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6.1 Reagent water—Reagent water is defined as a water in which an interferent is not observed at the MDL of the parameters of interest.
6.1.1 Reagent water can be generated by passing tap water through a carbon filter bed containing about 1 lb of activated carbon (Filtrasorb-300, Calgon Corp., or equivalent).
6.1.2 A water purification system (Millipore Super-Q or equivalent) may be used to generate reagent water.
6.1.3 Regent water may also be prepared by boiling water for 15 min. Subsequently, while maintaining the temperature at 90 °C, bubble a contaminant-free inert gas through the water for 1 h. While still hot, transfer the water to a narrow mouth screw-cap bottle and seal with a Teflon-lined septum and cap.
6.2 Sodium thiosulfate—(ACS) Granular.
6.3 Sodium hydroxide solution (10 N)—Dissolve 40 g of NaOH (ACS) in reagent water and dilute to 100 mL.
6.4 Hydrochloric acid (1+1)—Slowly, add 50 mL of concentrated HCl (ACS) to 50 mL of reagent water.
6.5 Trap Materials:
6.5.1 2,6-Diphenylene oxide polymer—Tenax (60/80 mesh), chromatographic grade or equivalent.
6.5.2 Methyl silicone packing—3% OV–1 on Chromosorb-W (60/80 mesh) or equivalent.
6.6 Stock standard solutions—Stock standard solutions may be prepared from pure standard materials or purchased as certified solutions. Prepare stock standard solutions in reagent water using assayed liquids. Since acrolein and acrylonitrile are lachrymators, primary dilutions of these compounds should be prepared in a hood. A NIOSH/MESA approved toxic gas respirator should be used when the analyst handles high concentrations of such materials.
6.6.1 Place about 9.8 mL of reagent water into a 10-mL ground glass stoppered volumetric flask. For acrolein standards the reagent water must be adjusted to pH 4 to 5. Weight the flask to the nearest 0.1 mg.
6.6.2 Using a 100-µL syringe, immediately add two or more drops of assayed reference material to the flask, then reweigh. Be sure that the drops fall directly into the water without contacting the neck of the flask.
6.6.3 Reweigh, dilute to volume, stopper, then mix by inverting the flask several times. Calculate the concentration in µg/µL from the net gain in weight. When compound purity is assayed to be 96% or greater, the weight can be used without correction to calculate the concentration of the stock staldard. Optionally, stock standard solutions may be prepared using the pure standard material by volumetrically measuring the appropriate amounts and determining the weight of the material using the density of the material. Commercially prepared stock standards may be used at any concentration if they are certified by the manufactaurer or by an independent source.
6.6.4 Transfer the stock standard solution into a Teflon-sealed screw-cap bottle. Store at 4 °C and protect from light.
6.6.5 Prepare fresh standards daily.
6.7 Secondary dilution standards—Using stock standard solutions, prepare secondary dilution standards in reagent water that contain the compounds of interest, either singly or mixed together. The secondary dilution standards should be prepared at concentrations such that the aqueous calibration standards prepared in Section 7.3.1 or 7.4.1 will bracket the working range of the analytical system. Secondary dilution standards should be prepared daily and stored at 4 °C.
6.8 Quality control check sample concentrate—See Section 8.2.1.
7. Calibration
7.1 Assemble a purge and trap system that meets the specifications in Section 5.2. Condition the trap overnight at 180 °C by backflushing with an inert gas flow of at least 20 mL/min. Condition the trap for 10 min once daily prior to use.
7.2 Connect the purge and trap system to a gas chromatograph. The gas chromatograph must be operated using temperature and flow rate conditions equivalent to those given in Table 1. Calibrate the purge and trap-gas chromatographic system using either the external standard technique (Section 7.3) or the internal standard technique (Section 7.4).
7.3 External standard calibration procedure:
7.3.1 Prepare calibration standards at a minimum of three concentration levels for each parameter by carefully adding 20.0 µL of one or more secondary dilution standards to 100, 500, or 1000 mL of reagent water. A 25-µL syringe with a 0.006 in. ID needle should be used for this operation. One of the external standards should be at a concentration near, but above, the MDL and the other concentrations should correspond to the expected range of concentrations found in real samples or should define the working range of the detector. These standards must be prepared fresh daily.
7.3.2 Analyze each calibration standard according to Section 10, and tabulate peak height or area responses versus the concentration of the standard. The results can be used to prepare a calibration curve for each compound. Alternatively, if the ratio of response to concentration (calibration factor) is a constant over the working range (< 10% relative standard deviation, RSD), linearity through the origin can be assumed and the average ratio or calibration factor can be used in place of a calibration curve.
7.4 Internal standard calibration procedure—To use this approach, the analyst must select one or more internal standards that are similar in analytical behavior to the compounds of interest. The analyst must further demonstrate that the measurement of the internal standard is not affected by method or matrix interferences. Because of these limitations, no internal standard can be suggested that is applicable to all samples.
7.4.1 Prepare calibration standards at a minimum of three concentration levels for each parameter of interest as described in Section 7.3.1.
