DIN 19528 Filtration Method for the Combined Investigation of the Filtration Behavior of Inorganic and Organic Substances

The standard “DIN 19528 Filtration of solids - Filtration method for the combined investigation of the filtration behavior of inorganic and organic substances”, published by the German Institute for Standardization (DIN), describes a column filtration test method (upward column filtration test) designed to evaluate how inorganic (e.g., heavy metals, salts) and organic substances (e.g., PAHs, other persistent pollutants) leach from solid materials when exposed to water under controlled and dynamic flow conditions.

This test simulates long-term gliding processes in scenarios such as the following:

• Contaminated soil and excavated materials
• Waste materials (e.g., incineration ash, slag, construction and demolition waste)
• Recycled mineral materials
• Earth-like materials used in earthworks, landscaping, or fill applications.

This method provides a more realistic simulation of field conditions compared to simple bulk/shaking tests (DIN 19529) because it uses continuous upward filtration through a packed column, allowing for better representation of time-dependent oscillation curves, depletion effects, and transport processes in porous media.

This method is particularly valuable for the following:

• Compliance tests with German waste, soil protection and recycling regulations.
• Risk assessment of pollutant release into groundwater or surface water.
• Characterization of materials for reuse or disposal.

The basic testing principles are as follows:

• Upstream filtration: Water flows upwards through a vertical column filled with solid material to minimize preferential flow and air trapping.
• Particle size: Typically applied to granular materials with a maximum grain size of up to 22,4 mm. In practice/relevant international adaptations, it is usually a maximum of 10 mm or 2 mm.
• Eluent: Typically demineralized water or synthetic filtration liquid, the test is performed at a controlled temperature (usually around 20 degrees).
• Liquid-solid ratios: Eluate fractions are collected at cumulative liquid-solid ratios such as 0,3, 1,0, 2,0, and 4,0 L/kg (sometimes extended up to 10 L/kg for longer-term behavior).
• Flow rate: Controlled to achieve realistic contact times (e.g., equivalent pore water velocities in the cm/day range).
• Sample preparation: The material is packed into the column in layers with slight compaction, including the initial saturation phase.
• Analysis: Eluates are filtered/centrifuged, preserved, and analyzed for target substances. Cumulative oscillation curves can be plotted.

This method has been particularly influenced by and cross-validated with the standard “ISO 21268-3 Soil quality - Filtration procedures for subsequent chemical and ecotoxicological testing of soil and soil materials - Part 3: Upstream filtration test”. The DIN 19528 standard refers to the verification results.

Researchers use the DIN 19528 standard for the following purposes:

• To study the long-term leaching of heavy metals, salts, and organic matter from processed waste materials.
• Comparing batch and column tests for PFAS and other emerging contaminants.
• Optimizing test time for faster compliance testing while maintaining reliability.
• To evaluate non-uniform flow effects and robustness.

This standard is frequently referenced in Germany and neighboring countries in the contexts of environmental engineering, waste management, and soil/groundwater conservation.

In short, the DIN 19528 standard defines a column permeation test method for evaluating the leaching behavior of inorganic substances from granular waste and construction materials. This standard is widely used in environmental testing to assess how potentially hazardous elements might be released when they come into contact with water under controlled laboratory conditions.

This testing method plays a crucial role in waste classification, landfill acceptance criteria, and the environmental assessment of recycled construction materials.

The DIN 19528 standard primarily applies to the following:

• Granular waste materials
• Recycled construction materials
• Industrial by-products (e.g., slag, ash)
• Contaminated soils
• Mineral construction products

This standard focuses on long-term seepage behavior under seepage conditions that simulate natural seepage (e.g., rainwater passing through material in a storage area or fill). Unlike simple batch tests, this standard uses a dynamic column seepage method.

This method generally follows these steps:

• Sample preparation: The material is crushed (if necessary) and sieved to the specified particle size. The sample is loaded into a vertical column.
• Filtration process: Deionized water is passed through the column either upwards or downwards. The flow rate is carefully controlled. The eluate fractions are collected at defined liquid-solid ratios.
• Fraction collection: Several eluate fractions are collected. Each fraction is analyzed separately.
• Chemical analysis: Parameters may include:
• Heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, zinc)
• Main ions (chloride, sulfate)
• PH value
• Electrical conductivity

The DIN 19528 standard is considered important for the following reasons:

• Realistic environmental simulation: Unlike batch filtration tests, this standard simulates continuous water infiltration, more closely representing natural conditions such as rainfall.
• Time-dependent emission assessment provides information on: initial washout effects, long-term emission patterns, and pollutant mobility.
• Regulatory compliance: DIN 19528 data is generally used in the following:
• Landfill classification
• Environmental risk assessment
• German and European waste legislation
• Construction material approval processes

Typical applications of this standard include:

• Utilization of recycled concrete aggregates.
• Utilization of blast furnace slag.
• Testing of incineration ash.
• Environmental approval of construction fill materials.
• Risk assessment of contaminated soil reuse.

In conclusion, the DIN 19528 standard is a scientifically sound and environmentally relevant standard for evaluating the leaching behavior of granular mineral materials. By simulating realistic leaching conditions, it provides critical data for environmental protection, waste management, and sustainable construction practices. For industries working with construction materials, recycled aggregates, or industrial by-products, this standard is a vital tool in ensuring regulatory compliance and environmental safety.

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 DIN 19528 standard.