Fatal accidents on the road are an unfortunate daily occurrence, with almost 30,000 deaths resulting from hit-and-runs in the USA between 2006 and 2021. The identification of the driver responsible for this road crime can become a challenge. Nonetheless, the accident scene provides a large amount of trace evidence that can prove critical to this matter, one of them being the tire marks. While traditional tire mark analysis is full of physical information helping the reconstruction of the event, additional information can be extracted from the rubber left during the braking event. Each tire model is manufactured with a specific design, obtained by a chemical formulation that can become its signature. Supplemental to the molecular profile of the rubber itself, analysis of the trace and contaminant elements can help build the chemical signature for the tire rubber. This work consists of establishing the link between the tire and the skid mark and particles it left during a braking event. The difference between tire models was proved from the elemental analysis of the tire rubber itself, showing that the specific content of minor and trace elements is specific to the model. Expanding to the problem of tire marks, the first challenge consists in efficiently sampling the rubber from the road. The development of an effective procedure to lift the tire particles from the mark is demonstrated in this work. This does present some challenges, including removal of other particles present within the lift and extraction of the tire rubber for further analysis by ICP-MS, providing an elemental profile for the sampled skid mark. Finally, with the skid mark rubber analyzed, it is compared with the elemental profile of the rubber from the source tire. The results of this comparison will be discussed in both simulated (with a lab- made tire mark maker) and field cases (from braking tests performed by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)). The results of my research provide the forensic community with the first evaluation of elemental analysis of tire rubber to use this seldom used trace evidence, all along the analytical process, from sampling to analysis to attribution.

Under high irradiation, a fourth state of matter named plasma can be obtained. Plasmas emit electromagnetic radiation that can be recorded in the form of spectra for spectroscopic elemental analysis. With the advent of lasers in the 1960s, spectroscopists realized that lasers could be used simultaneously as a source of energy and excitation to create plasmas. The use of a laser to ignite a plasma subsequently led to laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), an optical emission spectroscopy capable of analyzing samples in various states (solids, liquids, gases) with minimal sample preparation, rapid feedback, and endowed with in situ capability. In this dissertation, studies of LIBS for multi-elemental analysis and geological applications are reported. LIBS was applied to cosmetic powders for elemental analysis, screening and classification based on the raw material used. Principal component analysis (PCA) and internal standardization were used. The intensity ratios of Mg/Si and Fe/Si observed in talcum powder show that these two ratios could be used as indicators of the potential presence of asbestos. The feasibility of LIBS for the analysis of gasification slags was investigated and results compared with those of inductively-coupled plasma−optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The limits of detection for Al, Ca, Fe, Si and V were determined. The matrix effect was studied using an internal standard and PLS-R. Apart from V, prediction results were closed to those of ICP-OES with accuracy within 10%. Elemental characterization of outcrop geological samples from the Marcellus Shale Formation was also carried out. The matrix effect was substantially reduced. The limits of detection obtained for Si, Al, Ti, Mg, Ca and C were determined. The relative errors of LIBS measurements are in the range of 1.7 to 12.6%. Gate delay and laser pulse energy, have been investigated in view of quantitative analysis of variation of trace elements in a high-pressure environment. Optimization of these parameters permits obtaining underwater plasma emission of calcium with quantitative results on the order of 30 ppm within a certain limit of increased pressure. Monitoring the variation of the trace elements can predict changes in the chemical composition in carbon sequestration reservoir.