7.4.2 Prepare a spiking solution containing each of the internal standards using the procedures described in Sections 6.6 and 6.7. It is recommended that the secondary dilution standard be prepared at a concentration of 15 µg/mL of each internal standard compound. The addition of 10 µL of this standard to 5.0 mL of sample or calibration standard would be equivalent to 30 µg/L.
7.4.3 Analyze each calibration standard according to Section 10, adding 10 µL of internal standard spiking solution directly to the syringe (Section 10.4). Tabulate peak height or area responses against concentration for each compound and internal standard, and calculate response factors (RF) for each compound using Equation 1.
RF= (As)(Cis) (Ais)(Cs)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equation 1
where:
As=Response for the parameter to be measured.
Ais=Response for the internal standard.
Cis=Concentration of the internal standard.
Cs=Concentration of the parameter to be measured.
If the RF value over the working range is a constant (<10% RSD), the RF can be assumed to be invariant and the average RF can be used for calculations. Alternatively, the results can be used to plot a calibration curve of response ratios, As/Ais, vs. RF.
7.5 The working calibration curve, calibration factor, or RF must be verified on each working day by the measurement of a QC check sample.
7.5.1 Prepare the QC check sample as described in Section 8.2.2.
7.5.2 Analyze the QC check sample according to Section 10.
7.5.3 For each parameter, compare the response (Q) with the corresponding calibration acceptance criteria found in Table 2. If the responses for all parameters of interest fall within the designated ranges, analysis of actual samples can begin. If any individual Q falls outside the range, a new calibration curve, calibration factor, or RF must be prepared for that parameter according to Section 7.3 or 7.4.
8. Quality Control
8.1 Each laboratory that uses this method is required to operate a formal quality control program. The minimum requirements of this program consist of an initial demonstration of laboratory capability and an ongoing analysis of spiked samples to evaluate and document data quality. The laboratory must maintain records to document the quality of data that is generated. Ongoing data quality checks are compared with established performance criteria to determine if the results of analyses meet the performance characteristics of the method. When results of sample spikes indicate atypical method performance, a quality control check standard must be analyzed to confirm that the measurements were performed in an in-control mode of operation.
8.1.1 The analyst must make an initial, one-time, demonstration of the ability to generate acceptable accuracy and precision with this method. This ability is established as described in Section 8.2.
8.1.2 In recognition of advances that are occurring in chromatography, the analyst is permitted certain options (detailed in Section 10.1) to improve the separations or lower the cost of measurements. Each time such a modification is made to the method, the analyst is required to repeat the procedure in Section 8.2.
8.1.3 Each day, the analyst must analyze a reagent water blank to demonstrate that interferences from the analytical system are under control.
8.1.4 The laboratory must, on an ongoing basis, spike and analyze a minimum of 10% of all samples to monitor and evaluate laboratory data quality. This procedure is described in Section 8.3.
8.1.5 The laboratory must, on an ongoing basis, demonstrate through the analyses of quality control check standards that the operation of the measurement system is in control. This procedure is described in Section 8.4. The frequency of the check standard analyses is equivalent to 10% of all samples analyzed but may be reduced if spike recoveries from samples (Section 8.3) meet all specified quality control criteria.
8.1.6 The laboratory must maintain performance records to document the quality of data that is generated. This procedure is described in Section 8.5.
8.2 To establish the ability to generate acceptable accuracy and precision, the analyst must perform the following operations.
8.2.1 A quality control (QC) check sample concentrate is required containing each parameter of interest at a concentration of 25 µg/mL in reagent water. The QC check sample concentrate must be obtained from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory in Cincinnati, Ohio, if available. If not available from that source, the QC check sample concentrate must be obtained from another external source. If not available from either source above, the QC check sample concentrate must be prepared by the laboratory using stock standards prepared independently from those used for calibration.
8.2.2 Prepare a QC check sample to contain 50 µg/L of each parameter by adding 200 µL of QC check sample concentrate to 100 mL of reagent water.
8.2.3 Analyze four 5-mL aliquots of the well-mixed QC check sample according to Section 10.
8.2.4 Calculate the average recovery (X ) in µg/L, and the standard deviation of the recovery (s) in µg/L, for each parameter using the four results.
8.2.5 For each parameter compare s and X with the corresponding acceptance criteria for precision and accuracy, respectively, found in Table 3. If s and X for all parameters of interest meet the acceptance criteria, the system performance is acceptable and analysis of actual samples can begin. If either s exceeds the precision limit or X falls outside the range for accuracy, the system performance is unacceptable for that parameter. Locate and correct the source of the problem and repeat the test for each compound of interest.
8.3 The laboratory must, on an ongoing basis, spike at least 10% of the samples from each sample site being monitored to assess accuracy. For laboratories analyzing one to ten samples per month, at least one spiked sample per month is required.
8.3.1 The concentration of the spike in the sample should be determined as follows:
8.3.1.1 If, as in compliance monitoring, the concentration of a specific parameter in the sample is being checked against a regulatory concentration limit, the spike should be at that limit or 1 to 5 times higher than the background concentration determined in Section 8.3.2, whichever concentration would be larger.
