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AUTOMATED SOLID PHASE EXTRACTION GC/MS FOR ANALYSIS OF SEMIVOLATILES IN WATER AND SEDIMENTS
Citation:
KOVACS, D., R. FORD, D. GREGG, D. SISCANAW, AND A. BELIVEAU. AUTOMATED SOLID PHASE EXTRACTION GC/MS FOR ANALYSIS OF SEMIVOLATILES IN WATER AND SEDIMENTS. Presented at 2007 National Environmental Monitoring Conference, Cambridge, MA, August 23, 2007.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public.
Description:
Data is presented on the development of a new automated system combining solid phase extraction (SPE) with GC/MS spectrometry for the single-run analysis of water samples containing a broad range of organic compounds. The system uses commercially available automated in-line sample extraction with large volume injection and GC/MS. Two commercially available SPE sorbents used in series allow extraction of both polar and non-polar compounds. Variance in SPE extraction efficiency is directly monitored and quantitative accuracy improved through the use of "internal" deuterated and non-deuterated standards/surrogates added to calibration standards, blanks and samples prior to automated SPE concentration. System performance has been demonstrated for 92 target organic compounds, including acidic, basic and neutral semivolatile compounds as well as chlorinated- and nitrogen-containing pesticides. Analyte carryover has been systematically examined for the various components in tile analytical system and improvements to system hardware and operation procedures have been implemented to significantly reduce analyte carryover between sample analyses. This detection system has also been successfully applied to the analysis of a range of Method 8270 semivolatile compounds in complex matrices derived from water-isopropanol extracts of contaminated sediments, resulting in enhanced sample throughput with optimum detection limits. Preliminary work has also demonstrated the potential for quantitation of both volatile and semi-volatile compounds in a single analysis. The performance and flexibility of this system along with increases in automation and reduction in solvent usage and accompanying analyst exposure make this an attractive alternative for the analysis of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds in aqueous samples. Notice: This is an abstract of a proposed presentation and does not necessarily reflect EPA policy.