METHOD 524.2.

MEASUREMENT OF PURGEABLE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS IN WATER BY

CAPILLARY COLUMN GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY/MASS SPECTROMETRY

Revision 4.1

Edited by J.W. Munch (1995)

A. Alford-Stevens, J.W. Eichelberger, W.L. Budde - Method 524, Rev. 1.0 (1983)

R.W. Slater, Jr. - Revision 2.0 (1986)

J.W. Eichelberger, and W.L. Budde - Revision 3.0 (1989)

J.W. Eichelberger, J.W. Munch, and T.A. Bellar - Revision 4.0 (1992)

NATIONAL EXPOSURE RESEARCH LABORATORY

OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
CINCINNATI, OHIO 45268

524.2-1
 METHOD 524.2

MEASUREMENT OF PURGEABLE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS IN WATER BY

CAPILLARY COLUMN GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY/MASS SPECTROMETRY

1. SCOPE AND APPLICATION

1.1 This is a general purpose method for the identification and simultaneous measurement
of purgeable volatile organic compounds in surface water, ground water, and drinking
water in any stage of treatment (1,2). The method is applicable to a wide range of
organic compounds, including the four trihalomethane disinfection by-products, that
have sufficiently high volatility and low water solubility to be removed from water
samples with purge and trap procedures. The following compounds can be determined
by this method.

Chemical Abstract Service

Analyte Registry Number

Acetone* 67-64-1
Acrylonitrile* 107-13-1
Allyl chloride* 107-05-1
Benzene 71-43-2
Bromobenzene 108-86-1
Bromochloromethane 74-97-5
Bromodichloromethane 75-27-4
Bromoform 75-25-2
Bromomethane 74-83-9
2-Butanone* 78-93-3
n-Butylbenzene 104-51-8
sec-Butylbenzene 135-98-8
tert-Butylbenzene 98-06-6
Carbon disulfide* 75-15-0
Carbon tetrachloride 56-23-5
Chloroacetonitrile* 107-14-2
Chlorobenzene 108-90-7
1-Chlorobutane* 109-69-3
Chloroethane 75-00-3
Chloroform 67-66-3
Chloromethane 74-87-3
2-Chlorotoluene 95-49-8
4-Chlorotoluene 106-43-4
Dibromochloromethane 124-48-1
1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane 96-12-8
1,2-Dibromoethane 106-93-4
Dibromomethane 74-95-3
1,2-Dichlorobenzene 95-50-1
1,3-Dichlorobenzene 541-73-1
1,4-Dichlorobenzene 106-46-7
trans-1,4-Dichloro-2-butene* 110-57-6
Dichlorodifluoromethane 75-71-8

524.2-2
1,1-Dichloroethane 75-34-3
1,2-Dichloroethane 107-06-2
1,1-Dichloroethene 75-35-4
cis-1,2-Dichloroethene 156-59-2
trans-1,2-Dichloroethene 156-60-5
1,2-Dichloropropane 78-87-5
1,3-Dichloropropane 142-28-9
2,2-Dichloropropane 590-20-7
1,1-Dichloropropene 563-58-6
1,1-Dichloropropanone* 513-88-2
cis-1,3-Dichloropropene 10061-01-5
trans-1,3-Dichloropropene 10061-02-6
Diethyl ether* 60-29-7
Ethylbenzene 100-41-4
Ethyl methacrylate* 97-63-2
Hexachlorobutadiene 87-68-3
Hexachloroethane* 67-72-1
2-Hexanone* 591-78-6
Isopropylbenzene 98-82-8
4-Isopropyltoluene 99-87-6
Methacrylonitrile* 126-98-7
Methylacrylate* 96-33-3
Methylene chloride 75-09-2
Methyl iodide* 74-88-4
Methylmethacrylate* 80-62-6
4-Methyl-2-pentanone* 108-10-1
Methyl-t-butyl ether* 1634-04-4
Naphthalene 91-20-3
Nitrobenzene* 98-95-3
2-Nitropropane* 79-46-9
Pentachloroethane* 76-01-7
Propionitrile* 107-12-0
n-Propylbenzene 103-65-1
Styrene 100-42-5
1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane 630-20-6
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 79-34-5
Tetrachloroethene 127-18-4
Tetrahydrofuran* 109-99-9
Toluene 108-88-3
1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene 87-61-6
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 120-82-1
1,1,1-Trichloroethane 71-55-6
1,1,2-Trichloroethane 79-00-5
Trichloroethene 79-01-6
Trichlorofluoromethane 75-69-4
1,2,3-Trichloropropane 96-18-4
1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene 95-63-6
1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene 108-67-8
Vinyl chloride 75-01-4
o-Xylene 95-47-6

524.2-3
 m-Xylene 108-38-3
p-Xylene 106-42-3

* New Compound in Revision 4.0

1.2 Method detection limits (MDLs) (3) are compound, instrument and especially matrix
dependent and vary from approximately 0.02 to 1.6 :g/L. The applicable
concentration range of this method is primarily column and matrix dependent, and is
approximately 0.02 to 200 :g/L when a wide-bore thick-film capillary column is used.
Narrow-bore thin-film columns may have a capacity which limits the range to about
0.02 to 20 :g/L. Volatile water soluble, polar compounds which have relatively low
purging efficiencies can be determined using this method. Such compounds may be
more susceptible to matrix effects, and the quality of the data may be adversely
influenced.

1.3 Analytes that are not separated chromatographically, but which have different mass
spectra and noninterfering quantitation ions (Table 1), can be identified and measured
in the same calibration mixture or water sample as long as their concentrations are
somewhat similar (Sect. 11.6.2). Analytes that have very similar mass spectra cannot
be individually identified and measured in the same calibration mixture or water sample
unless they have different retention times (Sect. 11.6.3). Coeluting compounds with
very similar mass spectra, typically many structural isomers, must be reported as an
isomeric group or pair. Two of the three isomeric xylenes and two of the three
dichlorobenzenes are examples of structural isomers that may not be resolved on the
capillary column, and if not, must be reported as isomeric pairs. The more water
soluble compounds (> 2% solubility) and compounds with boiling points above 200°C
are purged from the water matrix with lower efficiencies. These analytes may be more
susceptible to matrix effects.

2. SUMMARY OF METHOD

2.1 Volatile organic compounds and surrogates with low water solubility are extracted
(purged) from the sample matrix by bubbling an inert gas through the aqueous sample.
Purged sample components are trapped in a tube containing suitable sorbent materials.
When purging is complete, the sorbent tube is heated and backflushed with helium to
desorb the trapped sample components into a capillary gas chromatography (GC)
column interfaced to a mass spectrometer (MS). The column is temperature
programmed to facilitate the separation of the method analytes which are then
detected with the MS. Compounds eluting from the GC column are identified by
comparing their measured mass spectra and retention times to reference spectra and
retention times in a data base. Reference spectra and retention times for analytes are
obtained by the measurement of calibration standards under the same conditions used
for samples. Analytes are quantitated using procedural standard calibration (Sect.
3.14). The concentration of each identified component is measured by relating the MS
response of the quantitation ion produced by that compound to the MS response of the
quantitation ion produced by a compound that is used as an internal standard.
Surrogate analytes, whose concentrations are known in every sample, are measured
with the same internal standard calibration procedure.

524.2-4
3. DEFINITIONS

3.1 INTERNAL STANDARD (IS) -- A pure analyte(s) added to a sample, extract, or

standard solution in known amount(s) and used to measure the relative responses of
other method analytes and surrogates that are components of the same sample or
solution. The internal standard must be an analyte that is not a sample component.

3.2 SURROGATE ANALYTE (SA) -- A pure analyte(s), which is extremely unlikely to be

found in any sample, and which is added to a sample aliquot in known amount(s)
before extraction or other processing and is measured with the same procedures used
to measure other sample components. The purpose of the SA is to monitor method
performance with each sample.

