This document specifies a method for the determination of hexavalent chromium (CrVI) in soil improvers and growing media using ion-exchange chromatography and subsequent UV-VIS detection. The method described is suitable to quantify the Cr(VI) content in soil improvers and growing media down to 1 mg/kg dry matter.
NOTE 1 Samples with a low dry matter content can have an influence on the achievable limit of quantification as defined in the scope.
The results obtained from this method are strictly dependent on the extraction conditions. Results obtained by using other extraction procedures (extraction solution, pH of the extraction solution, extraction time, extraction temperature, etc.) are not comparable with the results produced by the procedure described in this document.
NOTE 2 This method has been validated in an interlaboratory study with specific products that were present on the market during the study (as included in Annex C, biowaste compost dry HM spiked (Rottegrad 3, milled, sieved at 0,5 mm, dried and spiked), green compost dry HM spiked (Rottegrad 5, milled, sieved at 0,5 mm, dried and spiked), solid digestate dry (milled, sieved at 0,5 mm and dried), liquid digestate HM spiked (sieved 0 mm to 12 mm, spiked) and growing media blend 1 dry HM spiked (white peat, green compost, wood fibre, lime, inorganic fertilizer (NPK + micro elements), milled, sieved at 0,5 mm, dried and spiked)).
NOTE: If the word "harmonized" (marked in green) is not found in the field with the name of the directive, it means that the European standard is not cited in the OJEU.
PROJECT
naSRPS EN 18257:2025
45.99
Dispatch of FV draft to CCMC
Jul 28, 2026