Overview
EN ISO 16558-1:2015/A1:2020 - Soil quality - Risk-based petroleum hydrocarbons - Part 1 - amends the original ISO 16558-1 method for the determination of aliphatic and aromatic fractions of volatile petroleum hydrocarbons using gas chromatography (static headspace method). Approved by CEN (15 June 2020) and published as an amendment (A1:2020), this document clarifies preparation of standards, detector/column examples for simulated distillation (SIMDest) approaches, and calibration model expectations. It is intended for laboratories and practitioners performing risk‑based soil and environmental assessments for petroleum hydrocarbon contamination.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Analyte scope: Volatile petroleum hydrocarbons divided into aliphatic and aromatic fractions for risk‑based soil quality assessment.
- Analytical technique: Static headspace sampling coupled with gas chromatography (GC); suitable stationary phases for SIMDest are indicated.
- Amendment highlights:
- Section 6.8.1: Clarifies preparation of stock and working solutions (weights/volumes given as examples). Laboratories may use different amounts if demonstrated fit‑for‑purpose. The number of calibration concentration levels is mandatory.
- Mixed standard solutions: can be prepared in‑house or purchased commercially.
- Section 9.4.1: Stationary phase examples updated to DB‑1 or SE‑30 (non‑polar) as suitable for SIMDest; earlier VF‑624ms example replaced.
- Section 9.4.2: Specifies a linear calibration model is required in this International Standard; other models (e.g., quadratic) may be used only if proven suitable.
- Bibliography additions: EN 14346, EN 15934, EN 16179 (sample pretreatment and dry matter calculations).
- Traceability and fitness‑for‑purpose: Emphasis on validated calibration, documented preparation of standards, and clear reporting for risk assessment use.
Applications
- Screening and quantitative analysis of petroleum hydrocarbon contamination in soils and solid matrices.
- Inputs for risk‑based contaminated land assessment, remediation planning, and compliance monitoring.
- Use in environmental forensic analysis where separation of aliphatic vs aromatic volatile fractions affects toxicity or fate characterization.
Who uses this standard
- Environmental and analytical laboratories performing GC headspace analysis.
- Environmental consultants, remediation contractors, and site assessors.
- Regulatory agencies and authorities implementing soil quality or contaminated land programs.
- Researchers working on petroleum hydrocarbon fate and risk assessment.
Related standards
- EN ISO 16558-1:2015 (base document)
- EN 14346 - dry matter calculation
- EN 15934 - dry matter fraction for sludge/soil
- EN 16179 - guidance for sample pretreatment
Keywords: soil quality, petroleum hydrocarbons, volatile petroleum hydrocarbons, gas chromatography, static headspace, aliphatic aromatic fractions, SIMDest, EN ISO 16558-1:2015/A1:2020.