No presente trabalho foram desenvolvidos métodos para a determinação de Al, B, Ba, Ca, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, P, S, Si, Sn, Sr, Ti, V e Zn por espectrometria de emissão óptica com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP OES) e As, Cd, Pb e Se por espectrometria de absorção atômica com forno de grafite e detecção simultânea (SIMAAS) em polpa de graviola (Annona muticata L.). A determinação de proteínas bem como a estimativa da presença de Fe, Cu, Mn e Zn a elas associados também foram investigados. Para as determinações elementares foi utilizada polpa de graviola, seca em estufa a 50° C, digeridas com mistura oxidante diluída (2 mL HNO3 + 1 mL H2O2 + 3 mL H2O) e aquecimento em forno de micro-ondas com frasco fechado. A avaliação da exatidão dos métodos foi feita a partir da análise de material de referência certificado (Citrus Leaves SRM 1572, NIST) e os resultados concordaram, para maioria dos elementos, em 95% como intervalo de confiança, quando aplicado o teste t-Student. A polpa também foi submetida a diferentes pré-tratamentos: 1) secagem por liofilização e moagem em moinho criogênico; 2) homogeneização da polpa in natura em moinho de facas; e 3) secagem em estufa a 50 °C e moagem em almofariz e pistilo. Nessa etapa, o objetivo foi avaliar a influência dos procedimentos de pré-tratamento nas extrações de proteínas. Massas de amostra (~5 g), após extração lipídica, foram submetidas à agitação (1 h) com 0,5 mol L-1 NaOH, tampão Tris-HCl (pH 7,5), 0,5 mol L-1 HCl e tampão CO32-/HCO31- (pH 10) para extração de proteínas. Os extratos foram analisadas por ICP OES para determinação de Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn e proteínas pelo método de Bradford. Alíquotas dos extratos foram submetidas à etapa de limpeza (clean up) utilizando acetona em banho de gelo, 0,5 mol L-1 HCl e 20% m v-1 de TCA para precipitação de proteínas. Somente acetona em banho de gelo foi eficiente na precipitação das proteínas. Os precipitados foram redissolvidos em tampão Tris-HCl e submetidos a separação por cromatografia de exclusão por tamanho e detecção por espectrofotometria UV (SEC-UV), a 280 nm. As proteínas totais nas amostras foram estimadas por análise elementar (CHN) e, em solução, pelo método de Bradford. Independente da solução extratora utilizada, o processo de liofilização e moagem criogênica foi o que proporcionou maior quantidade de proteínas extraídas. Porém, após a precipitação com 80 % v v-1 de acetona, maior quantidade de proteínas foram precipitadas da amostra in natura, indicando possíveis alterações durante a liofilização e secagem. Em todos os extratos submetidos a análises por SEC-UV foi observado maior quantidade de compostos de baixo peso molecular (< 6,5 kDa). Melhor eficiência de extração de proteínas e dos elementos Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn foi observada na extração com NaOH. Maiores concentrações dos elementos extraídos foram encontradas nas amostras in natura e menores nas amostras secas em estufa com moagem em almofariz e pistilo. / In this work methods for the determination of Al, B, Ba, Ca, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, P, S, Si, Sn, Sr, Ti, V and Zn by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) and As, Cd, Pb e Se by simultaneous graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (SIMAAS) in graviola pulp (Annona Muricata L.) were developed. The determination of proteins and the possible presence of Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn associated to them were also investigated. For elements determination, graviola pulp was dry in wood stove at 50%C and digested using diluted oxidant mixture (2 mL HNO3 + 1 mL H2O2 + 3 mL H2O) in closed-vessel microwave oven. The accuracy and precision of the methods were done by certified reference material analysis (Citrus Leaves SRM 1572, NIST), and the obtained results were in accordance at 95%, according Student-t test. The graviola pulp was also submitted to different pretreatments: 1) lyophilization and cryogenic grinding; 2) homogenization of the in natura sample in a knife mill; and 3) drying in wood stove at 50%C and grinding in a mortar. The objective of this step was to evaluate the influence of sample pretreatment on the protein extractions. After lipid extraction, sample masses (~5 g) were shacked (1 h) with 0.5 mol L-1 NaOH, Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.5), 0.5 mol L-1 HCl and CO32-/HCO31- buffer (pH 10) for protein extraction. The extractants solutions were analyzed for Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn determinations by ICP OES and for protein determinations by Bradford method. A clean up step, using acetone in ice-bath, 0.5 mol L-1 of HCl and 20% m v-1 of TCA was used for protein precipitation. In this way, only acetone in ice-bath was efficient for precipitation. After that, precipitates were dissolved in Tris-HCl buffer and analyzed by size exclusion chromatography with UV detection (SEC-UV), at 280 nm. Total protein contents in the sample and in the extracting solutions were determined by elemental analysis (CHN) and Bradford method, respectively. For all extracting solutions, the lyophylization and cryogenic grinding procedure showed the best efficiency for proteins extraction. However, after precipitation with acetone 80 v v-1, higher amount of proteins were observed for in natura sample, indicating some structure protein modification during the lyophylization or drying pretreatment steps. In general, low molecular weight compounds (< 6,5 kDa) were observed for all extracting solutions. The NaOH extractor showed much better efficiency for proteins and Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn extraction. Higher concentration of the extracting elements were found for in natura samples and lower for drying in wood stove at 50%C and grinding in a mortar.

