What is ISO 12404 about?
The methods used for screening soil affect the results and your subsequent decisions on how to use that soil. ISO 12404 discusses soil and waste with a focus on selecting screening methods. ISO 12404 provides guidance on the selection and application of screening methods for assessing soil quality and waste characterization, including distribution of target parameters in soil and soil‑like material.
The aim of ISO 12404 is to set up criteria as to when the different kinds of screening methods can be applied for the analysis of a certain parameter in soil, including soil‑like material, and waste, and which steps are required to prove their suitability.
Note 1: Although soil screening methods are most used to determine contaminants (pollutants) in soils, for example in investigations of potentially contaminated sites, they can also be used to determine parameters in uncontaminated soils (e.g., agricultural soils). Thus, the word “contaminant” in ISO 12404 can be construed to apply in any context to any relevant soil parameter
Note 2: ISO 12404 does not recommend any screening method but confirms the principles of their selection and application.
Who is ISO 12404 for?
ISO 12404 on selecting soil screening methods useful for:
- Ecologists and conservationists
- Soil testing laboratories
- Landowners
Why should you use ISO 12404?
ISO 12404 provides guidance on selecting screening methods for soil, soil‑like materials, and waste characterization. The various soil screening methods discussed are applicable to all matrices mentioned and are specific to either waste or soil, including soil‑like materials.
Screening methods provided in ISO 12404 are applicable to processes such as entrance control at waste disposal sites in conjunction with standardized methods, because they allow fast verification of the documented waste characteristics. These methods can be used in a similar way when soil or soil-like materials are to be reused in accordance with the guidance.
What’s changed since the last update?
ISO 12404:2021 supersedes EN 16123:2013 and EN ISO 12404:2015 which are withdrawn. ISO 12404:2021 includes some technical and editorial changes with respect to BS EN ISO 16123:2013 and EN ISO 12404:2015. These include:
- The scope was widened to include waste
- The document was developed parallel with CEN according to the Vienna Agreement
- The text was editorially revised