3.3 LABORATORY DUPLICATES (LD1 and LD2) -- Two aliquots of the same sample taken
in the laboratory and analyzed separately with identical procedures. Analyses of LD1
and LD2 indicates precision associated with laboratory procedures, but not with
sample collection, preservation, or storage procedures.

3.4 FIELD DUPLICATES (FD1 and FD2) -- Two separate samples collected at the same
time and place under identical circumstances and treated exactly the same throughout
field and laboratory procedures. Analyses of FD1 and FD2 give a measure of the
precision associated with sample collection, preservation and storage, as well as with
laboratory procedures.

3.5 LABORATORY REAGENT BLANK (LRB) -- An aliquot of reagent water or other blank
matrix that is treated exactly as a sample including exposure to all glassware,
equipment, solvents, reagents, internal standards, and surrogates that are used with
other samples. The LRB is used to determine if method analytes or other interferences
are present in the laboratory environment, the reagents, or the apparatus.

3.6 FIELD REAGENT BLANK (FRB) -- An aliquot of reagent water or other blank matrix
that is placed in a sample container in the laboratory and treated as a sample in all
respects, including shipment to the sampling site, exposure to sampling site conditions,
storage, preservation, and all analytical procedures. The purpose of the FRB is to
determine if method analytes or other interferences are present in the field
environment.

3.7 LABORATORY PERFORMANCE CHECK SOLUTION (LPC) -- A solution of one or more

compounds (analytes, surrogates, internal standard, or other test compounds) used to
evaluate the performance of the instrument system with respect to a defined set of
method criteria.

3.8 LABORATORY FORTIFIED BLANK (LFB) -- An aliquot of reagent water or other blank
matrix to which known quantities of the method analytes are added in the laboratory.
The LFB is analyzed exactly like a sample, and its purpose is to determine whether the
methodology is in control, and whether the laboratory is capable of making accurate
and precise measurements.

3.9 LABORATORY FORTIFIED SAMPLE MATRIX (LFM) -- An aliquot of an environmental

sample to which known quantities of the method analytes are added in the laboratory.

524.2-5
 The LFM is analyzed exactly like a sample, and its purpose is to determine whether the
sample matrix contributes bias to the analytical results. The background
concentrations of the analytes in the sample matrix must be determined in a separate
aliquot and the measured values in the LFM corrected for background concentrations.

3.10 STOCK STANDARD SOLUTION (SSS) -- A concentrated solution containing one or

more method analytes prepared in the laboratory using assayed reference materials or
purchased from a reputable commercial source.

3.11 PRIMARY DILUTION STANDARD SOLUTION (PDS) -- A solution of several analytes

prepared in the laboratory from stock standard solutions and diluted as needed to
prepare calibration solutions and other needed analyte solutions.

3.12 CALIBRATION STANDARD (CAL) -- A solution prepared from the primary dilution
standard solution or stock standard solutions and the internal standards and surrogate
analytes. The CAL solutions are used to calibrate the instrument response with respect
to analyte concentration.

3.13 QUALITY CONTROL SAMPLE (QCS) -- A solution of method analytes of known

concentrations which is used to fortify an aliquot of LRB or sample matrix. The QCS is
obtained from a source external to the laboratory and different from the source of
calibration standards. It is used to check laboratory performance with externally
prepared test materials.

3.14 PROCEDURAL STANDARD CALIBRATION -- A calibration method where aqueous

calibration standards are prepared and processed (e.g. purged,extracted, and/or
derivatized) in exactly the same manner as a sample. All steps in the process from
addition of sampling preservatives through instrumental analyses are included in the
calibration. Using procedural standard calibration compensates for any inefficiencies in
the processing procedure.

4. INTERFERENCES

4.1 During analysis, major contaminant sources are volatile materials in the laboratory and
impurities in the inert purging gas and in the sorbent trap. The use of Teflon tubing,
Teflon thread sealants, or flow controllers with rubber components in the purging
device should be avoided since such materials out-gas organic compounds which will
be concentrated in the trap during the purge operation. Analyses of laboratory reagent
blanks provide information about the presence of contaminants. When potential
interfering peaks are noted in laboratory reagent blanks, the analyst should change the
purge gas source and regenerate the molecular sieve purge gas filter. Subtracting blank
values from sample results is not permitted.

4.2 Interfering contamination may occur when a sample containing low concentrations
of volatile organic compounds is analyzed immediately after a sample containing
relatively high concentrations of volatile organic compounds. A preventive technique is
between-sample rinsing of the purging apparatus and sample syringes with two
portions of reagent water. After analysis of a sample containing high concentrations of
volatile organic compounds, one or more laboratory reagent blanks should be analyzed
to check for cross-contamination.

524.2-6
 4.3 Special precautions must be taken to determine methylene chloride. The analytical
and sample storage area should be isolated from all atmospheric sources of methylene
chloride, otherwise random background levels will result. Since methylene chloride will
permeate Teflon tubing, all GC carrier gas lines and purge gas plumbing should be
constructed of stainless steel or copper tubing. Laboratory worker's clothing should be
cleaned frequently since clothing previously exposed to methylene chloride fumes
during common liquid/liquid extraction procedures can contribute to sample contamina-
tion.

4.4 Traces of ketones, methylene chloride, and some other organic solvents can be present
even in the highest purity methanol. This is another potential source of contamination,
and should be assessed before standards are prepared in the methanol.

5. SAFETY

5.1 The toxicity or carcinogenicity of chemicals used in this method has not been precisely
defined; each chemical should be treated as a potential health hazard, and exposure to
these chemicals should be minimized. Each laboratory is responsible for maintaining
awareness of OSHA regulations regarding safe handling of chemicals used in this
method. Additional references to laboratory safety are available (4-6) for the
information of the analyst.

5.2 The following method analytes have been tentatively classified as known or suspected
human or mammalian carcinogens: benzene, carbon tetrachloride,
1,4-dichlorobenzene, 1,2-dichlorethane, hexachlorobutadiene,
1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, chloroform,
1,2-dibromoethane,tetrachloroethene, trichloroethene, and vinyl chloride. Pure
standard materials and stock standard solutions of these compounds should be
handled in a hood. A NIOSH/MESA approved toxic gas respirator should be worn when
the analyst handles high concentrations of these toxic compounds.

6. EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES (All specifications are suggested. Catalog numbers are
included for illustration only.)

6.1 SAMPLE CONTAINERS -- 40-mL to 120-mL screw cap vials each equipped with a
Teflon faced silicone septum. Prior to use, wash vials and septa with detergent and
rinse with tap and distilled water. Allow the vials and septa to air dry at room
temperature, place in a 105oC oven for 1 hr, then remove and allow to cool in an area
known to be free of organics.

6.2 PURGE AND TRAP SYSTEM -- The purge and trap system consists of three separate
pieces of equipment: purging device, trap, and desorber. Systems are commercially
available from several sources that meet all of the following specifications.

6.2.1 The all glass purging device (Figure 1) should be designed to accept 25-mL
samples with a water column at least 5 cm deep. A smaller (5-mL) purging
device is recommended if the GC/MS system has adequate sensitivity to
obtain the method detection limits required. Gaseous volumes above the
sample must be kept to a minimum (< 15 mL) to eliminate dead volume
effects. A glass frit should be installed at the base of the sample chamber so

524.2-7
 the purge gas passes through the water column as finely divided bubbles with
a diameter of < 3 mm at the origin. Needle spargers may be used, however,
the purge gas must be introduced at a point about 5 mm from the base of the
water column. The use of a moisture control device is recommended to
prohibit much of the trapped water vapor from entering the GC/MS and
eventually causing instrumental problems.