8.3.1.2 If the concentration of a specific parameter in the sample is not being checked against a limit specific to that parameter, the spike should be at 50 µg/L or 1 to 5 times higher than the background concentration determined in Section 8.3.2, whichever concentration would be larger.
8.3.2 Analyze one 5-mL sample aliquot to determine the background concentration (B) of each parameter. If necessary, prepare a new QC check sample concentrate (Section 8.2.1) appropriate for the background concentrations in the sample. Spike a second 5-mL sample aliquot with 10 µL of the QC check sample concentrate and analyze it to determine the concentration after spiking (A) of each parameter. Calculate each percent recovery (P) as 100(A-B)%/T, where T is the known true value of the spike.
8.3.3 Compare the percent recovery (P) for each parameter with the corresponding QC acceptance criteria found in Table 3. These acceptance criteria were calculated to include an allowance for error in measurement of both the background and spike concentrations, assuming a spike to background ratio of 5:1. This error will be accounted for to the extent that the analyst's spike to background ratio approaches 5:1.7
8.3.4 If any individual P falls outside the designated range for recovery, that parameter has failed the acceptance criteria. A check standard containing each parameter that failed the criteria must be analyzed as described in Section 8.4.
8.4 If any parameter fails the acceptance criteria for recovery in Section 8.3, a QC check standard containing each parameter that failed must be prepared and analyzed.
Note: The frequency for the required analysis of a QC check standard will depend upon the number of parameters being simultaneously tested, the complexity of the sample matrix, and the performance of the laboratory.
8.4.1 Prepare the QC check standard by adding 10 µL of QC check sample concentrate (Section 8.2.1 or 8.3.2) to 5 mL of reagent water. The QC check standard needs only to contain the parameters that failed criteria in the test in Section 8.3.
8.4.2 Analyze the QC check standard to determine the concentration measured (A) of each parameter. Calculate each percent recovery (Ps) as 100 (A/T)%, where T is the true value of the standard concentration.
8.4.3 Compare the percent recovery (Ps) for each parameter with the corresponding QC acceptance criteria found in Table 3. Only parameters that failed the test in Section 8.3 need to be compared with these criteria. If the recovery of any such parameter falls outside the designated range, the laboratory performance for that parameter is judged to be out of control, and the problem must be immediately identified and corrected. The analytical result for that parameter in the unspiked sample is suspect and may not be reported for regulatory compliance purposes.
8.5 As part of the QC program for the laboratory, method accuracy for wastewater samples must be assessed and records must be maintained. After the analysis of five spiked wastewater samples as in Section 8.3, calculate the average percent recovery (P ) and the standard deviation of the percent recovery (sp). Express the accuracy assessment as a percent recovery interval from P -2sp to P +2sp. If P =90% and sp=10%, for example, the accuracy interval is expressed as 70–110%. Update the accuracy assessment for each parameter on a regular basis (e.g. after each five to ten new accuracy measurements).
8.6 It is recommended that the laboratory adopt additional quality assurance practices for use with this method. The specific practices that are most productive depend upon the needs of the laboratory and the nature of the samples. Field duplicates may be analyzed to assess the precision of the environmental measurements. When doubt exists over the identification of a peak on the chromatogram, confirmatory techniques such as gas chromatography with a dissimilar column or mass spectrometer must be used. Whenever possible, the laboratory should analyze standard reference materials and participate in relevant performance evaluation studies.
9. Sample Collection, Preservation, and Handling
9.1 All samples must be iced or refrigerated from the time of collection until analysis. If the sample contains free or combined chlorine, add sodium thiosulfate preservative (10 mg/40 mL is sufficient for up to 5 ppm Cl2) to the empty sample bottle just prior to shipping to the sampling site. EPA Methods 330.4 and 330.5 may be used for measurement of residual chlorine.8 Field test kits are available for this purpose.
9.2 If acrolein is to be analyzed, collect about 500 mL of sample in a clean glass container. Adjust the pH of the sample to 4 to 5 using acid or base, measuring with narrow range pH paper. Samples for acrolein analysis receiving no pH adjustment must be analyzed within 3 days of sampling.
9.3 Grab samples must be collected in glass containers having a total volume of at least 25 mL. Fill the sample bottle just to overflowing in such a manner that no air bubbles pass through the sample as the bottle is being filled. Seal the bottle so that no air bubbles are entrapped in it. If preservative has been added, shake vigorously for 1 min. Maintain the hermetic seal on the sample bottle until time of analysis.
9.4 All samples must be analyzed within 14 days of collection.3
10. Procedure
10.1 Table 1 summarizes the recommended operating conditions for the gas chromatograph. Included in this table are estimated retention times and MDL that can be achieved under these conditions. An example of the separations achieved by Column 1 is shown in Figure 5. Other packed columns, chromatographic conditions, or detectors may be used if the requirements of Section 8.2 are met.
