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Region 9 Laboratory SOP 250
TCLP Extraction
Summary
The Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) method is applicable to liquid, solid, and multiphasic wastes. TCLP extractions need not be performed for those samples shown, by previous analysis, to contain levels of analytes that could not possibly exceed the TCLP regulatory limits. If any regulated compound in an extract exceeds the regulatory limits, the waste is determined to be hazardous. The remaining TCLP fractions need not be analyzed.
This SOP describes the preparation of samples for organic and inorganic analyses by EPA Method 1311, the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP). The analyses of samples prepared in this method are detailed in Region 9 SOPs 505 (ICP analysis by EPA Method 200.7), 415 (mercury preparation for EPA Method 245.1), 515 (mercury analysis by EPA Method 245.1), 212 (extraction of samples for semi-volatile organics and pesticides), 315 (semi-volatile organics analysis) and 330 (pesticides and PCB by GC).
TCLP extraction is used to determine the mobility of analytes in an acetic acid buffer solution. The concentration of regulated analytes in the extract determine the toxicity characteristic (TC) of a sample, and therefore whether it is subject to disposal regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
The wastes are initially characterized and defined by matrix (liquid, solid, or mixed phase) and by pH. This preliminary characterization determines the type of TCLP extraction procedure to be applied. Wastes containing less than 0.5 percent dry solid material are classified as liquid wastes and, after filtration, are defined as the final TCLP extract. If the wastes contain greater than or equal to 0.5 percent solids, the liquid, if any, is separated from the solid phase and stored for later analysis. The solid phase is extracted with an amount of extraction fluid equal to 20 times the weight of the solid phase. Extractions are conducted for a period of 18 hours, followed by analysis of the extract by approved EPA methodology.