DIN CEN/TS 16189:2012-05

This Technical Specification (CEN/TS 16189) specifies a method for the determination of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) in sludge, treated biowaste and soil using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a fluorescence detector (FLD) or a mass selective detector (MS). The anionic surfactant LAS (Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate) is found in the environment due to the use of LAS in detergents. For more than 30 years LAS has been the largest single surfactant used in detergents, and the use continues on a high level. Although LAS is readily biodegradable during wastewater treatment, considerable amounts may still be found in sludge of municipal origin. By the use of sludge for soil improvement LAS may end up in the agricultural soil, where a rapid biodegradation takes place. Under the conditions specified in this Technical Specification, typically a limit of detection of 20 mg/kg (expressed as dry matter) for sludge and of 0,2 mg/kg to 0,5 mg/kg for soil and treated biowaste may be achieved. Due to the data collected in collaborative studies and consultations with the interested parties within CEN member organizations, it has been decided that this document CEN/TS 16189 is suitable for the application. CEN/TS 16189 has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 400 "Project Committee - Horizontal Standards in the fields of sludge, biowaste and soil", the secretariat of which is held by DIN, Germany. The responsible German committee is NA 119-01-02-02 UA "Chemische und physikalische Verfahren" ("Chemical and physical processes") of NA 119-01-02 AA "Abfall- und Bodenuntersuchung" ("Examination of waste and soil") at the Water Practice Standards Committee (NAW).