10.2 Calibrate the system daily as described in Section 7.
10.3 Adjust the purge gas (nitrogen or helium) flow rate to 20 mL-min. Attach the trap inlet to the purging device, and set the purge and trap system to purge (Figure 3). Open the syringe valve located on the purging device sample introduction needle.
10.4 Remove the plunger from a 5-mL syringe and attach a closed syringe valve. Open the sample bottle (or standard) and carefully pour the sample into the syringe barrel to just short of overflowing. Replace the syringe plunger and compress the sample. Open the syringe valve and vent any residual air while adjusting the sample volume to 5.0 mL. Since this process of taking an aliquot destroys the validity of the sample for future analysis, the analyst should fill a second syringe at this time to protect against possible loss of data. Add 10.0 µL of the internal standard spiking solution (Section 7.4.2), if applicable, through the valve bore then close the valve.
10.5 Attach the syringe-syringe valve assembly to the syringe valve on the purging device. Open the syringe valves and inject the sample into the purging chamber.
10.6 Close both valves and purge the sample for 15.0 ±0.1 min while heating at 85 ±2 °C.
10.7 After the 15-min purge time, attach the trap to the chromatograph, adjust the purge and trap system to the desorb mode (Figure 4), and begin to temperature program the gas chromatograph. Introduce the trapped materials to the GC column by rapidly heating the trap to 180 °C while backflushing the trap with an inert gas between 20 and 60 mL/min for 1.5 min.
10.8 While the trap is being desorbed into the gas chromatograph, empty the purging chamber using the sample introduction syringe. Wash the chamber with two 5-mL flushes of reagent water.
10.9 After desorbing the sample for 1.5 min, recondition the trap by returning the purge and trap system to the purge mode. Wait 15 s then close the syringe valve on the purging device to begin gas flow through the trap. The trap temperature should be maintained at 210 °C. After approximately 7 min, turn off the trap heater and open the syringe valve to stop the gas flow through the trap. When the trap is cool, the next sample can be analyzed.
10.10 Identify the parameters in the sample by comparing the retention times of the peaks in the sample chromatogram with those of the peaks in standard chromatograms. The width of the retention time window used to make identifications should be based upon measurements of actual retention time variations of standards over the course of a day. Three times the standard deviation of a retention time for a compound can be used to calculate a suggested window size; however, the experience of the analyst should weigh heavily in the interpretation of chromatograms.
11. Calculations
11.1 Determine the concentration of individual compounds in the sample.
11.1.1 If the external standard calibration procedure is used, calculate the concentration of the parameter being measured from the peak response using the calibration curve or calibration factor determined in Section 7.3.2.
11.1.2 If the internal standard calibration procedure is used, calculate the concentration in the sample using the response factor (RF) determined in Section 7.4.3 and Equation 2.
Equation 2
where:
As=Response for the parameter to be measured.
Ais=Response for the internal standard.
Cis=Concentration of the internal standard.
11.2 Report results in µg/L without correction for recovery data. All QC data obtained should be reported with the sample results.
12. Method Performance
12.1 The method detection limit (MDL) is defined as the minimum concentration of a substance that can be measured and reported with 99% confidence that the value is above zero.1 The MDL concentrations listed in Table 1 were obtained using reagent water.9 The MDL actually achieved in a given analysis will vary depending on instrument sensitivity and matrix effects.
12.2 This method is recommended for the concentration range from the MDL to 1,000×MDL. Direct aqueous injection techniques should be used to measure concentration levels above 1,000×MDL.
12.3 In a single laboratory (Battelle-Columbus), the average recoveries and standard deviations presented in Table 2 were obtained.9 Seven replicate samples were analyzed at each spike level.
References
1. 40 CFR part 136, appendix B.
2. Bellar, T.A., and Lichtenberg, J.J. “Determining Volatile Organics at Microgram-per-Litre-Levels by Gas Chromatography,” Journal American Water Works Association, 66, 739 (1974).
3. “Evaluate Test Procedures for Acrolein and Acrylonitrile,” Special letter report for EPA Project 4719–A, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, 27 June 1979.
4. “Carcinogens—Working With Carcinogens,” Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public Health Service, Center for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Publication No. 77–206, August 1977.
5. “OSHA Safety and Health Standards, General Industry,” (29 CFR part 1910), Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA 2206 (Revised, January 1976).
6. “Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories,” American Chemical Society Publication, Committee on Chemical Safety, 3rd Edition, 1979.
7. Provost, L.P., and Elder, R.S. “Interpretation of Percent Recovery Data,” American Laboratory, 15, 58–63 (1983).
8. “Methods 330.4 (Titrimetric, DPD-FAS) and 330.5 (Spectrophotometric, DPD) for Chlorine, Total Residual,” Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes, EPA–600/4–79–020, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, March 1979.
9. “Evaluation of Method 603 (Modified),” EPA–600/4–84–ABC, National Technical Information Service, PB84–, Springfield, Virginia 22161, Nov. 1984.