6.2.2 The trap (Figure 2) must be at least 25 cm long and have an inside diameter
of at least 0.105 in. Starting from the inlet, the trap should contain 1.0 cm of
methyl silicone coated packing and the following amounts of adsorbents: 1/3
of 2,6-diphenylene oxide polymer, 1/3 of silica gel, and 1/3 of coconut
charcoal. If it is not necessary to determine dichlorodifluoromethane, the
charcoal can be eliminated and the polymer increased to fill 2/3 of the trap.
Before initial use, the trap should be conditioned overnight at 180oC by
backflushing with an inert gas flow of at least 20 mL/min. Vent the trap
effluent to the room, not to the analytical column. Prior to daily use, the trap
should be conditioned for 10 min at 180oC with backflushing. The trap may
be vented to the analytical column during daily conditioning; however, the
column must be run through the temperature program prior to analysis of
samples. The use of alternative sorbents is acceptable provided the data
acquired meets all quality control criteria described in Section 9, and provided
the purge and desorption procedures specified in Section 11 of the method
are not changed. Specifically, the purging time, the purge gas flow rate, and
the desorption time may not be changed. Since many of the potential
alternate sorbents may be thermally stable above 180°C, alternate traps may
be desorbed and baked out at higher temperatures than those described in
Section 11. If higher temperatures are used, the analyst should monitor the
data for possible analyte and/or trap decomposition.

6.2.3 The use of the methyl silicone coated packing is recommended, but not
mandatory. The packing serves a dual purpose of protecting the Tenax
adsorbant from aerosols, and also of insuring that the Tenax is fully enclosed
within the heated zone of the trap thus eliminating potential cold spots.
Alternatively, silanized glass wool may be used as a spacer at the trap inlet.

6.2.4 The desorber (Figure 2) must be capable of rapidly heating the trap to 180oC
either prior to or at the beginning of the flow of desorption gas. The polymer
section of the trap should not be heated higher than 200oC or the life
expectancy of the trap will decrease. Trap failure is characterized by a
pressure drop in excess of 3 lb/in2 across the trap during purging or by poor
bromoform sensitivities. The desorber design illustrated in Fig. 2 meets these
criteria.

6.3 GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY/MASS SPECTROMETER/DATA SYSTEM (GC/MS/DS)

6.3.1 The GC must be capable of temperature programming and should be

equipped with variable-constant differential flow controllers so that the column
flow rate will remain constant throughout desorption and temperature program
operation. If the column oven is to be cooled to 10oC or lower, a subambient
oven controller will likely be required. If syringe injections of 4-

524.2-8
 bromofluorobenzene (BFB) will be used, a split/splitless injection port is
required.

6.3.2 Capillary GC Columns. Any gas chromatography column that meets the
performance specifications of this method may be used (Sect. 10.2.4.1).
Separations of the calibration mixture must be equivalent or better than those
described in this method. Four useful columns have been evaluated, and
observed compound retention times for these columns are listed in Table 2.

6.3.2.1 Column 1 -- 60 m x 0.75 mm ID VOCOL (Supelco, Inc.) glass

wide-bore capillary with a 1.5 :m film thickness.

Column 2 -- 30 m x 0.53 mm ID DB-624 (J&W Scien-tific, Inc.)

fused silica capillary with a 3 :m film thickness.

Column 3 -- 30 m x 0.32 mm ID DB-5 (J&W Scientific, Inc.)

fused silica capillary with a 1 :m film thickness.

Column 4 -- 75 m x 0.53 mm id DB-624 (J&W Scien-tific, Inc.)

fused silica capillary with a 3 :m film thickness.

6.3.3 Interfaces between the GC and MS. The interface used depends on the
column selected and the gas flow rate.

6.3.3.1 The wide-bore columns 1, 2, and 4 have the capacity to accept

the standard gas flows from the trap during thermal desorption,
and chromatography can begin with the onset of thermal
desorption. Depending on the pumping capacity of the MS, an
additional interface between the end of the column and the MS
may be required. An open split interface (7) or an all-glass jet
separator is an acceptable interface. Any interface can be used if
the performance specifications described in this method (Sect. 9
and 10) can be achieved. The end of the transfer line after the
interface, or the end of the analytical column if no interface is
used, should be placed within a few mm of the MS ion source.

6.3.3.2 When narrow bore column 3 is used, a cryogenic interface placed

just in front of the column inlet is suggested. This interface con-
denses the desorbed sample components in a narrow band on an
uncoated fused silica precolumn using liquid nitrogen cooling.
When all analytes have been desorbed from the trap, the interface
is rapidly heated to transfer them to the analytical column. The
end of the analytical column should be placed within a few mm of
the MS ion source. A potential problem with this interface is
blockage of the interface by frozen water from the trap. This
condition will result in a major loss in sensitivity and chromato-
graphic resolution.

6.3.4 The mass spectrometer must be capable of electron ionization at a nominal

electron energy of 70 eV. The spectrometer must be capable of scanning from

524.2-9
 35 to 260 amu with a complete scan cycle time (including scan overhead) of
2 sec or less. (Scan cycle time = Total MS data acquisition time in seconds
divided by number of scans in the chromatogram.) The spectrometer must
produce a mass spectrum that meets all criteria in Table 3 when 25 ng or less
of 4-bromofluorobenzene (BFB) is introduced into the GC. An average spec-
trum across the BFB GC peak may be used to test instrument performance.

6.3.5 An interfaced data system is required to acquire, store, reduce, and output
mass spectral data. The computer software should have the capability of
processing stored GC/MS data by recognizing a GC peak within any given
retention time window, comparing the mass spectra from the GC peak with
spectral data in a user-created data base, and generating a list of tentatively
identified compounds with their retention times and scan numbers. The
software must allow integration of the ion abundance of any specific ion
between specified time or scan number limits. The software should also allow
calculation of response factors as defined in Sect. 10.2.6 (or construction of a
linear or second order regression calibration curve), calculation of response
factor statistics (mean and standard deviation), and calculation of concentra-
tions of analytes using either the calibration curve or the equation in Sect. 12.

6.4 SYRINGE AND SYRINGE VALVES

6.4.1 Two 5-mL or 25-mL glass hypodermic syringes with Luer-Lok tip (depending
on sample volume used).

6.4.2 Three 2-way syringe valves with Luer ends.

6.4.3 Micro syringes - 10, 100 :L.

6.4.4 Syringes - 0.5, 1.0, and 5-mL, gas tight with shut-off valve.

6.5 MISCELLANEOUS

6.5.1 Standard solution storage containers -- 15-mL bottles with Teflon lined screw
caps.

7. REAGENTS AND STANDARDS

7.1 TRAP PACKING MATERIALS

7.1.1 2,6-Diphenylene oxide polymer, 60/80 mesh, chromatographic grade (Tenax

GC or equivalent).

7.1.2 Methyl silicone packing (optional) -- OV-1 (3%) on Chromosorb W, 60/80

mesh, or equivalent.

7.1.3 Silica gel -- 35/60 mesh, Davison, grade 15 or equivalent.

7.1.4 Coconut charcoal -- Prepare from Barnebey Cheney, CA-580-26 lot #M-2649
(or equivalent) by crushing through 26 mesh screen.

524.2-10
7.2 REAGENTS

7.2.1 Methanol -- Demonstrated to be free of analytes.

7.2.2 Reagent water -- Prepare reagent water by passing tap water through a filter
bed containing about 0.5 kg of activated carbon, by using a water purification
system, or by boiling distilled water for 15 min followed by a 1-h purge with
inert gas while the water temperature is held at 90oC. Store in clean, nar-
row-mouth bottles with Teflon lined septa and screw caps.

