prEN ISO 13196

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-marec-2025
[Not translated]
Soil quality - Screening soils for selected elements by energy-dispersive X-ray
fluorescence spectrometry using a handheld or portable instrument (ISO/DIS
13196:2025)
Bodenbeschaffenheit - Screening ausgewählter Elemente in Böden mit handhaltbaren
oder tragbaren Röntgenfluoreszenzspektrometern (ISO/DIS 13196:2025)
Qualité du sol - Diagnostic rapide d’une sélection d’éléments dans les sols à l’aide d’un
spectromètre de fluorescence X à dispersion d’énergie de type mobile ou pistolet
(ISO/DIS 13196:2025)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN ISO 13196
ICS:
13.080.10 Kemijske značilnosti tal Chemical characteristics of
soils
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 13196
ISO/TC 190/SC 3
Soil quality — Screening soils
Secretariat: DIN
for selected elements by energy-
Voting begins on:
dispersive X-ray fluorescence
2025-01-24
spectrometry using a handheld or
Voting terminates on:
portable instrument
2025-04-18
Qualité du sol — Analyse rapide d'une sélection d'éléments dans
les sols à l'aide d'un spectromètre de fluorescence X à dispersion
d'énergie portable ou portatif
ICS: 13.080.10
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
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NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
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NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Reference number
ISO/DIS 13196:2025(en)
DRAFT
ISO/DIS 13196:2025(en)
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 13196
ISO/TC 190/SC 3
Soil quality — Screening soils
Secretariat: DIN
for selected elements by energy-
Voting begins on:
dispersive X-ray fluorescence
spectrometry using a handheld or
Voting terminates on:
portable instrument
Qualité du sol — Analyse rapide d'une sélection d'éléments dans
les sols à l'aide d'un spectromètre de fluorescence X à dispersion
d'énergie portable ou portatif
ICS: 13.080.10
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
© ISO 2025
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
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BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
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NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
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Published in Switzerland Reference number
ISO/DIS 13196:2025(en)
ii
ISO/DIS 13196:2025(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 2
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Principle . 3
5 Apparatus . 3
5.1 XRF spectrometer .3
5.2 Container for sampling and preparation .3
5.3 Sampling equipment .4
5.4 Sieve (optional) .4
5.5 Sample cup for portable XRF spectrometers .4
5.6 Sample container for handheld XRF spectrometers .4
5.7 Drying device (optional) .4
6 Procedure . 5
6.1 General .5
6.2 Performance check of instrument .5
6.3 Calibration .5
6.4 In-situ measurement .5
6.4.1 Secure working area .5
6.4.2 Preparation of the measuring spot .6
6.4.3 Spot or surface measurement .6
6.5 Post-sampling measurement.6
6.5.1 Preparation of samples .6
6.5.2 Sample measurement and calculation .7
7 Quality control . 8
7.1 Performance test .8
7.1.1 XRF spectrometer performance .8
7.1.2 Test reference materials .8
7.1.3 Site-specific performance .8
7.2 Site investigation quality improvement .9
7.3 XRF spectrometer energy calibration .9
7.4 Complementary/validation for quantitative results .9
8 Test report . 9
Annex A (informative) Precision data .11
Annex B (informative) ED-XRF measurement usefulness . 17
Bibliography .18

iii
ISO/DIS 13196:2025(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of any patent
rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or on the ISO list of
patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 190, Soil quality, Subcommittee SC 3, Chemical
and physical characterization.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 13196:2013), which has been technically
revised, not touching the principle and procedure designated in the first version.
The main changes are as follows:
— the details of measurement options have been made clearer;
— suitable materials for the equipment for sampling and sample preparation are indicated;
— more information is provided for users of the International standard on requirements for:
— sieve;
— sample cup;
— basic operation of XRF spectrometers;
— safety instructions;
— sample preparation.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
ISO/DIS 13196:2025(en)
Introduction
X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) using battery or active source-powered handheld or portable
equipment is a quick method for determination of total elemental compositions of soil samples. Unlike
laboratory analyses by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and atomic
absorption spectroscopy (AAS), handheld/portable XRF needs no digestion step to prepare a test solution
to be analysed. Consequently, handheld/portable equipment of energy-dispersive XRF (ED-XRF) is suitable
for the rapid on-site determination of selected elements, mainly heavy metals, in screening processes. When
performing analyses at a site, it might be important to have information on the presence of an element
(qualitative analysis) and also to obtain semiquantitative results. Typical elements that can be detected
and measured are Cr, As, Se, Cd, Hg and Pb, depending on the instrument. It is often impracticable to carry
out calibration using reference materials at a site to be investigated. In these situations, factory pre-set
calibrations should be used. For quantitative results, complementary analysis by alternative means is
required.