Table 1_Chromatographic Conditions and Method Detection Limits
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retention time (min) Method
------------------------ detection
Parameter limit
Column 1 Column 2 (µg/
L)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acrolein............................ 10.6 8.2 0.7
Acrylonitrile....................... 12.7 9.8 0.5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Column 1 conditions: Porapak-QS (80/100 mesh) packed in a 10 ft x 2 mm
ID glass or stainless steel column with helium carrier gas at 30 mL/
min flow rate. Column temperature held isothermal at 110 °C for
1.5 min (during desorption), then heated as rapidly as possible to 150
°C and held for 20 min; column bakeout at 190 °C for 10 min.
\9\
Column 2 conditions: Chromosorb 101 (60/80 mesh) packed in a 6 ft. x 0.1
in. ID glass or stainless steel column with helium carrier gas at 40
mL/min flow rate. Column temperature held isothermal at 80 °C for
4 min, then programmed at 50 °C/min to 120 °C and held for 12
min.
Table 2_Single Laboratory Accuracy and Precision_Method 603
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Spike Average Standard
Sample conc. recovery deviation Average
Parameter matrix (µg/ (µg/ (µg/ percent
L) L) L) recovery
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acrolein............................................... RW 5.0 5.2 0.2 104
RW 50.0 51.4 0.7 103
POTW 5.0 4.0 0.2 80
POTW 50.0 44.4 0.8 89
IW 5.0 0.1 0.1 2
IW 100.0 9.3 1.1 9
Acrylonitrile.......................................... RW 5.0 4.2 0.2 84
RW 50.0 51.4 1.5 103
POTW 20.0 20.1 0.8 100
POTW 100.0 101.3 1.5 101
IW 10.0 9.1 0.8 91
IW 100.0 104.0 3.2 104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ARW=Reagent water.
APOTW=Prechlorination secondary effluent from a municipal sewage treatment plant.
AIW=Industrial wastewater containing an unidentified acrolein reactant.
Table 3_Calibration and QC Acceptance Criteria_Method 603 \a\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Limit for
Range for Q S Range for X Range for
Parameter (µg/ (µg/ (µg/ P, Ps (%)
L) L) L)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acrolein..................................................... 45.9-54.1 4.6 42.9-60.1 88-118
Acrylonitrile................................................ 41.2-58.8 9.9 33.1-69.9 71-135
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
a=Criteria were calculated assuming a QC check sample concentration of 50 µg/L. 9
Q=Concentration measured in QC check sample, in µg/L (Section 7.5.3).
s=Standard deviation of four recovery measurements, in µg/L (Section 8.2.4).
X=Average recovery for four recovery measurements, in µg/L (Section 8.2.4).
P, Ps=Percent recovery measured (Section 8.3.2, Section 8.4.2).
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Method 604—Phenols
1. Scope and Application
1.1 This method covers the determination of phenol and certain substituted phenols. The following parameters may be determined by this method:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
STORET
Parameter No. CAS No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4-Chloro-3-methylphenol.......................... 34452 59-50-7
2--Chlorophenol.................................. 34586 95-57-8
2,4-Dichlorophenol............................... 34601 120-83-2
2,4-Dimethylphenol............................... 34606 105-67-9
2,4-Dinitrophenol................................ 34616 51-28-5
2-Methyl-4,6-dinitrophenol....................... 34657 534-52-1
2-Nitrophenol.................................... 34591 88-75-5
4-Nitrophenol.................................... 34646 100-02-7
Pentachlorophenol................................ 39032 87-86-5
Phenol........................................... 34694 108-95-2
2,4,6-Trichlorophenol............................ 34621 88-06-2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.2 This is a flame ionization detector gas chromatographic (FIDGC) method applicable to the determination of the compounds listed above in municipal and industrial discharges as provided under 40 CFR 136.1. When this method is used to analyze unfamiliar samples for any or all of the compounds above, compound identifications should be supported by at least one additional qualitative technique. This method describes analytical conditions for derivatization, cleanup, and electron capture detector gas chromatography (ECDGC) that can be used to confirm measurements made by FIDGC. Method 625 provides gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) conditions appropriate for the qualitative and quantitative confirmation of results for all of the parameters listed above, using the extract produced by this method.
1.3 The method detection limit (MDL, defined in Section 14.1) 1 for each parameter is listed in Table 1. The MDL for a specific wastewater may differ from those listed, depending upon the nature of interferences in the sample matrix. The MDL listed in Table 1 for each parameter was achieved with a flame ionization detector (FID). The MDLs that were achieved when the derivatization cleanup and electron capture detector (ECD) were employed are presented in Table 2.
1.4 Any modification of this method, beyond those expressly permitted, shall be considered as a major modification subject to application and approval of alternate test procedures under 40 CFR 136.4 and 136.5.
1.5 This method is restricted to use by or under the supervision of analysts experienced in the use of a gas chromatograph and in the interpretation of gas chromatograms. Each analyst must demonstrate the ability to generate acceptable results with this method using the procedure described in Section 8.2.