7.2.3 Hydrochloric acid (1+1) -- Carefully add measured volume of conc. HCl to
equal volume of reagent water.

7.2.4 Vinyl chloride -- Certified mixtures of vinyl chloride in nitrogen and pure vinyl
chloride are available from several sources (for example, Matheson, Ideal Gas
Products, and Scott Gases).

7.2.5 Ascorbic acid -- ACS reagent grade, granular.

7.2.6 Sodium thiosulfate -- ACS reagent grade, granular.

7.3 STOCK STANDARD SOLUTIONS -- These solutions may be purchased as certified

solutions or prepared from pure standard materials using the following procedures.
One of these solutions is required for every analyte of concern, every surrogate, and the
internal standard. A useful working concentration is about 1-5 mg/mL.

7.3.1 Place about 9.8 mL of methanol into a 10-mL ground-glass stoppered volu-
metric flask. Allow the flask to stand, unstoppered, for about 10 min or until
all alcohol-wetted surfaces have dried and weigh to the nearest 0.1 mg.

7.3.2 If the analyte is a liquid at room temperature, use a 100-:L syringe and
immediately add two or more drops of reference standard to the flask. Be
sure that the reference standard falls directly into the alcohol without contact-
ing the neck of the flask. If the analyte is a gas at room temperature, fill a
5-mL valved gas-tight syringe with the standard to the 5.0-mL mark, lower
the needle to 5 mm above the methanol meniscus, and slowly inject the
standard into the neck area of the flask. The gas will rapidly dissolve in the
methanol.

7.3.3 Reweigh, dilute to volume, stopper, then mix by inverting the flask several
times. Calculate the concentration in :g/:L from the net gain in weight.
When compound purity is certified at 96% or greater, the weight can be used
without correction to calculate the concentration of the stock standard.

7.3.4 Store stock standard solutions in 15-mL bottles equipped with Teflon lined
screw caps. Methanol solutions of acrylonitrile, methyl iodide, and methyl
acrylate are stable for only one week at 4°C. Methanol solutions prepared
from other liquid analytes are stable for at least 4 weeks when stored at 4oC.

524.2-11
 Methanol solutions prepared from gaseous analytes are not stable for more
than 1 week when stored at < 0oC; at room temperature, they must be
discarded after 1 day.

7.4 PRIMARY DILUTION STANDARDS -- Use stock standard solutions to prepare primary
dilution standard solutions that contain all the analytes of concern in methanol or other
suitable solvent. The primary dilution standards should be prepared at concentrations
that can be easily diluted to prepare aqueous calibration solutions that will bracket the
working concentration range. Store the primary dilution standard solutions with
minimal headspace and check frequently for signs of deterioration or evaporation,
especially just before preparing calibration solutions. Storage times described for stock
standard solutions in Sect. 7.3.4 also apply to primary dilution standard solutions.

7.5 FORTIFICATION SOLUTIONS FOR INTERNAL STANDARD AND SURROGATES

7.5.1 A solution containing the internal standard and the surrogate compounds is
required to prepare laboratory reagent blanks (also used as a laboratory
performance check solution), and to fortify each sample. Prepare a fortifica-
tion solution containing fluorobenzene (internal standard), 1,2- dichloro-
benzene-d4 (surrogate), and BFB (surrogate) in methanol at concentrations of
5 :g/mL of each (any appropriate concentration is acceptable). A 5-:L
aliquot of this solution added to a 25-mL water sample volume gives concen-
trations of 1 :g/L of each. A 5-:L aliquot of this solution added to a 5-mL
water sample volume gives a concentration of 5 :g/L of each. Additional
internal standards and surrogate analytes are optional. Additional surrogate
compounds should be similar in physical and chemical characteristics to the
analytes of concern.

7.6 PREPARATION OF LABORATORY REAGENT BLANK (LRB) -- Fill a 25-mL (or 5-mL)
syringe with reagent water and adjust to the mark (no air bubbles). Inject an appropri-
ate volume of the fortification solution containing the internal standard and surrogates
through the Luer Lok valve into the reagent water. Transfer the LRB to the purging
device. See Sect. 11.1.2.

7.7 PREPARATION OF LABORATORY FORTIFIED BLANK -- Prepare this exactly like a

calibration standard (Sect. 7.8). This is a calibration standard that is treated as a
sample.

7.8 PREPARATION OF CALIBRATION STANDARDS

7.8.1 The number of calibration solutions (CALs) needed depends on the calibration
range desired. A minimum of three CAL solutions is required to calibrate a
range of a factor of 20 in concentration. For a factor of 50, use at least four
standards, and for a factor of 100 at least five standards. One calibration
standard should contain each analyte of concern at a concentration of 2-10
times the method detection limit (Tables 4, 5, and 7) for that compound. The
other CAL standards should contain each analyte of concern at concentrations
that define the range of the method. Every CAL solution contains the internal

524.2-12
 standard and the surrogate compounds at the same concentration (5 :g/L
suggested for a 5-mL sample; 1 :g/L for a 25-mL sample).

7.8.2 To prepare a calibration standard, add an appropriate volume of a primary

dilution standard containing all analytes of concern to an aliquot of acidified
(pH 2) reagent water in a volumetric flask. Also add an appropriate volume of
internal standard and surrogate compound solution from Sect. 7.5.1. Use a
microsyringe and rapidly inject the methanol solutions into the expanded area
of the filled volumetric flask. Remove the needle as quickly as possible after
injection. Mix by inverting the flask three times only. Discard the contents
contained in the neck of the flask. Aqueous standards are not stable in a
volumetric flask and should be discarded after 1 hr unless transferred to a
sample bottle and sealed immediately. Alternately, aqueous calibration
standards may be prepared in a gas tight, 5 mL or 25 mL syringe. NOTE: If
unacidified samples are being analyzed for THMs only, calibration standards
should be prepared without acid.

8. SAMPLE COLLECTION, PRESERVATION, AND STORAGE

8.1 SAMPLE COLLECTION AND DECHLORINATION

8.1.1 Collect all samples in duplicate. If samples, such as finished drinking water,
are suspected to contain residual chlorine, add about 25 mg of ascorbic acid
per 40 mL of sample to the sample bottle before filling. If analytes that are
gases at room temperature (such as vinyl chloride), or analytes in Table 7 are
not to be determined, sodium thiosulfate is recommended to reduce the
residual chlorine. Three milligrams of sodium thiosulfate should be added for
each 40 mL of water sample.
NOTE: If the residual chlorine is likely to be present > 5 mg/L, a determina-
tion of the amount of the chlorine may be necessary. Diethyl-p-
phenylenediamine (DPD) test kits are commercially available to determine
residual chlorine in the field. Add an additional 25 mg of ascorbic acid or 3
mg of sodium thiosulfate per each 5 mg/L of residual chlorine.

8.1.2 When sampling from a water tap, open the tap and allow the system to flush
until the water temperature has stabilized (usually about 10 min). Adjust the
flow to about 500 mL/min and collect duplicate samples containing the
desired dechlorinating agent from the flowing stream.

8.1.3 When sampling from an open body of water, partially fill a 1-quart wide-mou-
th bottle or 1-L beaker with sample from a representative area. Fill duplicate
sample bottles containing the desired dechlorinating agent with sample from
the larger container.

8.1.4 Fill sample bottles to overflowing, but take care not to flush out the rapidly
dissolving dechlorinating agent. No air bubbles should pass through the
sample as the bottle is filled, or be trapped in the sample when the bottle is
sealed.

524.2-13
8.2 SAMPLE PRESERVATION

8.2.1 Adjust the pH of all samples to < 2 at the time of collection, but after
dechlorination, by carefully adding two drops of 1:1 HCl for each 40 mL of
sample. Seal the sample bottles, Teflon face down, and mix for 1 min.
Exceptions to the acidification requirement are detailed in Sections 8.2.2 and
8.2.3. NOTE: Do not mix the ascorbic acid or sodium thiosulfate with the HCl
in the sample bottle prior to sampling.

