The design, execution and results of the improvement and single-laboratory evaluation of SW-846 Method 8080, 'Organochlorine Pesticides and PCBs', are described. In the study, the application of the method to the analysis of aqueous and solid samples for organochlorine pesticides and PCBs was examined. Deficiencies of the present method were corrected by substituting a silica gel extract cleanup procedure for the original Florisil procedure (which results in a better separation of the pesticides from the PCBs) and by using capillary gas chromatographic columns in place of the packed columns (which provides a better gas chromatographic separation). A limited evaluation of the sample extraction methods 3510, 3520, 3540 and 3550 preceded the study. Ruggedness testing of some of the more important parameters of the modified method was conducted to determine the effect of critical parameters on method performance. Method performance parameters, including precision, accuracy and detection limit data, are presented and discussed. The limitations of the method are described and suggestions are included on how to put this method to best use.

"EPA 600-4-87-022." "August 1987." Cover title. Contract No. 68-03-3226. "Project officer Werner F. Beckert."