An ED-XRF exercise can comprise a single determination at one location, in accordance with the guidance
in this document, several determinations, or a large number of determinations. How the results of multiple
determinations are to be synthesized to address the objectives of the exercise, is outside of the scope of this
document. See Annex B for examples of when screening with a handheld/portable ED-XRF spectrometer can
be useful.
Where XRF analysers are being used to assess concentrations of soil contaminants which are harmful
to humans and/or the environment, there may be applicable national regulations with frameworks of
standards, guidance and codes of practice for such investigations.
This document does not aim to provide a strategy, tactics or methodology for environmental investigations,
or human health assessments of potentially contaminated land or soil, nor does it provide any such strategies
etc. for the assessment of mineral resources.
Adherence to this document does not demonstrate compliance with any national contaminated land
investigation regulations.
v
DRAFT International Standard ISO/DIS 13196:2025(en)
Soil quality — Screening soils for selected elements by
energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry using a
handheld or portable instrument
WARNING — Soil samples can contain toxic contaminants. Avoid direct contact of soil samples with
exposed parts of the body. Appropriate measures shall be taken to avoid ingestion and inhalation.
Exposure to X-rays can give rise to radiation burns throughout the body as well an increased risk of
cancer among many other detrimental effects. XRF spectrometers are usually required to comply
with national regulations. Those managing or supervising the use of such equipment are usually
required to be qualified to do so in accordance with national regulations.
The XRF spectrometer to be used by following this document shall employ a fail-safe function to
prevent the operator and the public from an inadvertent exposure to the X-ray beams. A security
system for the spectrometer shall be installed as designated in IEC 62495 where only the permitted
operators and supervisors of the spectrometer can activate it with a password given by the
supervisors. Automatic X-ray irradiation block mechanisms shall also work when no samples are
found by the spectrometer or human bodies are detected by an IR sensor equipped thereon. XRF
users should engage a radiation protection officer to look at their proposed activity with the XRF
spectrometer and provide informed advice on the safety implications of those proposals.
For in-situ analysis, a safe working area or controlled area should be established by signs and
barriers, if necessary, in accordance with national health and safety guidelines in order to ensure
bystanders are kept at a safe distance.
1 Scope
This document specifies the procedure for screening (3.5) soils for selected elements using handheld or
portable equipment of ED-XRF. It addresses primary the application of this method or screening method
(3.6) on-site, to obtain qualitative or semiquantitative data to assist decisions on a sampling strategy for
detailed assessment of soil quality using laboratory methods of chemical analysis.
Note 1 Screening methods generally give qualitative or semiquantitative concentration values that mean
concentration levels while the methods occasionally give quantitative results under specific or limited conditions. See
3.5 and 3.6 for the definitions and characteristics of screening methods.
Note 2 The higher the efforts for pretreatment used on soil samples, the better the analytical results can be
expected (see e.g. Reference [11]).
This document does not explicitly specify elements for which it is applicable, since the applicability depends
on the performance of the apparatus and the objective of the screening. The elements which can be
determined are limited by the performance of the instrument used, the concentrations of particular elements
present in the soil, and the requirements of the investigation in terms of the minimum concentrations of
concern (e.g. guideline value).
Note 3 The XRF measurements of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, V and Zn were validated as described in
Annex A.
Note 4 Examples of when screening with a handheld/portable ED-XRF spectrometer can be useful are provided in
Annex B.
This document does not provide guidance on how to use the equipment to provide quantitative data for use
in detailed site assessments.
ISO/DIS 13196:2025(en)
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO/EN 12404, Soil quality — Guidance on the selection and application of screening methods
ISO 18227, Soil quality — Determination of elemental composition by X-ray fluorescence
IEC 62495, Nuclear instrumentation — Portable X-ray fluorescence analysis equipment utilizing a miniature
X-ray tube
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
XRF spectrometer
X-ray fluorescence spectrometer
3.2
handheld XRF spectrometer
XRF spectrometer which can be used for in-situ analysis by handheld operation
Note 1 to entry: Handheld XRF spectrometers are applicable to both in-situ measurements and measurements with
sampling or post-sampling measurements where post-sampling measurement means application of determination
methods including XRF to samples which are collected and pre-treated, if needed, at a site or in a laboratory.