8.2.2 When sampling for THM analysis only, acidification may be omitted if sodium
thiosulfate is used to dechlorinate the sample. This exception to acidification
does not apply if ascorbic acid is used for dechlorination.

8.2.3 If a sample foams vigorously when HCl is added, discard that sample. Collect
a set of duplicate samples but do not acidify them. These samples must be
flagged as "not acidified" and must be stored at 4°C or below. These samples
must be analyzed within 24 hr of collection time if they are to be analyzed for
any compounds other than THMs.

8.2.4 The samples must be chilled to about 4oC when collected and maintained at
that temperature until analysis. Field samples that will not be received at the
laboratory on the day of collection must be packaged for shipment with
sufficient ice to ensure that they will arrive at the laboratory with a substantial
amount of ice remaining in the cooler.

8.2 SAMPLE STORAGE

8.2.1 Store samples at # 4oC until analysis. The sample storage area must be free
of organic solvent vapors and direct or intense light.

8.2.2 Analyze all samples within 14 days of collection. Samples not analyzed
within this period must be discarded and replaced.

8.3 FIELD REAGENT BLANKS (FRB)

8.3.1 Duplicate FRBs must be handled along with each sample set, which is
composed of the samples collected from the same general sample site at
approximately the same time. At the laboratory, fill field blank sample bottles
with reagent water and sample preservatives, seal, and ship to the sampling
site along with empty sample bottles and back to the laboratory with filled
sample bottles. Wherever a set of samples is shipped and stored, it is accom-
panied by appropriate blanks. FRBs must remain hermetically sealed until
analysis.

8.3.2 Use the same procedures used for samples to add ascorbic acid and HCl to
blanks (Sect. 8.1.1). The same batch of ascorbic acid and HCl should be
used for the field reagent blanks as for the field samples.

524.2-14
9. QUALITY CONTROL

9.1 Quality control (QC) requirements are the initial demonstration of laboratory capability
followed by regular analyses of laboratory reagent blanks, field reagent blanks, and
laboratory fortified blanks. A MDL for each analyte must also be determined. Each
laboratory must maintain records to document the quality of the data generated.
Additional quality control practices are recommended.

9.2 Initial demonstration of low system background. Before any samples are analyzed, it
must be demonstrated that a laboratory reagent blank (LRB) is reasonably free of
contamination that would prevent the determination of any analyte of concern. Sources
of background contamination are glassware, purge gas, sorbents, reagent water, and
equipment. Background contamination must be reduced to an acceptable level before
proceeding with the next section. In general, background from method analytes should
be below the method detection limit.

9.3 Initial demonstration of laboratory accuracy and precision. Analyze four to seven
replicates of a laboratory fortified blank containing each analyte of concern at a
concentration in the range of 2-5 :g/L depending upon the calibration range of the
instrumentation.

9.3.1 Prepare each replicate by adding an appropriate aliquot of a quality control

sample to reagent water. It is recommended that a QCS from a source
different than the calibration standards be used for this set of LFBs, since it
will serve as a check to verify the accuracy of the standards used to generate
the calibration curve. This is particularly useful if the laboratory is using the
method for the first time, and has no historical data base for standards.
Prepare each replicate by adding an appropriate aliquot of a quality control
sample to reagent water. Also add the appropriate amounts of internal
standard and surrogates. If it is expected that field samples will contain a
dechlorinating agent and HCl, then add these to the LFBs in the same
amounts proscribed in Sect. 8.1.1. If only THMs are to be determined and
field samples do not contain HCl, then do not acidify LFBs. Analyze each
replicate according to the procedures described in Section 11.

9.3.2 Calculate the measured concentration of each analyte in each replicate, the
mean concentration of each analyte in all replicates, and mean accuracy (as
mean percentage of true value) for each analyte, and the precision (as relative
standard deviation, RSD) of the measurements for each analyte.

9.3.3 Some analytes, particularly early eluting gases and late eluting higher molecu-
lar weight compounds, will be measured with less accuracy and precision
than other analytes. However, the accuracy and precision for all analytes
must fall within the limits expressed below. If these criteria are not met for an
analyte of interest, take remedial action and repeat the measurements for that
analyte until satisfactory performance is achieved. For each analyte, the
mean accuracy must be 80-120% (i.e. an accuracy of ± 20%). The preci-

524.2-15
 sion of the recovery (accuracy) for each analyte must be less than twenty
percent (<20%). These criteria are different than the ± 30% response factor
criteria specified in Sect. 10.3.5. The criteria differ, because the measure-
ments in Sect. 9.3.3 as part of the initial demonstration of capability are
meant to be more stringent than the continuing calibration measurements in
Sect. 10.3.5.

9.3.4 To determine the MDL, analyze a minimum of 7 LFBs prepared at a low

concentration. MDLs in Table 5 were calculated from samples fortified from
0.1-0.5 :g/L, which can be used as a guide, or use calibration data to
estimate a concentration for each analyte that will yield a peak with a 3-5
signal to noise response. Analyze the 7 replicates as described in Sect.11,
and on a schedule that results in the analyses being conducted over several
days. Calculate the mean accuracy and standard deviation for each analyte.
Calculate the MDL using the equation in Sect. 13.

9.3.5 Develop and maintain a system of control charts to plot the precision and
accuracy of analyte and surrogate measurements as a function of time.
Charting surrogate recoveries is an especially valuable activity because
surrogates are present in every sample and the analytical results will form a
significant record of data quality.

9.4 Monitor the integrated areas of the quantitation ions of the internal standards and
surrogates (Table 1) in all samples, continuing calibration checks, and blanks. These
should remain reasonably constant over time. An abrupt change may indicate a matrix
effect or an instrument problem. If a cryogenic interface is utilized, it may indicate an
inefficient transfer from the trap to the column. These samples must be reanalyzed or
a laboratory fortified duplicate sample analyzed to test for matrix effect. A more
gradual drift of more than 50% in any area is indicative of a loss in sensitivity, and the
problem must be found and corrected.

9.5 LABORATORY REAGENT BLANKS (LRB) -- With each batch of samples processed as a
group within a work shift, analyze a LRB to determine the background system contami-
nation.

9.6 Assessing Laboratory Performance. Use the procedures and criteria in Sects. 10.3.4
and 10.3.5 to evaluate the accuracy of the measurement of the laboratory fortified
blank (LFB), which must be analyzed with each batch of samples that is processed as
a group within a work shift. If more than 20 samples are in a work shift batch, analyze
one LFB per 20 samples. Prepare the LFB with the concentration of each analyte that
was used in the Sect. 9.3.3 analysis. If the acceptable accuracy for this measurement
(±30%) is not achieved, the problem must be solved before additional samples may be
reliably analyzed. Acceptance criteria for the IS and surrogate given in Sect.10.3.4
also applies to this LFB.

Since the calibration check sample in Sect. 10.3.5 and the LFB are made the same
way and since procedural standards are used, the sample analyzed here may also be

524.2-16
 used as a calibration check in Sect. 10.3.5. Add the results of the LFB analysis to the
control charts to document data quality.

9.7 If a water sample is contaminated with an analyte, verify that it is not a sampling error
by analyzing a field reagent blank. The results of these analyses will help define
contamination resulting from field sampling, storage and transportation activities. If the
field reagent blank shows unacceptable contamination, the analyst should identify and
eliminate the contamination.

9.8 At least quarterly, replicate LFB data should be evaluated to determine the precision of
the laboratory measurements. Add these results to the ongoing control charts to
document data quality.

9.9 At least quarterly, analyze a quality control sample (QCS) from an external source. If
measured analyte concentrations are not of acceptable accuracy, check the entire
analytical procedure to locate and correct the problem source.