2. Summary of Method
2.1 A measured volume of sample, approximately 1-L, is acidified and extracted with methylene chloride using a separatory funnel. The methylene chloride extract is dried and exchanged to 2-propanol during concentration to a volume of 10 mL or less. The extract is separated by gas chromatography and the phenols are then measured with an FID. 2
2.2 A preliminary sample wash under basic conditions can be employed for samples having high general organic and organic base interferences.
2.3 The method also provides for a derivatization and column chromatography cleanup procedure to aid in the elimination of interferences.2,3 The derivatives are analyzed by ECDGC.
3. Interferences
3.1 Method interferences may be caused by contaminants in solvents, reagents, glassware, and other sample processing hardware that lead to discrete artifacts and/or elevated baselines in gas chromatograms. All of these materials must be routinely demonstrated to be free from interferences under the conditions of the analysis by running laboratory reagent blanks as described in Section 8.1.3.
3.1.1 Glassware must be scrupulously cleaned. 4 Clean all glassware as soon as possible after use by rinsing with the last solvent used in it. Solvent rinsing should be followed by detergent washing with hot water, and rinses with tap water and distilled water. The glassware should then be drained dry, and heated in a muffle furnace at 400 °C for 15 to 30 min. Some thermally stable materials, such as PCBs, may not be eliminated by this treatment. Solvent rinses with acetone and pesticide quality hexane may be substituted for the muffle furnace heating. Thorough rinsing with such solvents usually eliminates PCB interference. Volumetric ware should not be heated in a muffle furnace. After drying and cooling, glassware should be sealed and stored in a clean environment to prevent any accumulation of dust or other contaminants. Store inverted or capped with aluminum foil.
3.1.2 The use of high purity reagents and solvents helps to minimize interference problems. Purification of solvents by distillation in all-glass systems may be required.
3.2 Matrix interferences may be caused by contaminants that are coextracted from the sample. The extent of matrix interferences will vary considerably from source to source, depending upon the nature and diversity of the industrial complex or municipality being sampled. The derivatization cleanup procedure in Section 12 can be used to overcome many of these interferences, but unique samples may require additional cleanup approaches to achieve the MDL listed in Tables 1 and 2.
3.3 The basic sample wash (Section 10.2) may cause significantly reduced recovery of phenol and 2,4-dimethylphenol. The analyst must recognize that results obtained under these conditions are minimum concentrations.
4. Safety
4.1 The toxicity or carcinogenicity of each reagent used in this mothod has not been precisely defined; however, each chemical compound should be treated as a potential health hazard. From this viewpoint, exposure to these chemicals must be reduced to the lowest possible level by whatever means available. The laboratory is responsible for maintaining a current awareness file of OSHA regulations regarding the safe handling of the chemicals specified in this method. A reference file of material data handling sheets should also be made available to all personnel involved in the chemical analysis. Additional references to laboratory safety are available and have been identified5,7 for the information of analyst.
4.2 Special care should be taken in handling pentafluorobenzyl bromide, which is a lachrymator, and 18-crown-6-ether, which is highly toxic.
5. Apparatus and Materials
5.1 Sampling equipment, for discrete or composite sampling.
5.1.1 Grab sample bottle—1–L or 1-qt, amber glass, fitted with a screw cap lined with Teflon. Foil may be substituted for Teflon if the sample is not corrosive. If amber bottles are not available, protect samples from light. The bottle and cap liner must be washed, rinsed with acetone or methylene chloride, and dried before use to minimize contamination.
5.1.2 Automatic sampler (optional)—The sampler must incorporate glass sample containers for the collection of a minimum of 250 mL of sample. Sample containers must be kept refrigerated at 4°C and protected from light during compositing. If the sampler uses a peristaltic pump, a minimum length of compressible silicone rubber tubing may be used. Before use, however, the compressible tubing should be thoroughly rinsed with methanol, followed by repeated rinsings with distilled water to minimize the potential for contamination of the sample. An integrating flow meter is required to collect flow proportional composites.
5.2 Glassware (All specifications are suggested. Catalog numbers are included for illustration only.):
5.2.1 Separatory funnel—2–L, with Teflon stopcock.
5.2.2 Drying column—Chromatographic column, 400 mm long × 19 mm ID, with coarse frit filter disc.
5.2.3 Chromatographic column—100 mm long × 10 mm ID, with Teflon stopcock.
5.2.4 Concentrator tube, Kuderna-Danish—10-mL, graduated (Kontes K–570050–1025 or equivalent). Calibration must be checked at the volumes employed in the test. Ground glass stopper is used to prevent evaporation of extracts.
5.2.5 Evaporative flask, Kuderna-Danish—500-mL (Kontes K–570001–0500 or equivalent). Attach to concentrator tube with springs.
5.2.6 Snyder column, Kuderna-Danish—Three-ball macro (Kontes K–503000–0121 or equivalent).
5.2.7 Snyder column, Kuderna-Danish—Two-ball micro (Kontes K–569001–0219 or equivalent).
5.2.8 Vials—10 to 15-mL, amber glass, with Teflon-lined screw cap.
5.2.9 Reaction flask—15 to 25-mL round bottom flask, with standard tapered joint, fitted with a water-cooled condenser and U-shaped drying tube containing granular calcium chloride.