3.3
portable XRF spectrometer
XRF spectrometer for samples taken out of a site, which can be carried to the site by hand
Note 1 to entry: Portable XRF spectrometers are applicable to post-sampling measurements.
3.4
fundamental parameter approach
method to obtain element composition through successive approximation of the theoretical X-ray
fluorescence intensities to the measured X-ray fluorescence intensities
Note 1 to entry: The calculation of the theoretical X-ray fluorescence intensities is carried out based on assumed
element composition, theoretical parameters and pre-determined sensitivity coefficients of the XRF spectrometer.
3.5
screening
application of any analytical semi quantitative method for exploratory analysis
[SOURCE: ISO/EN 12404:2021, 3.1]
3.6
screening method
method which is used (often on site) to quickly explore a given area including target parameter distribution
or to test a set of samples and obtain data on sample characteristics
Note 1 to entry: It is not necessarily directly comparable with reference methods (3.7).
[SOURCE: ISO/EN 12404:2021, 3.2]

ISO/DIS 13196:2025(en)
3.7
reference method
method which is performed in accordance with national or international standards
[SOURCE: ISO/EN 12404:2021, 3.3]
3.8
semi-quantitative analysis
data analysis method that provides approximate and comparative measurements rather than absolute
quantification within a single experiment
Note 1 to entry: It combines elements of qualitative and quantitative analysis, allowing for the interpretation
of numerical values that reflect the degree or extent of a particular characteristic within a sample. Unlike fully
quantitative methods, which yield results that can be directly compared across different experiments, semi-
quantitative methods provide information that is meaningful primarily within the context of a single experiment.
3.9
qualitative analysis
data analysis method that focuses on detecting or identifying constituent elements without providing
specific concentrations
4 Principle
The concentrations of selected elements in soil are determined using a handheld or portable XRF
spectrometer in the field. Element concentrations are measured after sampling and limited pretreatment or
directly in situ.
Whilst use of a handheld/portable ED-XRF spectrometer lends itself to making determinations at ad-hoc
locations based on on-site observations, it should be used in a structured way commensurate with the
intended purpose of the study for which it is being used. Guidance on sampling strategies (e.g. ISO 18400-104,
ISO 18400-203, ISO 18400-205) should be followed as appropriate.
The test locations should be recorded together with background information such as site-observations and
photographs taken as necessary. The use of GPS to accurately record locations can be particularly useful
when test locations are selected on an ad-hoc basis rather than to a predetermined plan.
It could be deemed desirable to compare results obtained with laboratory results but other than when this
is done on an ad-hoc basis, it should be done in a carefully considered manner (see 7.1.3 and 7.4).
Note Examples of when screening with a handheld/portable ED-XRF spectrometer can be useful are provided in
Introduction.
5 Apparatus
5.1 XRF spectrometer
An appropriate battery or active source-powered handheld or portable ED-XRF device. Typical ED-XRF
devices are described in References [12, 13].
Note Instruments need to have sufficient energy, depth penetration, and suitable beam width to be suitable for
use in soil matrices and to achieve suitable detection limits. These details are available from the manufacturer or
supplier.
5.2 Container for sampling and preparation
A tray that can accommodate a sufficient amount of soil sample for the XRF measurement.
The tray should be of a suitable material whose wear will not introduce into the sample metal grains or
grains of coloured plastics which can contain metallic pigments. If it is decided to crush any aggregates or to
disaggregate lumps of soil, a mortar with a pestle, which are made of solid inert materials such as ceramic,

ISO/DIS 13196:2025(en)
agate and chalcedony, can be used. The XRF spectrometer can be used to test trays and mortars and pestles
for metals which can interfere with XRF.
5.3 Sampling equipment
Sampling equipment (such as sampling spoons, trowels, picks, spades, or post-hole spades) used to prepare
for sampling (e.g. at in-situ measurement locations) and to take samples should be in good conditions and
must not contaminate the sample.
Use of stainless steel tools can be appropriate given that the tiny amounts of a hard tool that can be
introduced into the soil at a spot at a site or samples. Where the slightest interference from the wear of
sampling equipment is possible, plastic trowels and spoons should be used. When carrying out in-situ tests
on machine excavated exposures, the use of steel digger buckets or bulldozer blades is unavoidable in the
absence of plastic buckets and blades for such machinery.