9.10 Sample matrix effects have not been observed when this method is used with distilled
water, reagent water, drinking water, or ground water. Therefore, analysis of a
laboratory fortified sample matrix (LFM) is not required unless the criteria in Section
9.4 are not met. If matrix effects are observed or suspected to be causing low recover-
ies, analyze a laboratory fortified matrix sample for that matrix. The sample results
should be flagged and the LFM results should be reported with them.

9.11 Numerous other quality control measures are incorporated into other parts of this
procedure, and serve to alert the analyst to potential problems.

10. CALIBRATION AND STANDARDIZATION

10.1 Demonstration and documentation of acceptable initial calibration is required before

any samples are analyzed. In addition, acceptable performance must be confirmed
intermittently throughout analysis of samples by performing continuing calibration
checks. These checks are required at the beginning of each work shift, but no less
than every 12 hours. Additional periodic calibration checks are good laboratory
practice. It is highly recommended that an additional calibration check be performed
at the end of any cycle of continuous instrument operation, so that each set of field
samples is bracketed by calibration check standards. NOTE: Since this method uses
procedural standards, the analysis of the laboratory fortified blank, which is required in
Sect. 9.6, may be used here as a calibration check sample.

10.2 INITIAL CALIBRATION

10.2.1 Calibrate the mass and abundance scales of the MS with calibration com-
pounds and procedures prescribed by the manufacturer with any modifications
necessary to meet the requirements in Sect. 10.2.2.

524.2-17
10.2.2 Introduce into the GC (either by purging a laboratory reagent blank or making
a syringe injection) 25 ng or less of BFB and acquire mass spectra for m/z
35-260 at 70 eV (nominal). Use the purging procedure and/or GC conditions
given in Sect. 11. If the spectrum does not meet all criteria in Table 3, the
MS must be returned and adjusted to meet all criteria before proceeding with
calibration. An average spectrum across the GC peak may be used to evaluate
the performance of the system.

10.2.3 Purge a medium CAL solution, (e.g., 10-20 :g/L) using the procedure given in
Sect. 11.

10.2.4 Performance criteria for calibration standards. Examine the stored GC/MS
data with the data system software. Figures 3 and 4 shown acceptable total
ion chromatograms.

10.2.4.1 GC performance. Good column performance will produce symmet-

rical peaks with minimum tailing for most compounds. If peaks
are unusually broad, or if there is poor resolution between peaks,
the wrong column has been selected or remedial action is probably
necessary (Sect.10.3.6).

10.2.4.2 MS sensitivity. The GC/MS/DS peak identification software should

be able to recognize a GC peak in the appropriate retention time
window for each of the compounds in calibration solution, and
make correct tentative identifications. If fewer than 99% of the
compounds are recognized, system maintenance is required. See
Sect. 10.3.6.

10.2.5 If all performance criteria are met, purge an aliquot of each of the other CAL
solutions using the same GC/MS conditions.

10.2.6 Calculate a response factor (RF) for each analyte and isomer pair for each CAL
solution using the internal standard fluorobenzene. Table 1 contains sug-
gested quantitation ions for all compounds. This calculation is supported in
acceptable GC/MS data system software (Sect. 6.3.5), and many other
software programs. RF is a unitless number, but units used to express
quantities of analyte and internal standard must be equivalent.

(Ax)(Qis)
RF =
(Ais)(Qx)

where: Ax = integrated abundance of the quantitation ion

of the analyte.
Ais = integrated abundance of the quantitation ion
of the internal standard.

524.2-18
 Qx = quantity of analyte purged in nanograms or
concentration units.
Qis = quantity of internal standard purged in ng or
concentration units.

10.2.6.1 For each analyte and surrogate, calculate the mean RF from
analyses of CAL solutions. Calculate the standard deviation (SD)
and the relative standard deviation (RSD) from each mean: RSD
= 100 (SD/M). If the RSD of any analyte or surrogate mean RF
exceeds 20%, either analyze additional aliquots of appropriate
CAL solutions to obtain an acceptable RSD of RFs over the entire
concentration range, or take action to improve GC/MS performance
Sect. 10.3.6). Surrogate compounds are present at the same
concentration on every sample, calibration standard, and all types
of blanks.

10.2.7 As an alternative to calculating mean response factors and applying the RSD
test, use the GC/MS data system software or other available software to
generate a linear or second order regression calibration curve, by plotting A/Ais
vs. Qx.

10.3 CONTINUING CALIBRATION CHECK -- Verify the MS tune and initial calibration at the
beginning of each 12-hr work shift during which analyses are performed using the
following procedure. Additional periodic calibration checks are good laboratory practice.
It is highly recommended that an additional calibration check be performed at the end
of any cycle of continuous instrument operation, so that each set of field samples is
bracketed by calibration check standards.

10.3.1 Introduce into the GC (either by purging a laboratory reagent blank or making
a syringe injection) 25 ng or less of BFB and acquire a mass spectrum that
includes data for m/z 35-260. If the spectrum does not meet all criteria
(Table 3), the MS must be returned and adjusted to meet all criteria before
proceeding with the continuing calibration check.

10.3.2 Purge a CAL solution and analyze with the same conditions used during the
initial calibration. Selection of the concentration level of the calibration check
standard should be varied so that the calibration is verified at more than one
point over the course of several days.

10.3.3 Demonstrate acceptable performance for the criteria shown in Sect. 10.2.4.

10.3.4 Determine that the absolute areas of the quantitation ions of the internal
standard and surrogates have not decreased by more than 30% from the
areas measured in the most recent continuing calibration check, or by more
than 50% from the areas measured during initial calibration. If these areas
have decreased by more than these amounts, adjustments must be made to
restore system sensitivity. These adjustments may require cleaning of the MS

524.2-19
 ion source, or other maintenance as indicated in Sect. 10.3.6, and
recalibration. Control charts are useful aids in documenting system sensitivity
changes.

10.3.5 Calculate the RF for each analyte of concern and surrogate compound from
the data measured in the continuing calibration check. The RF for each
analyte and surrogate must be within 30% of the mean value measured in the
initial calibration. Alternatively, if a linear or second order regression is used,
the concentration measured using the calibration curve must be within 30% of
the true value of the concentration in the calibration solution. If these condi-
tions do not exist, remedial action must be taken which may require re-
calibration. All data from field samples obtained after the last successful
calibration check standard, should be considered suspect. After remedial
action has been taken, duplicate samples should be analyzed if they are
available.

10.3.6 Some possible remedial actions. Major maintenance such as cleaning an ion
source, cleaning quadrupole rods, etc. require returning to the initial calibra-
tion step.

10.3.6.1 Check and adjust GC and/or MS operating conditions; check the

MS resolution, and calibrate the mass scale.

10.3.6.2 Clean or replace the splitless injection liner; silanize a new injec-
tion liner. This applies only if the injection liner is an integral part
of the system.

10.3.6.3 Flush the GC column with solvent according to manufacturer's

instructions.

10.3.6.4 Break off a short portion (about 1 meter) of the column from the
end near the injector; or replace GC column. This action will
cause a slight change in retention times. Analyst may need to
redefine retention windows.

10.3.6.5 Prepare fresh CAL solutions, and repeat the initial calibration step.

10.3.6.6 Clean the MS ion source and rods (if a quadrupole).

10.3.6.7 Replace any components that allow analytes to come into contact
with hot metal surfaces.

10.3.6.8 Replace the MS electron multiplier, or any other faulty compo-

nents.

10.3.6.9 Replace the trap, especially when only a few compounds fail the
criteria in Sect. 10.3.5 while the majority are determined success-

524.2-20
 fully. Also check for gas leaks in the purge and trap unit as well
as the rest of the analytical system.