5.3 Boiling chips—Approximately 10/40 mesh. Heat to 400 °C for 30 min or Soxhlet extract with methylene chloride.
5.4 Water bath—Heated, with concentric ring cover, capable of temperature control (±2°C). The bath should be used in a hood.
5.5 Balance—Analytical, capable of accurately weighting 0.0001 g.
5.6 Gas chromatograph—An analytical system complete with a temperature programmable gas chromatograph suitable for on-column injection and all required accessories including syringes, analytical columns, gases, detector, and strip-chart recorder. A data system is recommended for measuring peak areas.
5.6.1 Column for underivatized phenols—1.8 m long × 2 mm ID glass, packed with 1% SP–1240DA on Supelcoport (80/100 mesh) or equivalent. This column was used to develop the method performance statements in Section 14. Guidelines for the use of alternate column packings are provided in Section 11.1.
5.6.2 Column for derivatized phenols—1.8 m long × 2 mm ID glass, packed with 5% OV–17 on Chromosorb W-AW-DMCS (80/100 mesh) or equivalent. This column has proven effective in the analysis of wastewaters for derivatization products of the parameters listed in the scope (Section 1.1), and was used to develop the method performance statements in Section 14. Guidelines for the use of alternate column packings are provided in Section 11.1.
5.6.3 Detectors—Flame ionization and electron capture detectors. The FID is used when determining the parent phenols. The ECD is used when determining the derivatized phenols. Guidelines for the use of alternatve detectors are provided in Section 11.1.
6. Reagents
6.1 Reagent water—Reagent water is defined as a water in which an interferent is not observed at the MDL of the parameters of interest.
6.2 Sodium hydroxide solution (10 N)—Dissolve 40 g of NaOH (ACS) in reagent water and dilute to 100 mL.
6.3 Sodium hydroxide solution (1 N)—Dissolve 4 g of NaOH (ACS) in reagent water and dilute to 100 mL.
6.4 Sodium sulfate—(ACS) Granular, anhydrous. Purify by heating at 400°C for 4 h in a shallow tray.
6.5 Sodium thiosulfate—(ACS) Granular.
6.6 Sulfuric acid (1+1)—Slowly, add 50 mL of H2SO4 (ACS, sp. gr. 1.84) to 50 mL of reagent water.
6.7 Sulfuric acid (1 N)—Slowly, add 58 mL of H2SO4 (ACS, sp. gr. 1.84) to reagent water and dilute to 1 L.
6.8 Potassium carbonate—(ACS) Powdered.
6.9 Pentafluorobenzyl bromide (a-Bromopentafluorotoluene)—97% minimum purity.
Note: This chemical is a lachrymator. (See Section 4.2.)
6.10 18-crown-6-ether (1,4,7,10,13,16-Hexaoxacyclooctadecane)—98% minimum purity.
Note: This chemical is highly toxic.
6.11 Derivatization reagent—Add 1 mL of pentafluorobenzyl bromide and 1 g of 18-crown-6-ether to a 50-mL volumetric flask and dilute to volume with 2-propanol. Prepare fresh weekly. This operation should be carried out in a hood. Store at 4 °C and protect from light.
6.12 Acetone, hexane, methanol, methylene chloride, 2-propanol, toluene—Pesticide quality or equivalent.
6.13 Silica gel—100/200 mesh, Davison, grade-923 or equivalent. Activate at 130 °C overnight and store in a desiccator.
6.14 Stock standard solutions (1.00 µg/µL)—Stock standard solutions may be prepared from pure standard materials or purchased as certified solutions.
6.14.1 Prepare stock standard solutions by accurately weighing about 0.0100 g of pure material. Dissolve the material in 2-propanol and dilute to volume in a 10-mL volumetric flask. Larger volumes can be used at the convenience of the analyst. When compound purity is assayed to be 96% or greater, the weight can be used without correction to calculate the concentration of the stock standard. Commercially prepared stock standards can be used at any concentration if they are certified by the manufacturer or by an independent source.
6.14.2 Transfer the stock standard solutions into Teflon-sealed screw-cap bottles. Store at 4 °C and protect from light. Stock standard solutions should be checked frequently for signs of degradation or evaporation, especially just prior to preparing calibration standards from them.
6.14.3 Stock standard solutions must be replaced after six months, or sooner if comparison with check standards indicates a problem.
6.15 Quality control check sample concentrate—See Section 8.2.1.
7. Calibration
7.1 To calibrate the FIDGC for the anaylsis of underivatized phenols, establish gas chromatographic operating conditions equivalent to those given in Table 1. The gas chromatographic system can be calibrated using the external standard technique (Section 7.2) or the internal standard technique (Section 7.3).
