BS ISO 16751:2020 - Soil Quality Standard

Discover the comprehensive guide to understanding the environmental availability of non-polar organic compounds in soil with the BS ISO 16751:2020 standard. This essential document provides a detailed methodology for determining both the potentially bioavailable fraction and the non-bioavailable fraction of these compounds using a strong adsorbent or complexing agent.

Overview

The BS ISO 16751:2020 standard is a critical resource for environmental scientists, soil quality analysts, and researchers focused on soil contamination and remediation. Released on June 29, 2020, this standard offers a robust framework for assessing the environmental impact of non-polar organic compounds, which are often found in various industrial and agricultural settings.

Key Features

• Standard Number: BS ISO 16751:2020
• Pages: 36
• Release Date: 2020-06-29
• ISBN: 978 0 539 04219 1
• Status: Standard

Understanding Soil Quality

Soil quality is a vital component of environmental health, influencing everything from agricultural productivity to ecosystem sustainability. The presence of non-polar organic compounds in soil can pose significant risks to both human health and the environment. These compounds, which include a variety of hydrocarbons and other organic pollutants, can persist in the environment and accumulate in the food chain.

Environmental Availability of Non-Polar Organic Compounds

The environmental availability of these compounds is a measure of their potential to be absorbed by living organisms. This availability is influenced by several factors, including the chemical nature of the compounds, soil properties, and environmental conditions. The BS ISO 16751:2020 standard provides a scientific approach to quantifying this availability, helping stakeholders make informed decisions about soil management and remediation strategies.

Determination of Bioavailable and Non-Bioavailable Fractions

The standard outlines a method for determining the potentially bioavailable fraction and the non-bioavailable fraction of non-polar organic compounds. This is achieved through the use of a strong adsorbent or complexing agent, which helps to differentiate between the fractions that can be absorbed by organisms and those that remain inert in the soil matrix.

Potentially Bioavailable Fraction

The potentially bioavailable fraction represents the portion of the compound that is accessible to organisms. This fraction is critical for assessing the ecological risk posed by soil contaminants, as it directly influences the exposure of plants, animals, and humans to these compounds.

Non-Bioavailable Fraction

The non-bioavailable fraction, on the other hand, is the portion of the compound that is not readily accessible to organisms. Understanding this fraction is important for evaluating the long-term stability and persistence of contaminants in the soil, as well as their potential to be mobilized under changing environmental conditions.

Applications and Benefits

The BS ISO 16751:2020 standard is applicable across a wide range of industries and research fields, including:

• Environmental Science: Provides a reliable method for assessing soil contamination and its potential impact on ecosystems.
• Agriculture: Helps farmers and agronomists understand the implications of soil contaminants on crop health and productivity.
• Industrial Remediation: Guides the development of effective soil remediation strategies to mitigate the impact of industrial pollutants.
• Regulatory Compliance: Assists regulatory bodies in setting standards and guidelines for soil quality and contamination levels.

Why Choose BS ISO 16751:2020?

Choosing the BS ISO 16751:2020 standard means opting for a scientifically validated approach to soil quality assessment. This standard is backed by rigorous research and expert consensus, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of accuracy and reliability. By implementing this standard, organizations can enhance their environmental stewardship, improve compliance with regulatory requirements, and contribute to the sustainable management of soil resources.

Conclusion

The BS ISO 16751:2020 standard is an indispensable tool for anyone involved in soil quality assessment and management. Its comprehensive methodology for determining the environmental availability of non-polar organic compounds provides valuable insights into the potential risks and impacts of soil contaminants. Whether you are a researcher, environmental consultant, or industry professional, this standard will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions about soil health and sustainability.

BS ISO 16751:2020

This standard BS ISO 16751:2020 Soil quality. Environmental availability of non-polar organic compounds. Determination of the potentially bioavailable fraction and the non-bioavailable fraction using a strong adsorbent or complexing agent is classified in these ICS categories:

• 13.080.30 Biological properties of soils

This document specifies an extraction method to determine the bioavailable (potential and environmental available) fraction and the non-bioavailable fraction of a contaminant in soil using a “ receiver phase” for an organic contaminant with strong sorbing or complexing properties, for example, Tenax^{® 1}

or cyclodextrin, respectively.

The method is applicable for non-polar organic contaminants with an aqueous solubility of <100 mg/l. The method is applicable for soil and soil-like material including (dredged) sediments.