10.4 Optional calibration for vinyl chloride using a certified gaseous mixture of vinyl chloride
in nitrogen can be accomplished by the following steps.

10.4.1 Fill the purging device with 25.0 mL (or 5-mL) of reagent water or aqueous
calibration standard.

10.4.2 Start to purge the aqueous mixture. Inject a known volume (between 100
and 2000 :L) of the calibration gas (at room temperature) directly into the
purging device with a gas tight syringe. Slowly inject the gaseous sample
through a septum seal at the top of the purging device at 2000 :L/min. If the
injection of the standard is made through the aqueous sample inlet port, flush
the dead volume with several mL of room air or carrier gas. Inject the gas-
eous standard before 5 min of the 11-min purge time have elapsed.

10.4.3 Determine the aqueous equivalent concentration of vinyl chloride standard, in

:g/L, injected with one of the following equations:
5 mL samples, S = 0.51 (C)(V)
25 mL samples, S = 0.102 (C)(V)

where S = Aqueous equivalent concentration

of vinyl chloride standard in :g/L;
C = Concentration of gaseous standard in mg/L (v/v);
V = Volume of standard injected in mL.

11. PROCEDURE

11.1 SAMPLE INTRODUCTION AND PURGING

11.1.1 This method is designed for a 25-mL or 5-mL sample volume, but a smaller
(5 mL) sample volume is recommended if the GC/MS system has adequate
sensitivity to achieve the required method detection limits. Adjust the helium
purge gas flow rate to 40 mL/min. Attach the trap inlet to the purging device
and open the syringe valve on the purging device.

11.1.2 Remove the plungers from two 25-mL (or 5-mL depending on sample size)
syringes and attach a closed syringe valve to each. Warm the sample to room
temperature, open the sample bottle, and carefully pour the sample into one
of the syringe barrels to just short of overflowing. Replace the syringe plunger,
invert the syringe, and compress the sample. Open the syringe valve and vent
any residual air while adjusting the sample volume to 25.0-mL (or 5-mL). To
all samples, blanks, and calibration standards, add 5-:L (or an appropriate
volume) of the fortification solution containing the internal standard and the
surrogates to the sample through the syringe valve. Close the valve. Fill the

524.2-21
 second syringe in an identical manner from the same sample bottle. Reserve
this second syringe for a reanalysis if necessary.

11.1.3 Attach the sample syringe valve to the syringe valve on the purging device. Be
sure that the trap is cooler than 25oC, then open the sample syringe valve and
inject the sample into the purging chamber. Close both valves and initiate
purging. Purge the sample for 11.0 min at ambient temperature.

11.1.4 Standards and samples must be analyzed in exactly the same manner. Room
temperature must be reasonably constant, and changes in excess of 10°F will
adversely affect the accuracy and precision of the method.

11.2 SAMPLE DESORPTION

11.2.1 Non-cryogenic interface -- After the 11-min purge, place the purge and trap
system in the desorb mode and preheat the trap to 180oC without a flow of
desorption gas. Then simultaneously start the flow of desorption gas at a flow
rate suitable for the column being used (optimum desorb flow rate is 15
mL/min) for about 4 min, begin the GC temperature program, and start data
acquisition.

11.2.2 Cryogenic interface -- After the 11-min purge, place the purge and trap system
in the desorb mode, make sure the cryogenic interface is a -150oC or lower,
and rapidly heat the trap to 180oC while backflushing with an inert gas at
4 mL/min for about 5 min. At the end of the 5 min desorption cycle, rapidly
heat the cryogenic trap to 250oC, and simultaneously begin the temperature
program of the gas chromatograph, and start data acquisition.

11.2.3 While the trapped components are being introduced into the gas chromatogra-
ph (or cryogenic interface), empty the purging device using the sample syringe
and wash the chamber with two 25-mL flushes of reagent water. After the
purging device has been emptied, leave syringe valve open to allow the purge
gas to vent through the sample introduction needle.

11.3 GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY/MASS SPECTROMETRY -- Acquire and store data over the
nominal mass range 35-260 with a total cycle time (including scan overhead time) of
2 sec or less. If water, methanol, or carbon dioxide cause a background problem, start
at 47 or 48 m/z. If ketones are to be determined, data must be acquired starting at
m/z 43. Cycle time must be adjusted to measure five or more spectra during the elution
of each GC peak. Suggested temperature programs are provided below. Alternative
temperature programs can be used.

11.3.1 Single ramp linear temperature program for wide bore column 1 and 2 with a
jet separator. Adjust the helium carrier gas flow rate to within the capacity of
the separator, or about 15 mL/min. The column temperature is reduced 10oC
and held for 5 min from the beginning of desorption, then programmed to
160oC at 6oC/min, and held until all components have eluted.

524.2-22
 11.3.2 Multi-ramp temperature program for wide bore column 2 with the open split
interface. Adjust the helium carrier gas flow rate to about 4.6 mL/min. The
column temperature is reduced to 10oC and held for 6 min from the beginning
of desorption, then heated to 70oC at 10o/min, heated to 120oC at 5o/min,
heated to 180o at 8o/min, and held at 180o until all compounds have eluted.

11.3.3 Single ramp linear temperature program for narrow bore column 3 with a
cryogenic interface. Adjust the helium carrier gas flow rate to about 4
mL/min. The column temperature is reduced to 10°C and held for 5 min from
the beginning of vaporization from the cryogenic trap, programmed at 6°/min
for 10 min, then 15°/min for 5 min to 145°C, and held until all components
have eluted.

11.3.4 Multi-ramp temperature program for wide bore column 4 with the open split
interface. Adjust the helium carrier gas flow rate to about 7.0 mL/min. The
column temperature is - 10°C and held for 6 min. from beginning of
desorption, then heated to 100°C at 10°C/min, heated to 200°C at 5°C/min
and held at 200°C for 8 min or until all compounds of interest had eluted.

11.4 TRAP RECONDITIONING -- After desorbing the sample for 4 min, recon-dition the trap
by returning the purge and trap system to the purge mode. Wait 15 sec, then close
the syringe valve on the purging device to begin gas flow through the trap. Maintain
the trap temperature at 180oC. Maintain the moisture control module, if utilized, at
90°C to remove residual water. 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.

11.5 TERMINATION OF DATA ACQUISITION -- When all the sample components have
eluted from the GC, terminate MS data acquisition. Use appropriate data output
software to display full range mass spectra and appropriate plots of ion abundance as a
function of time. If any ion abundance exceeds the system working range, dilute the
sample aliquot in the second syringe with reagent water and analyze the diluted
aliquot.

11.6 IDENTIFICATION OF ANALYTES -- Identify a sample component by comparison of its

mass spectrum (after background subtraction) to a reference spectrum in the
user-created data base. The GC retention time of the sample component should be
within three standard deviations of the mean retention time of the compound in the
calibration mixture.

11.6.1 In general, all ions that are present above 10% relative abundance in the
mass spectrum of the standard should be present in the mass spectrum of the
sample component and should agree within absolute 20%. For example, if an
ion has a relative abundance of 30% in the standard spectrum, its abundance
in the sample spectrum should be in the range of 10 to 50%. Some ions,
particularly the molecular ion, are of special importance, and should be
evaluated even if they are below 10% relative abundance.

524.2-23
 11.6.2 Identification requires expert judgment when sample components are not
resolved chromatographically and produce mass spectra containing ions
contributed by more than one analyte. When GC peaks obviously represent
more than one sample component (i.e., broadened peak with shoulder(s) or
valley between two or more maxima), appropriate analyte spectra and back-
ground spectra can be selected by examining plots of characteristic ions for
tentatively identified components. When analytes coelute (i.e., only one GC
peak is apparent), the identification criteria can be met but each analyte
spectrum will contain extraneous ions contributed by the coeluting compound.
Because purgeable organic compounds are relatively small molecules and
produce comparatively simple mass spectra, this is not a significant problem
for most method analytes.

