Round robin testing of a percolation column leaching procedure.
Round robin test results of a percolation column leaching procedure (CEN/TS 14405:2004), organised by the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), over a time span of 13years with a participation of between 8 and 18 different laboratories are presented and discussed. Focus is on the leachability of heavy metals As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn from mineral waste materials. By performing statistical analyses on the obtained results, insight into the reproducibility and repeatability of the column leaching test is gathered. A ratio of 1:3 between intra- and inter-laboratory variability is found. The reproducibility of the eluates' element concentrations differ significantly between elements, materials and fractions (i.e. different liquid-to-solid ratios). The reproducibility is discussed in light of the application of the column leaching test for legal and environmental policy purposes. In addition, the performances of laboratories are compared.
Waste Recycling Technologies, Sustainable Materials Management, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, VITO N.V., Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium. Electronic address: roeland.geurts@vito.be.
Roeland
R
Geurts
Waste Recycling Technologies, Sustainable Materials Management, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, VITO N.V., Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium.
Jeroen
J
Spooren
Waste Recycling Technologies, Sustainable Materials Management, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, VITO N.V., Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium.
Mieke
M
Quaghebeur
Waste Recycling Technologies, Sustainable Materials Management, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, VITO N.V., Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium.
Kris
K
Broos
Waste Recycling Technologies, Sustainable Materials Management, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, VITO N.V., Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium.
Cindy
C
Kenis
OVAM, Stationsstraat 110, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium.
Luc
L
Debaene
D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis; D012037:Refuse Disposal / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis; D064091:Waste Disposal Facilities; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
D019216:Metals, Heavy; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical
Column leaching test; Leachability; Round robin test