4.1 This test method is intended as a means for obtaining sequential extracts of a waste. The extracts may be used to estimate the release of certain constituents of the waste under the laboratory conditions described in this test method.

4.2 The pH of the extraction fluid used in this test method is to reflect the pH of acidic precipitation in the geographic region in which the waste being tested is to be disposed.

4.3 An intent of this test method is for the final pH of each of the extracts to reflect the interaction of the extractant with the buffering capacity of the waste.

4.4 This test method is not intended to provide extracts that are representative of the actual leachate produced from a waste in the field or to produce extracts to be used as the sole basis of engineering design.

4.5 This test method has not been demonstrated to simulate actual disposal site leaching conditions.

4.6 This test method produces extracts that are amenable to the determination of both major and minor (trace) constituents. When minor constituents are being determined, it is especially important that precautions be taken in sample storage and handling to avoid possible contamination of the samples.

4.7 This test method has been tested to determine its applicability to certain inorganic components in the waste. This test method has not been tested for applicability to organic substances, volatile matter (see Note 5), or biologically active samples.

4.8 The agitation technique, rate, liquid-to-solid ratio, and filtration conditions specified in the procedure may not be suitable for extracting all types of wastes (see Sections 7 and 8 and Appendix X1).