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1.1 This practice covers the solvent extraction of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) from soils and sediments, using closed vessel microwave heating, for subsequent determination by gravimetric or gas chromatographic techniques.

1.2 This practice is recommended only for solid samples that can pass through a ten mesh screen (approximately 2 mm openings).

1.3 The solvent extract obtained by this practice may be analyzed for total or specific nonvolatile and semivolatile petroleum hydrocarbons but may require sample clean-up procedures prior to specific compound analysis.

1.4 This practice is limited to solvents that are recommended for use in microwave solvent extraction systems.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazard statements are given in Section 9.

5.1 Solvent extraction of soils and sediments can provide information on the availability of petroleum hydrocarbons to leaching, water quality changes, or other site conditions.

5.2 Rapid heating, in combination with temperatures in excess of the atmospheric boiling point of acetone/hexane, reduces sample preparation or extraction times.

5.3 Reduced amounts of solvents are required and solvent loss due to boiling and evaporation are eliminated by use of closed extraction vessels.