Note 1 Painted or zinc or chrome plated tools can introduce flakes of metals or paints with metallic pigments that
can influence in-situ and sample analysis by XRF measurement.
Note 2 Further guidance on the recovery of samples for chemical analysis is given in ISO 18400-102.
5.4 Sieve (optional)
A sieve of size 2 mm as described in ISO 3310-1. Clean the sieve between samples.
The procedure described in this document is only validated for material passing a 2 mm sieve. The user may
choose to use a different sieve size (sieves are available with apertures less than, and greater than, 2 mm)
but the results obtained could be different from those when using a 2 mm size sieve.
Note Reasons for choosing a smaller sieve size might be to obtain results likely to be more relevant to the
potential for inhalation, ingestion, or contact with contaminated material.
Where the slightest interference from the wear of the sieves is possible, the use of plastic sieves should be
considered. The sieves themselves can be tested with the XRF spectrometer to ensure that any potential
contamination of samples can be assessed properly.
5.5 Sample cup for portable XRF spectrometers
A plastic cup, which is suitable for the XRF spectrometer to be used, having a window at its bottom made of
polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate or graphene. Alternatively, a plastic bag (e.g. clear polyethylene
one) can be used. The concentration of target elements in the cup or plastic bag material should be negligible.
This should be checked by testing stacks of cups or a thickness of multiple bags using the XRF spectrometer
to confirm that it shows only ‘light elements’ or nothing as detectable elements.
5.6 Sample container for handheld XRF spectrometers
Plastic containers or bags suitable for simple sample pretreatment and direct XRF measurement. The
concentration of target elements in the container or bag should be negligible and should be checked by
testing stacks of cups or a thickness of multiple bags using the XRF spectrometer.
5.7 Drying device (optional)
A portable electric drying oven, hot plate etc. powered by batteries or a portable generator, or a heater
driven by exothermic chemical reactions, e.g. hydration of calcium oxide.

ISO/DIS 13196:2025(en)
6 Procedure
6.1 General
Handheld XRF spectrometers can be used for direct in-situ soil measurements as described in 6.4 or to make
measurements on soil samples extracted from the site subjected to appropriate pretreatment (e.g., sieving
to obtain particles smaller than 2 mm) as described in 6.5.
Note If more highly quantitative results are needed, samples should be homogenized (see EN 15309) and
complementary analysis should be carried out using other quantitative methods, to confirm the performance of the
portable or handheld XRF spectrometer.
The parameters to be determined should be defined before starting calibration and measurements, and a
check made that the concentrations of each element to be determined thought likely or possibly to be present
are within the working range of the instrument. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and perform tests
with standard reference materials to calibrate the instrument.
Test duration should be determined by the time taken until error values fall stable for each element. This is
usually displayed by the analyser against each element and falls with time as the XRF test progresses. Once this
value has stopped falling or stabilised, for the element or elements under consideration, the test may be ended.
Note 1 For guidance on pretreatment in the field, see ISO 18400-201 and for laboratory pretreatment, ISO 11464.
For further details of screening measurement concept and goals, see ISO 12404. For sampling processes and
pretreatment procedures, e.g. ISO 18400-201 and ISO 11464, respectively.
Note 2 ISO 11464 is to be combined with several other International and European standards on laboratory
pretreatment methods in a new comprehensive standard which will appear as ISO/EN 21744.
6.2 Performance check of instrument
Before analysis, follow the instrument manufacturer’s instructions for setup, conditioning, preparation and
maintenance. The performance control of the instrument should be carried out at least once a day to ensure
the stability of the instrument.
XRF occasionally has spectral overlap interferences. To confirm the performance of the instrument and
interference-correction software, the instrument should be tested by using multi-element reference
materials having elemental compositions that can be normally found in soil.
6.3 Calibration
Usually, periodical correction of the energy axis can be applied by using a standard function of the
instrument. However, calibration is not necessary since the pre-installed manufacturer's calibration is
sufficient. If specific calibration is needed, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
If site-specific calibration graphs are to be used, measurement shall be done under the same operation and
sample conditions that were employed in the calibration. For samples having large or unknown matrix
effects, a fundamental parameter approach (3.4) is recommended.
Note Some manufacturers supply instruments with automatic calibration for abscissa, and others those with
user-assisted abscissa calibration.
6.4 In-situ measurement
6.4.1 Secure working area
Establish a safe working area or controlled area in accordance with national regulations and manufacturer’s
information.
...