This International Standard provides guidance on the selection of experimental methods for the assessment of the ecotoxic potential of soils and soil materials (e.g. excavated and remediated soils, refills, embankments) with respect to their intended use and possible adverse effects on aquatic and soil-dwelling organisms, and habitat maintenance and the retention function of the soil.

It does not cover tests for bioaccumulation. Genotoxicity tests using eukaryotic organisms in soils are not yet available. It is not applicable to the ecological assessment of uncontaminated soils with a view to natural, agricultural or horticultural use, such soils being of possible interest where they can serve as a reference for the assessment of soils from contaminated sites. Nor is the interpretation of the results gained by application of the proposed methods within its scope.