 14 days                                          Field-moist
- Moisture correction                                       - As for analyte of interest    - As for analyte of interest                       Field-moist
pH                                                          P, PTFE or G                    24 hours recommended;                              Air-dry or field-moist, depending on analyte of interest
                                                                                            7 days allowed
Electrical conductivity                                     P or G                          7 days                                             Air-dry or field-moist
Organic carbon                                              G with PTFE-lined capd          28 days                                            Air-dry or field-moist
Metals (except Mercury & Chromium VI)                       P, PTFE or G                    6 months                                           Air-dry or field-moist
Mercury & Chromium VI                                       P (AW)d                         28 days.                                           Field-moist
                                                                                            For Cr VI, can hold up to 7 days post-extraction
Cation exchange capacity, exchangeable cations              P (AW)                          28 days                                            Air-dry or field-moist
Chloride (water-soluble)                                    P, PTFE or G                    28 days                                            Air-dry or field-moist
Bromide (water-soluble)                                     P, PTFE or G                    28 days                                            Air-dry or field-moist
Cyanide                                                     P, PTFE or Gd                   14 days                                            Field-moist
Fluoride                                                    P or G                          28 days                                            Air-dry or field-moist
Sulfur – total                                              P, PTFE or G                    7 days                                             Air-dry or field-moist
Sulfate                                                     P, PTFE or G                    28 days                                            Air-dry or field-moist
Sulfide                                                     P or Ge                         7 days                                             Field-moist
Volatile Organics, except for vinyl chloride, styrene, or   G with PTFE-lined lid/septumf   14 days                                            Field-moist
2-chloroethyl vinyl ether
Vinyl chloride, styrene,                                    G with PTFE-lined lid/septumf   7 days
2-chloroethyl vinyl ether
Semi-volatile organics, except PCBs, dioxins & furans       G with PTFE-lined lid/septumg   14 daysh                                           Field-moist
PCBs, dioxins & furans                                      G with PTFE-lined lid/septumg   28 daysh                                           Field-moist

Notes
a  Recommended maximum time until sample extraction.
b  Sourced from various references including US EPA SW-846 and Australian and international standards
c  Minimum volume of 250 mL. Containers should be free from contamination, either washed as appropriate or use clean food-grade containers.
P = Plastic G = Glass PTFE= polytetrafluoroethylene AW = Acid-washed SR = Solvent rinsed.
d  Store in the dark.
e  Add sufficient 2M zinc acetate to fully cover surface of solid with minimal headspace; refrigerate (<6°C) (see SW-846 Method 5021, Method 9030B).
f