EN 14039 Characterization of Wastes - Determination of Hydrocarbon Content in the Range of C10 to C40 by Gas Chromatography

The European standard “EN 14039 Characterization of wastes - Determination of hydrocarbon content in the range of C10 to C40 by gas chromatography” describes a method for quantitatively determining the hydrocarbon content (C10 to C40) in solid wastes using gas chromatography. This method is valid for hydrocarbon content between 100 mg/kg and 10.000 mg/kg expressed on a dry matter basis.

Using this standard, all hydrocarbons with a boiling range of approximately 175 degrees to 525 degrees, such as n-alkanes (C10H22 to C40H82), isoalkanes, cycloalkanes, alkyl benzenes, alkyl naphthalenes, and polycyclic aromatic compounds, are identified as hydrocarbons, provided they are not adsorbed onto the Florisil column during cleaning. Volatile hydrocarbons cannot be quantitatively determined using this standard. This affects the identification of some common hydrocarbon fuels, such as gasoline.

Based on the peak pattern of the gas chromatogram (see Appendix A) and the boiling points of the individual n-alkanes listed in Appendix B, some qualitative information about the approximate boiling range of hydrocarbons and the nature of hydrocarbons can be obtained.

In principle, a known quantity of the homogenized waste sample is extracted by mechanical shaking or sonication with acetone/n-heptane. The organic layer is separated and washed twice with water. Polar compounds are removed by chromatography over Florisil. A portion of the purified extract is analyzed by capillary gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector.

Retention time window standards measure the total peak area between n-decane and n-tetracontane, and the amount of hydrocarbon in the sample is quantitatively determined according to an external standard consisting of equal amounts of two different types of mineral oil.

Instead of heptane, other nonpolar solvents (e.g., petroleum ether, cyclohexane, n-hexane) can be used, but their suitability for hydrocarbon extraction from waste must be proven.

The EN 14039 standard defines a laboratory method used to measure hydrocarbon pollution in waste materials, particularly in environmental and industrial contexts.

EN 14039 standard specifies a quantitative analytical method for determining hydrocarbons in solid waste using gas chromatography:

• Applicable range: 100 mg/kg to 10.000 mg/kg (dry matter)
• It targets hydrocarbons in the C10 to C40 range.
• It includes compounds with boiling points ranging from approximately 175 degrees to 525 degrees.

The types of hydrocarbons identified are as follows:

• N-alkanes (C10–C40)
• Isoalkanes
• Cycloalkanes
• Alkyl benzenes
• Alkyl naphthalenes
• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

The EN 14039 standard method follows these basic steps:

• Sample preparation: Waste samples are collected, preserved, and homogenized. They are stored under controlled conditions to prevent spoilage.
• Extraction: Hydrocarbons are extracted using solvents such as acetone and n-heptane.
• Cleaning: A Florisil column is used to remove polar interferences. This ensures that only the relevant hydrocarbon fractions are analyzed.
• Gas chromatography analysis:
• The separation process is performed using a non-polar capillary column.
• Detection is performed using a flame ionization detector (FID).
• Quantification is based on peak areas between the C10 and C40 retention periods.

The EN 14039 standard has some key limitations:

• Volatile hydrocarbons (such as gasoline) cannot be measured accurately.
• Not fully suitable for organic liquid waste (limited guidelines).
• If cleaning is inadequate, high amounts of polar substances can cause interference.

The EN 14039 standard is widely used in the following areas:

• Environmental analysis:
• Detection of oil contamination in soil and waste.
• Monitoring pollution from industrial activities.
• Waste management:
• Classification of wastes according to their hydrocarbon content.
• Compliance with environmental regulations.
• Improvement projects:
• Evaluating the effectiveness of soil or waste treatment processes.
• Laboratory tests:
• Standard procedure for environmental testing laboratories

The importance of the EN 14039 standard lies in its role in ensuring the correct, consistent, and environmentally responsible handling of hydrocarbon-contaminated waste. The main reasons why this standard is critically important are as follows:

• It protects the environment: Hydrocarbons (especially those in the C10-C40 range) are commonly found in diesel fuel, lubricating oils, and heavy fuel oils. These substances,
• It can persist in soil and groundwater.
• It can harm ecosystems.
• It can accumulate biologically in living organisms.

The EN 14039 standard provides a reliable method for detecting and quantifying these pollutants, helping to prevent long-term environmental damage.

• It ensures compliance with legal regulations: European environmental laws require the correct classification and tracking of waste. The EN 14039 standard is a compliant European standard, meaning that
• The results are legally recognized.
• Data is comparable across countries.
• Authorities can apply the limits consistently.

Without such a standard, results could vary between laboratories, leading to regulatory confusion.

• It provides reliable and comparable results: Different laboratories using different methods may produce inconsistent results. This standard ensures the following:
• Standardized sample preparation.
• Controlled extraction procedures
• Coherent gas chromatography analysis

This also paves the way for repeatability, traceability, and data reliability.

• It supports waste classification and disposal: Hydrocarbon content directly affects how waste is handled.
• Low levels may not be dangerous.
• High levels are classified as hazardous waste.

Using the EN 14039 standard helps in the following ways:

• Identifying the correct waste category.
• Preventing improper disposal.
• Reducing environmental responsibility
• Essential for contaminated site assessment: Knowing the extent of contamination and whether remediation is effective is crucial for soil remediation and environmental investigations. This standard ensures:
• Quantitative data for decision-making.
• One way to track improvement progress.
• Improves industrial and operational safety: Industries such as oil and gas, automotive, and manufacturing produce hydrocarbon-containing waste. This standard helps:
• Identifying pollution risks.
• To ensure safe handling and storage.
• To prevent accidental contamination.

In conclusion, the EN 14039 standard is a crucial analytical standard for determining non-volatile hydrocarbon pollution in waste. Using gas chromatography, it provides reliable, standardized data supporting environmental protection, regulatory compliance, and effective waste management.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services in accordance with the EN 14039 standard.