Dentro da seqüência natural de testes para validar o uso do biodiesel (éster etílico) misturado ao óleo diesel em maiores proporções no Brasil, este trabalho teve o objetivo de estudar os efeitos do uso de uma mistura combustível B10 (com concentração de 10% em volume de biodiesel diluído em óleo diesel) na degradação do óleo lubrificante de um motor de ignição por compressão, aspirado, de 1,9 L e de injeção indireta. Acoplado a um dinamômetro, o motor foi submetido à condição de velocidade constante de 2.500 rpm, sob carga variável, e abastecido com três combustíveis diferentes: óleo diesel puro, B10 de biodiesel de soja e B10 de biodiesel de soja e nabo forrageiro. Cada combustível alimentou o motor durante 30 horas. Para determinar a degradação resultante, selecionaram-se as propriedades do óleo lubrificante usado em cada etapa para serem analisadas (viscosidade, contaminação por água e presença de elementos). Os resultados revelaram que o uso de 10% volume dos dois tipos de biodiesel na mistura combustível não causou variação significante na concentração de elementos e nas propriedades físico-químicas do óleo lubrificante. / Adding to an ongoing sequence of tests aimed at validating the use of biodiesel (ethyl ester) mixed with diesel in higher proportions in Brazil, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of utilizing a B10 fuel mixture (10% volume biodiesel diluted in diesel) on the degradation of lubricating oil in an aspirated, indirect-injection, 1.9 L compression-ignition engine. Coupled to a dynamometer, the engine was operated at a constant speed of 2,500 rpm under variable load and run with three types of fuel: pure diesel, B10 soy biodiesel, and B10 soy and fodder turnip biodiesel. Each type of fuel fed the engine for 30 hours. To determine the resulting degradation, selected properties of the lubricating oil used in each run were analyzed (viscosity, contamination by water and presence of elements). The results revealed that the use of a 10% volume of either type of biodiesel in the fuel mixture did not lead to significant variation in the concentration of elements or in the physico-chemical properties of the lubricating oil.

Dentro da seqüência natural de testes para validar o uso do biodiesel (éster etílico) misturado ao óleo diesel em maiores proporções no Brasil, este trabalho teve o objetivo de estudar os efeitos do uso de uma mistura combustível B10 (com concentração de 10% em volume de biodiesel diluído em óleo diesel) na degradação do óleo lubrificante de um motor de ignição por compressão, aspirado, de 1,9 L e de injeção indireta. Acoplado a um dinamômetro, o motor foi submetido à condição de velocidade constante de 2.500 rpm, sob carga variável, e abastecido com três combustíveis diferentes: óleo diesel puro, B10 de biodiesel de soja e B10 de biodiesel de soja e nabo forrageiro. Cada combustível alimentou o motor durante 30 horas. Para determinar a degradação resultante, selecionaram-se as propriedades do óleo lubrificante usado em cada etapa para serem analisadas (viscosidade, contaminação por água e presença de elementos). Os resultados revelaram que o uso de 10% volume dos dois tipos de biodiesel na mistura combustível não causou variação significante na concentração de elementos e nas propriedades físico-químicas do óleo lubrificante. / Adding to an ongoing sequence of tests aimed at validating the use of biodiesel (ethyl ester) mixed with diesel in higher proportions in Brazil, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of utilizing a B10 fuel mixture (10% volume biodiesel diluted in diesel) on the degradation of lubricating oil in an aspirated, indirect-injection, 1.9 L compression-ignition engine. Coupled to a dynamometer, the engine was operated at a constant speed of 2,500 rpm under variable load and run with three types of fuel: pure diesel, B10 soy biodiesel, and B10 soy and fodder turnip biodiesel. Each type of fuel fed the engine for 30 hours. To determine the resulting degradation, selected properties of the lubricating oil used in each run were analyzed (viscosity, contamination by water and presence of elements). The results revealed that the use of a 10% volume of either type of biodiesel in the fuel mixture did not lead to significant variation in the concentration of elements or in the physico-chemical properties of the lubricating oil.