7.2 External standard calibration procedure for FIDGC:
7.2.1 Prepare calibration standards at a minimum of three concentration levels for each parameter of interest by adding volumes of one or more stock standards to a volumetric flask and diluting to volume with 2-propanol. One of the external standards should be at a concentration near, but above, the MDL (Table 1) and the other concentrations should correspond to the expected range of concentrations found in real samples or should define the working range of the detector.
7.2.2 Using injections of 2 to 5 µl, analyze each calibration standard according to Section 11 and tabulate peak height or area responses against the mass injected. The results can be used to prepare a calibration curve for each compound. Alternatively, if the ratio of response to amount injected (calibration factor) is a constant over the working range (<10% relative standard deviation, RSD), linearity through the origin can be assumed and the average ratio or calibration factor can be used in place of a calibration curve.
7.3 Internal standard calibration procedure for FIDGC—To use this approach, the analyst must select one or more internal standards that are similar in analytical behavior to the compounds of interest. The analyst must further demonstrate that the measurement of the internal standard is not affected by method or matrix interferences. Because of these limitations, no internal standard can be suggested that is applicable to all samples.
7.3.1 Prepare calibration standards at a minimum of three concentration levels for each parameter of interest by adding volumes of one or more stock standards to a volumetric flask. To each calibration standard, add a known constant amount of one or more internal standards, and dilute to volume with 2-propanol. One of the standards should be at a concentration near, but above, the MDL and the other concentrations should correspond to the expected range of concentrations found in real samples or should define the working range of the detector.
7.3.2 Using injections of 2 to 5 µL, analyze each calibration standard according to Section 11 and tabulate peak height or area responses against concentration for each compound and internal standard. Calculate response factors (RF) for each compound using Equation 1.
RF= (As)(Cis) (Ais)(Cs)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equation 1
where:
As=Response for the parameter to be measured.
Ais=Response for the internal standard.
Cis=Concentration of the internal standard (µg/L).
Cs=Concentration of the parameter to be measured (µg/L).
If the RF value over the working range is a constant (<10% RSD), the RF can be assumed to be invariant and the average RF can be used for calculations. Alternatively, the results can be used to plot a calibration curve of response ratios, As/Ais, vs. RF.
7.4 The working calibration curve, calibration factor, or RF must be verified on each working day by the measurement of one or more calibration standards. If the response for any parameter varies from the predicted response by more than ±15%, a new calibration curve must be prepared for that compound.
7.5 To calibrate the ECDGC for the analysis of phenol derivatives, establish gas chromatographic operating conditions equivalent to those given in Table 2.
7.5.1 Prepare calibration standards at a minimum of three concentration levels for each parameter of interest by adding volumes of one or more stock standards to a volumetric flask and diluting to volume with 2-propanol. One of the external standards should be at a concentration near, but above, the MDL (Table 2) and the other concentrations should correspond to the expected range of concentrations found in real samples or should define the working range of the detector.
7.5.2 Each time samples are to be derivatized, simultaneously treat a 1-mL aliquot of each calibration standard as described in Section 12.
7.5.3 After derivatization, analyze 2 to 5 µL of each column eluate collected according to the method beginning in Section 12.8 and tabulate peak height or area responses against the calculated equivalent mass of underivatized phenol injected. The results can be used to prepare a calibration curve for each compound.
7.6 Before using any cleanup procedure, the analyst must process a series of calibration standards through the procedure to validate elution patterns and the absence of interferences from the reagents.
8. Quality Control
8.1 Each laboratory that uses this method is required to operate a formal quality control program. The minimum requirements of this program consist of an initial demonstration of laboratory capability and an ongoing analysis of spiked samples to evaluate and document data quality. The laboratory must maintain records to document the quality of data that is generated. Ongoing data quality checks are compared with established performance criteria to determine if the results of analyses meet the performance characteristics of the method. When results of sample spikes indicate atypical method performance, a quality control check standard must be analyzed to confirm that the measurements were performed in an in-control mode of operation.
8.1.1 The analyst must make an initial, one-time, demonstration of the ability to generate acceptable accuracy and precision with this method. This ability is established as described in Section 8.2.
8.1.2 In recognition of advances that are occurring in chromatography, the analyst is permitted certain options (detailed in Sections 10.6 and 11.1) to improve the separations or lower the cost of measurements. Each time such a modification is made to the method, the analyst is required to repeat the procedure in Section 8.2.
8.1.3 Before processing any samples the analyst must analyze a reagent water blank to demonstrate that interferences from the analytical system and glassware are under control. Each time a set of samples is extracted or reagents are changed a reagent water blank must be processed as a safeguard against laboratory contamination.
8.1.4 The laboratory must, on an ongoing basis, spike and analyze a minimum of 10% of all samples to monitor and evaluate laboratory data quality. This procedure is described in Section 8.3.
8.1.5 The laboratory must, on an ongoing basis, demonstrate through the analyses of quality control check standards that the operation of the measurement system is in control. This procedure is described in Section 8.4. The frequency of the check standard analyses is equivalent to 10% of all samples analyzed but may be reduced if spike recoveries from samples (Section 8.3) meet all specified quality control criteria. (continued)