ASTM D4793-09 (2023) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D4793-09 (reapproved 2023) — Standard Test Method for Sequential Batch Extraction of Waste with Water. This ASTM procedure specifies a laboratory method for performing sequential batch extractions (serial shake extractions) of a waste sample with water to generate a series of aqueous extracts for chemical analysis and leaching-characterization purposes.

Abstract

ASTM D4793-09(2023) defines a controlled, repeatable procedure to sequentially extract constituents from a solid or solid–rich waste sample using purified water as the extraction fluid. The method requires shaking a known mass of waste with water, separating the aqueous phase, and repeating the extraction sequence (typically ten sequential contacts) to produce a set of eluates that describe the release behaviour of analytes under the test conditions. The standard is intended for obtaining comparative leaching data rather than to prescribe all sampling or analytical methods that may accompany its application.

General information

• Status: Current (reapproved 2023)
• Publication date: November 1, 2023 (reapproval of the D4793-09 designation; original approval 2009).
• Publisher: ASTM International
• ICS / categories: 13.030.40 (Installations and equipment for waste disposal and treatment)
• Edition / version: Designation D4793-09 (original 2009); reapproved 2023 — cited as ASTM D4793-09(2023).
• Number of pages: 10

Scope

This test method provides a procedure for sequential leaching of wastes containing at least five percent solids to produce a series of aqueous extracts for analysis. It covers the preparation of the sample for the sequential batch extraction, the contact procedure (agitation/shaking) with a specified purity water leachant, separation of the aqueous phase, and repetition of the contact steps to generate multiple extracts (commonly ten). The standard is limited to describing the extraction procedure itself and does not prescribe all sampling strategies, analytical methods, or regulatory decision rules that may be used with the produced extracts.

Key topics and requirements

• Minimum solids content for test applicability (typically ≥ 5% solids in the waste as received).
• Sequential batch extraction (serial shake) approach — repeated contacts of the same test portion with fresh water to produce a series of eluates.
• Specification of extraction fluid purity and liquid-to-solid contact parameters (agitation, time, and separation).
• Typical number of extraction cycles (ten sequential extractions is the commonly referenced sequence).
• Reporting of eluate volumes, concentrations, and conditions in SI units (SI units are the standard in the method).
• Limitations and user responsibilities for safety, sampling representativeness, and analytical selection — the method does not cover all sampling or analytical requirements.

Typical use and users

This standard is used by environmental testing laboratories, waste-management consultants, remediation practitioners, landfill operators, academic researchers, and regulatory agencies to characterize leaching behaviour of solid wastes, sludges, treatment residues and similar materials. Typical applications include comparative leaching studies, product or residue characterization, research on release mechanisms, and support for risk assessment or waste classification when paired with appropriate analytical and regulatory frameworks.

Related standards

Commonly referenced complementary or alternative leaching/test methods include: ASTM D3987 (shake extraction of solid waste with water), EPA SW‑846 Method 1311 (TCLP — Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure), the EN 12457 series (European batch leaching compliance tests), and ISO 21268 (soil and soil‑like material leaching procedures). Users often select a method or combination of methods according to the regulatory context, material type, and the leaching behaviour of interest.

Keywords

sequential batch extraction, serial leaching, waste leaching, water extraction, eluate, leachate, extraction fluid, batch extraction, environmental testing, waste characterization

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D4793-09(2023) is an ASTM test method that specifies a sequential batch (serial) extraction procedure using water to produce a series of aqueous extracts from a waste sample for analysis of leached constituents.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the laboratory procedure for repeated water extractions of a known mass of waste (including agitation/shaking, separation of the aqueous phase, and repetition) to generate multiple eluates that describe constituent release under the test conditions. It does not prescribe all sampling, analytical, or regulatory interpretation steps.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Environmental and analytical laboratories, waste-management consultants, remediation teams, landfill operators, researchers, and regulators use the method to evaluate leaching behaviour and support comparative studies or characterization programs.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The D4793-09 designation was reapproved in 2023 and is listed as current (reapproved 2023). The original approval year is 2009; the 2023 action is a reapproval rather than a full revision of the method.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a stand‑alone ASTM test method for sequential batch extraction, but it sits conceptually alongside other leaching and extraction standards (for example single‑stage shake tests, TCLP, EN batch leaching tests, and ISO leaching procedures) that together form the suite of methods for evaluating leaching and release from solids, soils and wastes.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Sequential batch extraction, batch leaching, waste leaching, eluate, extraction fluid, shake extraction, leachate, water extraction, environmental testing.