The first study focuses on the development of a laser based method for the elemental analysis of solid milk powder. Milk powder samples originating from five different countries were analyzed to determine any geographic differences. A LA-ICP-MS method was developed and compared to k0-INAA for several milk samples as well as a reference sample. Precision of 10% RSD or better and a bias of 10% was achieved for both techniques for most elements with LA-ICP-MS producing lower limits of detection (~ 1 ppm) for Sr. The comparison of LA-ICP-MS to k0-INAA showed overlap of the 95% confidence intervals for all comparison samples. The data for 68 authentic milk powder samples representing 5 different countries (Argentina, Russia, Singapore, Slovenia, and the United States) was collected and used as a preliminary database. Principle component analysis (PCA) shows different groupings for the United States, Argentina, Singapore, and Slovenia. However the large number and geographic distribution of samples from Russia were not able to be distinguished from the samples from the United States and Slovenia. The second study focuses on the use of trace element databases for the objective interpretation of forensic glass evidence. Ten laboratories conducting analysis of glass participated in three inter-laboratory exercises. The aims of these exercises were to evaluate the use of a standard method for the analysis and comparison of glass evidence and to investigate different statistical approaches for interpreting results. Elemental analysis was performed on 420 vehicle windshield samples collected from 210 different vehicles representing manufacturing dates between 2004-2017 and 26 vehicle manufacturers. Using a variation of a previously reported comparison criterion for comparing samples to a database, the false exclusion rate and false inclusion rate for the new vehicle database were calculated to be 1.9% and 0.1 % respectively. This criterion was used to calculate the frequency of an elemental profile for the case scenarios distributed as part of the inter-laboratory exercises. Similarities were observed between labs that calibrated their data the same way, thus showing it is possible for labs to use a central database.

This diploma thesis is solved for AtomTrace Company and describes mechanical design of modular system for elemental analysis using laser spectroscopy. Object of this thesis is to create at once compact and modular system, with addition of liquid analysis module. System described in this work came out from current solution and is capable of interaction of new and previous modules. New solution is more economical both in budget and mass, whole system is fully functional and liquid analysis module with flat jet has 40 % stability, as described in experiments. The benefit of this work is possible future integration of system or separate modules into the AtomTrace portfolio and industry applications.

Magister Scientiae (Biodiversity and Conservation Biology) / South Africa is recognised worldwide for its rich diversity of plants, many of which have been used in ethno-medicine. However, the use of wetland plant species in ethno-medicine required further investigations. This research is aimed at investigating three wetland medicinal, plant species, Centella asiatica, Cyperus longus and Typha capensis based on their geographical, seasonal, mineral nutrient (Fe, Mn, Ca, Mg, K and Na) and secondary metabolite characteristics. Samples of each species were collected from Grabouw, Kelderhoff, Kenilworth, Pringle Bay, University of the Western Cape (UWC) and Worcester within the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Specimen and soil collections were carried out during autumn, spring, summer and winter of 2014. Both plant and soil samples were acid digested and mineral nutrient concentrations in the samples were analysed using an atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). Secondary metabolites were determined using analytical TLC on normal phase Merck-Silva gel coated aluminium plates as well as by using HPLC separation from crude extracts of C. asiatica, C. longus and T. capensis using LC-MS hardware from Agilent. The elemental analysis of soil samples showed that Ca, K, Mg, Mn and Zn concentrations were predominantly low. Soil mineral concentrations increased progressively from inland (Worcester) towards the coastland in the south (Pringle Bay). Calcium and sodium concentrations, in particular, were higher in soil samples obtained from Grabouw (inland south) and decreased northward towards Worcester. Comparatively, plant mineral concentrations were generally higher than soil concentrations. The high concentration of some of these essential elements, in selected plants is an indication that these plant species could be a good source of essential elements. High concentrations of phytochemicals were found in Centella asiatica during winter, while Cyperus longus and Typha capensis exhibited high concentrations during autumn indicating variation in respect of season. Consequently, harvesting of the studied plants should be done at the season with a relatively high phytochemical concentration. Studies are needed to investigate the extent of pesticide or herbicide contamination in wetland plants to protect the health of users. The LC-MS analyses of the three study species showed that seasonal variation affects metabolite constituents and moreover that these metabolite constituents differ from one locality to another. The seasonal variation of the elements in the studied medicinal plants justified the importance of harvesting seasons in the optimal utilization of the studied plants for medicinal purpose. s, for C. asiatica, anti-bacterial treatments for C. longus and fertility enhancement and birth control for T. capensis.

