1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers a procedure that accelerates the natural weathering rate of a solid material sample so that diagnostic weathering products can be produced, collected, and quantified. Soluble weathering products are mobilized by a fixed-volume aqueous leach that is performed, collected, and analyzed weekly. When conducted in accordance with the following protocol, this laboratory test method has accelerated metal-mine waste-rock weathering rates by at least an order of magnitude greater than observed field rates (1) .

1.1.1 This test method is intended for use to meet kinetic testing regulatory requirements for mining waste and ores.

1.2 This test method is a modification of an accelerated weathering test method developed originally for mining wastes (2-4) . However, it may have useful application wherever gaseous oxidation coupled with aqueous leaching are important mechanisms for contaminant mobility.

1.3 This test method calls for the weekly leaching of a 1000-g solid material sample, with water of a specified purity, and the collection and chemical characterization of the resulting leachate over a minimum period of 20 weeks.

1.4 As described, this test method may not be suitable for some materials containing plastics, polymers, or refined metals. These materials may be resistant to traditional particle size reduction methods.

1.5 Additionally, this test method has not been tested for applicability to organic substances and volatile matter.

1.6 This test method is not intended to provide leachates that are identical to the actual leachate produced from a solid material in the field or to produce leachates to be used as the sole basis of engineering design.

1.7 This test method is not intended to simulate site-specific leaching conditions. It has not been demonstrated to simulate actual disposal site leaching conditions.

1.8 This test method is intended to describe the procedure for performing the accelerated weathering of solid materials to generate leachates. It does not describe all types of sampling and analytical requirements that may be associated with its application.

1.9 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.10 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.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D75 Practice for Sampling Aggregates

D276 Test Methods for Identification of Fibers in Textiles

D420 Guide to Site Characterization for Engineering Design and Construction Purposes

D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids

D737 Test Method for Air Permeability of Textile Fabrics

D1067 Test Methods for Acidity or Alkalinity of Water

D1125 Test Methods for Electrical Conductivity and Resistivity of Water

D1193 Specification for Reagent Water

D1293 Test Methods for pH of Water

D1498 Test Method for Oxidation-Reduction Potential of Water

D2234/D2234M Practice for Collection of a Gross Sample of Coal

D3370 Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Conduits

E276 Test Method for Particle Size or Screen Analysis at No. 4 (4.75-mm) Sieve and Finer for Metal-Bearing Ores and Related Materials

E877 Practice for Sampling and Sample Preparation of Iron Ores and Related Materials for Determination of Chemical Composition

E1915 Test Methods for Analysis of Metal Bearing Ores and Related Materials for Carbon, Sulfur, and Acid-Base Characteristics

E2242 Test Method for Column Percolation Extraction of Mine Rock by the Meteoric Water Mobility Procedure

Keywords

chemical weathering; humidity cell; laboratory weathering; mill tailings; ore; oxidation; solid material; waste rock;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 19.040 (Environmental testing)

DOI: 10.1520/D5744-96R01

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