e.g. 50 to 250 soil samples
Water utility, Germany
PFAS investigation in the catchment of wells according to a sampling plan. The partner laboratories’ findings are analysed spatially to delineate contaminated sub-areas.
S-08 · Analysis and reporting
Soil sampling and contaminant analysis
Our field teams take soil, water and plant samples themselves and hand them over with complete documentation to our network of 13 accredited partner laboratories in Europe. The partner laboratories are accredited to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025.
Scope
- Sampling to DIN ISO 18400 and BBodSchV
- ICP-MS for heavy metals and trace elements
- LC-MS/MS for individual PFAS compounds
- GC-MS for pesticides and hydrocarbons
Typical applications
- Suspected contamination on forest or farmland
- PFAS testing in water catchment areas
- Nutrient status for fertilising and liming
Deliverables
- Test report with results and methods
- Comparison with trigger and precaution values
- Sampling record and site plan
Methodology
How we carry out this service.
01Before sampling, we draw up a sampling plan with grid points or suspect areas, depth intervals and parameters. The field technicians take samples to DIN ISO 18400 using a gouge auger, a percussion corer or an open soil pit, and form composite samples from 15 to 20 cores per sub-area. Every sample receives a unique identifier.
02Samples are transported chilled and handed over with a sample form to the appropriate partner laboratory. Sample preparation takes place beforehand at the Rhön field station. Sample pre-treatment follows DIN 19747. We keep retained samples for at least twelve months so that findings can be re-examined at any time.
03The partner laboratories determine heavy metals by ICP-MS, pesticides and mineral oil hydrocarbons by GC-MS and PFAS by LC-MS/MS. Every analytical run includes blanks, certified reference materials and duplicate determinations. Our laboratory coordination liaises with the partner laboratories, checks the results for plausibility and releases the findings for the report, which states the measurement uncertainty for each parameter.
Quality and accreditation
- Sampling to DIN ISO 18400
- Accompanying form and retained sample for every sample
- Partner laboratories accredited to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025
- Certified reference materials in every analytical run
Legal basis and permits
- §Federal Soil Protection Act (BBodSchG) § 9, risk assessment for suspected contamination
- §Federal Soil Protection and Contaminated Sites Ordinance (BBodSchV), soil values
- §Consent of the landowner for boreholes and trial pits
Operating in Germany and the EU
Example assignments
e.g. 5 to 20 ha
Municipality, Rhön and eastern Hesse
Investigation of a disused shooting range in woodland for lead and antimony. The results serve the authority as a basis for its risk assessment.
The examples show typical procedures for this service.
Frequently asked questions
How long does soil sampling take?
For an area of a few hectares, usually half a day to a full day in the field. Laboratory analysis takes five to fifteen working days, depending on the parameters.
How much does a soil contaminant analysis cost?
It depends on the parameters, the number of samples and the depth. After a short discussion of the objective, you receive a quote with prices per parameter.
Which values apply under the BBodSchV?
The Federal Soil Protection and Contaminated Sites Ordinance sets precaution, trigger and action values by land use and exposure pathway. We compare your results with the relevant values.
Enquire about this service
Tell us the area, location and time frame. You will receive an assessment within two working days.