No presente trabalho foram desenvolvidos métodos para a determinação de Al, B, Ba, Ca, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, P, S, Si, Sn, Sr, Ti, V e Zn por espectrometria de emissão óptica com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP OES) e As, Cd, Pb e Se por espectrometria de absorção atômica com forno de grafite e detecção simultânea (SIMAAS) em polpa de graviola (Annona muticata L.). A determinação de proteínas bem como a estimativa da presença de Fe, Cu, Mn e Zn a elas associados também foram investigados. Para as determinações elementares foi utilizada polpa de graviola, seca em estufa a 50° C, digeridas com mistura oxidante diluída (2 mL HNO3 + 1 mL H2O2 + 3 mL H2O) e aquecimento em forno de micro-ondas com frasco fechado. A avaliação da exatidão dos métodos foi feita a partir da análise de material de referência certificado (Citrus Leaves SRM 1572, NIST) e os resultados concordaram, para maioria dos elementos, em 95% como intervalo de confiança, quando aplicado o teste t-Student. A polpa também foi submetida a diferentes pré-tratamentos: 1) secagem por liofilização e moagem em moinho criogênico; 2) homogeneização da polpa in natura em moinho de facas; e 3) secagem em estufa a 50 °C e moagem em almofariz e pistilo. Nessa etapa, o objetivo foi avaliar a influência dos procedimentos de pré-tratamento nas extrações de proteínas. Massas de amostra (~5 g), após extração lipídica, foram submetidas à agitação (1 h) com 0,5 mol L-1 NaOH, tampão Tris-HCl (pH 7,5), 0,5 mol L-1 HCl e tampão CO32-/HCO31- (pH 10) para extração de proteínas. Os extratos foram analisadas por ICP OES para determinação de Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn e proteínas pelo método de Bradford. Alíquotas dos extratos foram submetidas à etapa de limpeza (clean up) utilizando acetona em banho de gelo, 0,5 mol L-1 HCl e 20% m v-1 de TCA para precipitação de proteínas. Somente acetona em banho de gelo foi eficiente na precipitação das proteínas. Os precipitados foram redissolvidos em tampão Tris-HCl e submetidos a separação por cromatografia de exclusão por tamanho e detecção por espectrofotometria UV (SEC-UV), a 280 nm. As proteínas totais nas amostras foram estimadas por análise elementar (CHN) e, em solução, pelo método de Bradford. Independente da solução extratora utilizada, o processo de liofilização e moagem criogênica foi o que proporcionou maior quantidade de proteínas extraídas. Porém, após a precipitação com 80 % v v-1 de acetona, maior quantidade de proteínas foram precipitadas da amostra in natura, indicando possíveis alterações durante a liofilização e secagem. Em todos os extratos submetidos a análises por SEC-UV foi observado maior quantidade de compostos de baixo peso molecular (< 6,5 kDa). Melhor eficiência de extração de proteínas e dos elementos Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn foi observada na extração com NaOH. Maiores concentrações dos elementos extraídos foram encontradas nas amostras in natura e menores nas amostras secas em estufa com moagem em almofariz e pistilo. / In this work methods for the determination of Al, B, Ba, Ca, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, P, S, Si, Sn, Sr, Ti, V and Zn by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) and As, Cd, Pb e Se by simultaneous graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (SIMAAS) in graviola pulp (Annona Muricata L.) were developed. The determination of proteins and the possible presence of Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn associated to them were also investigated. For elements determination, graviola pulp was dry in wood stove at 50%C and digested using diluted oxidant mixture (2 mL HNO3 + 1 mL H2O2 + 3 mL H2O) in closed-vessel microwave oven. The accuracy and precision of the methods were done by certified reference material analysis (Citrus Leaves SRM 1572, NIST), and the obtained results were in accordance at 95%, according Student-t test. The graviola pulp was also submitted to different pretreatments: 1) lyophilization and cryogenic grinding; 2) homogenization of the in natura sample in a knife mill; and 3) drying in wood stove at 50%C and grinding in a mortar. The objective of this step was to evaluate the influence of sample pretreatment on the protein extractions. After lipid extraction, sample masses (~5 g) were shacked (1 h) with 0.5 mol L-1 NaOH, Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.5), 0.5 mol L-1 HCl and CO32-/HCO31- buffer (pH 10) for protein extraction. The extractants solutions were analyzed for Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn determinations by ICP OES and for