Overview

EN ISO 22155:2016 (ISO 22155:2016) specifies a static headspace gas chromatographic method for the quantitative determination of volatile aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile halogenated hydrocarbons and selected aliphatic ethers in soil. The standard is applicable to all types of soil and covers sampling approaches to minimize losses of volatiles, methanol extraction, headspace equilibration, chromatographic analysis and reporting.

Key features:

Uses static headspace extraction of methanol soil extracts followed by gas chromatography (GC).
Compatible detectors include GC‑FID, GC‑ECD, GC‑MS, PID and ELCD.
Limits of quantification depend on the detector and methanol grade used for extraction; typical LOQs:
- GC‑FID: volatile aromatic hydrocarbons ~0.2 mg/kg; MTBE/TAME ~0.5 mg/kg
- GC‑ECD: volatile halogenated hydrocarbons ~0.01–0.2 mg/kg
Lower LOQs for selected compounds achievable with GC‑MS (selected ion detection) (see Annex D).

Key Topics and Requirements

Sampling and preservation: Field-sampling minimizes volatile losses using undisturbed coring or vials pre-filled with methanol. Applies ISO guidance on sampling design and techniques.
Extraction: Methanol extraction of field‑moist soil; quality and purity of methanol influence background and LOQ.
Headspace conditions: Controlled vial temperature (typically 50–80 °C) to reach equilibrium between liquid and headspace.
Chromatography and detection:
- Use appropriate capillary columns and detector(s) for target compounds.
- For non‑specific detectors (FID, ECD), identity confirmation requires a second run on a column of different polarity.
- GC‑MS can provide simultaneous confirmation and quantification.
Quality control: Use of internal standards (e.g., deuterated aromatics), blanks, calibration and performance checks per the standard and annexes.
Reporting: Results expressed on a dry‑matter basis; precision, LOQs and any deviations must be documented.

Applications and Who Uses It

EN ISO 22155:2016 is intended for:

Environmental and commercial analytical laboratories performing soil VOC analysis.
Contaminated land assessors and remediation contractors monitoring volatile hydrocarbons.
Regulatory bodies and consultants conducting compliance testing or baseline surveys.
Research groups studying soil contamination, pollutant fate or exposure pathways.

Typical applications:

Site characterization and risk assessment for petroleum, solvent or halogenated solvent contamination.
Monitoring progress of soil remediation or natural attenuation.
Screening surveys and confirmatory analysis where volatile organics are of concern.

Related Standards

Relevant normative references include:

ISO 10381‑1, ISO 10381‑2 (soil sampling guidance)
ISO 11465 (dry matter / water content)
ISO 15680, ISO 18512, ISO 22892 (related GC/soil guidance and identification)

Keywords: EN ISO 22155:2016, soil quality, volatile aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile halogenated hydrocarbons, static headspace, GC‑FID, GC‑ECD, GC‑MS, methanol extraction, limit of quantification.

Overview

Key features:

Uses static headspace extraction of methanol soil extracts followed by gas chromatography (GC).
Compatible detectors include GC‑FID, GC‑ECD, GC‑MS, PID and ELCD.
Limits of quantification depend on the detector and methanol grade used for extraction; typical LOQs:
- GC‑FID: volatile aromatic hydrocarbons ~0.2 mg/kg; MTBE/TAME ~0.5 mg/kg
- GC‑ECD: volatile halogenated hydrocarbons ~0.01–0.2 mg/kg
Lower LOQs for selected compounds achievable with GC‑MS (selected ion detection) (see Annex D).

Key Topics and Requirements

Sampling and preservation: Field-sampling minimizes volatile losses using undisturbed coring or vials pre-filled with methanol. Applies ISO guidance on sampling design and techniques.
Extraction: Methanol extraction of field‑moist soil; quality and purity of methanol influence background and LOQ.
Headspace conditions: Controlled vial temperature (typically 50–80 °C) to reach equilibrium between liquid and headspace.
Chromatography and detection:
- Use appropriate capillary columns and detector(s) for target compounds.
- For non‑specific detectors (FID, ECD), identity confirmation requires a second run on a column of different polarity.
- GC‑MS can provide simultaneous confirmation and quantification.
Quality control: Use of internal standards (e.g., deuterated aromatics), blanks, calibration and performance checks per the standard and annexes.
Reporting: Results expressed on a dry‑matter basis; precision, LOQs and any deviations must be documented.

Applications and Who Uses It

EN ISO 22155:2016 is intended for:

Environmental and commercial analytical laboratories performing soil VOC analysis.
Contaminated land assessors and remediation contractors monitoring volatile hydrocarbons.
Regulatory bodies and consultants conducting compliance testing or baseline surveys.
Research groups studying soil contamination, pollutant fate or exposure pathways.

Typical applications:

Site characterization and risk assessment for petroleum, solvent or halogenated solvent contamination.
Monitoring progress of soil remediation or natural attenuation.
Screening surveys and confirmatory analysis where volatile organics are of concern.

Related Standards

Relevant normative references include:

ISO 10381‑1, ISO 10381‑2 (soil sampling guidance)
ISO 11465 (dry matter / water content)
ISO 15680, ISO 18512, ISO 22892 (related GC/soil guidance and identification)

SIST EN ISO 22155:2016 PDF

Technical details

Abstract

Overview

Key Topics and Requirements

Applications and Who Uses It

Related Standards

Related standards

Abstract

Overview

Key Topics and Requirements

Applications and Who Uses It

Related Standards

Related standards

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