protein determinations by Bradford method. A clean up step, using acetone in ice-bath, 0.5 mol L-1 of HCl and 20% m v-1 of TCA was used for protein precipitation. In this way, only acetone in ice-bath was efficient for precipitation. After that, precipitates were dissolved in Tris-HCl buffer and analyzed by size exclusion chromatography with UV detection (SEC-UV), at 280 nm. Total protein contents in the sample and in the extracting solutions were determined by elemental analysis (CHN) and Bradford method, respectively. For all extracting solutions, the lyophylization and cryogenic grinding procedure showed the best efficiency for proteins extraction. However, after precipitation with acetone 80 v v-1, higher amount of proteins were observed for in natura sample, indicating some structure protein modification during the lyophylization or drying pretreatment steps. In general, low molecular weight compounds (< 6,5 kDa) were observed for all extracting solutions. The NaOH extractor showed much better efficiency for proteins and Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn extraction. Higher concentration of the extracting elements were found for in natura samples and lower for drying in wood stove at 50%C and grinding in a mortar.

This research project aimed at evaluating four internationally accepted leachate extraction tests to determine their applicability on sewage sludge samples. Furthermore, the present analytical method to determine the leachable fraction of sludge for compliance to South African sludge legislation was evaluated. Leaching tests are done on sludge samples to determine element mobility. This is important since land application of sewage sludge is an accepted and regulated sludge management practice. A literature survey was done to evaluate the mobility over time of metals originating from sludge-amended soils. Mobility is initially due to the organic content of the soil and after organic matter decomposition, it is dependant on the inorganic content. Mobile metals in sludge-amended soil can cause potential environmental risks like groundwater contamination and metal accumulation in soil. Metal accumulation can further lead to increased plant uptake of metals. To determine the partitioning or fractionation of metals found in sludge-amended soil, selective sequential extractions and single extractions can be used. Since South African sludge legislation specifies a single extraction procedure, four were selected for comparative studies. The selected procedures were the USA Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) the Australian Standard Bottle leaching Test (AS 4439.3) the Nederlands Normalisatie-Insitiuut availability test (NEN 7341) and the Deutches Institut für Normung water leachability test (DIN 38 414-S4). A variation of the TCLP is specified for use in South Africa. Three sewage sludge sample lots were collected. The first consisted of 24 sub-samples that were collected from 24 different wastewater treatment works on the East Rand. Both leachable (TCLP) and total (aqua regia) extraction was done on these samples for Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Zn, Se, B and Fe. A relationship between the leachable and total extractions was found for Co and Pb but could not be tested by literature values due to a variation in the sample preparation. The TCLP leachates were also analysed by Atomic Absorption and Inductively Coupled Plasma techniques to compare the applicability of the two. It was found that both techniques are acceptable for leachate analysis. The second sample lot collected from a single wastewater treatment plant was used to determine the leachable effect of the difference between the South African adapted TCLP and the USA EPA procedure as well as the NEN procedure. The EPA specifies all samples be extracted on an “as is” basis while the South African adaptation specifies dry samples. It was found that no element was comparative between dry and wet sample for both extraction procedures. It was observed that wet extractions yield generally higher values than dry extractions. A third sample lot was collected two months after the second sample lot at the same wastewater treatment works. It was used to compare the four extraction procedures. From this it was found that the DIN yielded the highest results for the specified elements. This procedure could not be recommended since the experimental difficulties and the duration of the test make it an unsuitable regulatory compliance tests protocol. / Dissertation (MSc (Environmental Technology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Chemical Engineering / unrestricted