11.6.3 Structural isomers that produce very similar mass spectra can be explicitly
identified only if they have sufficiently different GC retention times. Accept-
able resolution is achieved if the height of the valley between two peaks is less
than 25% of the average height of the two peaks. Otherwise, structural
isomers are identified as isomeric pairs. Two of the three isomeric xylenes
and two of the three dichlorobenzenes are examples of structural isomers that
may not be resolved on the capillary columns. If unresolved, these groups of
isomers must be reported as isomeric pairs.

11.6.4 Methylene chloride, acetone, carbon disulfide, and other background compo-
nents appear in variable quantities in laboratory and field reagent blanks, and
generally cannot be accurately measured. Subtraction of the concentration in
the blank from the concentration in the sample is not acceptable because the
concentration of the background in the blank is highly variable.

12. DATA ANALYSIS AND CALCULATIONS

12.1 Complete chromatographic resolution is not necessary for accurate and precise
measurements of analyte concentrations if unique ions with adequate intensities are
available for quantitation. If the response for any analyte exceeds the linear range of
the calibration established in Section 10, obtain and dilute a duplicate a duplicate
sample. Do not extrapolate beyond the calibration range.

12.1.1 Calculate analyte and surrogate concentrations, using the multi-point calibra-
tion established in Section 10. Do not use the daily calibration verification
data to quantitate analytes in samples.

(Ax)(Qis) 1000
Cx =
(Ais) RF V
where: Cx = concentration of analyte or surrogate in :g/L
in the water sample.
Ax = integrated abundance of the quantitation ion
of the analyte in the sample.
Ais = integrated abundance of the quantitation ion

524.2-24
 of the internal standard in the sample.
Qis = total quantity (in micrograms) of internal
standard added to the water sample.
V = original water sample volume in mL.
RF = mean response factor of analyte from the
initial calibration.

12.1.2 Alternatively, use the GC/MS system software or other available proven
software to compute the concentrations of the analytes and surrogates from
the linear or second order regression curve established in Section 10. Do not
use the daily calibration verification data to quantitate analytes in samples.

12.1.3 Calculations should utilize all available digits of precision, but final reported
concentrations should be rounded to an appropriate number of significant
figures (one digit of uncertainty). Experience indicates that three significant
figures may be used for concentrations above 99 :g/L, two significant figures
for concentrations between 1- 99 :g/L, and one significant figure for lower
concentrations.

12.1.4 Calculate the total trihalomethane concentration by summing the four individ-
ual trihalomethane concentrations.

13. METHOD PERFORMANCE

13.1 Single laboratory accuracy and precision data were obtained for the method analytes
using laboratory fortified blanks with analytes at concentrations between 0.1 and 5
:g/L. Results were obtained using the four columns specified (Sect. 6.3.2.1) and the
open split or jet separator (Sect. 6.3.3.1), or the cryogenic interface (Sect. 6.3.3.2).
These data are shown in Tables 4-8.

13.2 With these data, method detection limits were calculated using the formula (3):

MDL = S t(n-1,1-alpha = 0.99)

where:

t(n-1,1-alpha = 0.99) = Student's t value for the 99% confidence

level with n-1 degrees of freedom,

n = number of replicates

S = the standard deviation of the

replicate analyses.

14. POLLUTION PREVENTION

14.1 No solvents are utilized in this method except the extremely small volumes of methanol
needed to make calibration standards. The only other chemicals used in this method

524.2-25
 are the neat materials in preparing standards and sample preservatives. All are used in
extremely small amounts and pose no threat to the environment.

15. WASTE MANAGEMENT

15.1 There are no waste management issues involved with this method. Due to the nature
of this method, the discarded samples are chemically less contaminated than when
they were collected.

16. REFERENCES

1. J.W. Munch, J.W. Eichelberger, "Evaluation of 48 Compounds for Possible Inclusion in

USEPA Method 524.2, Revision 3.0: Expansion of the Method Analyte List to a Total
of 83 Compounds", J. Chro. Sci. ,30, 471,1992.

2. C. Madding, "Volatile Organic Compounds in Water by Purge and Trap Capillary

Column GC/MS," Proceedings of the Water Quality Technology Conference, American
Water Works Association, Denver, CO, December 1984.

3. J.A. Glaser, D.L. Foerst, G.D. McKee, S.A. Quave, and W.L. Budde, "Trace Analyses
for Wastewaters", Environ. Sci. Technol., 15, 1426, 1981.

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," (29CFR1910), 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. R.F. Arrendale, R.F. Severson, and O.T. Chortyk, "Open Split Interface for Capillary Gas
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry," Anal. Chem. 1984, 56, 1533.

8. J.J. Flesch, P.S. Fair, "The Analysis of Cyanogen Chloride in Drinking Water," Proceed-
ings of Water Quality Technology Conference, American Water Works Association, St.
Louis, MO., November 14-16, 1988.

524.2-26
17. TABLES, DIAGRAMS, FLOWCHARTS, AND VALIDATION DATA

TABLE 1. MOLECULAR WEIGHTS AND QUANTITATION IONS FOR METHOD ANALYTES

Primary Secondary
Quantitation Quantitation
Compound MWa Ion Ions

Internal standard

Fluorobenzene 96 96 77

Surrogates

4-Bromofluorobenzene 174 95 174,176

1,2-Dichlorobenzene-d4 150 152 115,150

Target Analytes

Acetone 58 43 58
Acrylonitrile 53 52 53
Allyl chloride 76 76 49
Benzene 78 78 77
Bromobenzene 156 156 77,158
Bromochloromethane 128 128 49,130
Bromodichloromethane 162 83 85,127
Bromoform 250 173 175,252
Bromomethane 94 94 96
2-Butanone 72 43 57,72
n-Butylbenzene 134 91 134
sec-Butylbenzene 134 105 134
tert-Butylbenzene 134 119 91
Carbon disulfide 76 76 --
Carbon tetrachloride 152 117 119
Chloroacetonitrile 75 48 75
Chlorobenzene 112 112 77,114
1-Chlorobutane 92 56 49
Chloroethane 64 64 66
Chloroform 118 83 85
Chloromethane 50 50 52
2-Chlorotoluene 126 91 126
4-Chlorotoluene 126 91 126
Dibromochloromethane 206 129 127
1,2-Dibromo-3-Chloropropane 234 75 155,157
1,2-Dibromoethane 186 107 109,188
Dibromomethane 172 93 95,174
1,2-Dichlorobenzene 146 146 111,148
1,3-Dichlorobenzene 146 146 111,148
1,4-Dichlorobenzene 146 146 111,148

524.2-27
 TABLE 1. (continued)

Primary Secondary
Quantitation Quantitation
Compound MWa Ion Ions

trans-1,4-Dichloro-2-butene 124 53 88,75

Dichlorodifluoromethane 120 85 87
1,1-Dichloroethane 98 63 65,83
1,2-Dichloroethane 98 62 98
1,1-Dichloroethene 96 96 61,63
cis-1,2-Dichloroethene 96 96 61,98
trans-1,2-Dichloroethene 96 96 61,98
1,2-Dichloropropane 112 63 112
1,3-Dichloropropane 112 76 78
2,2-Dichloropropane 112 77 97
1,1-Dichloropropene 110 75 110,77
1,1-Dichloropropanone 126 43 83
cis-1,3-dichloropropene 110 75 110
trans-1,3-dichloropropene 110 75 110
Diethyl ether 74 59 45,73
Ethylbenzene 106 91 106
Ethyl methacrylate 114 69 99
Hexachlorobutadiene 258 225 260
Hexachloroethane 234 117 119,201
2-Hexanone 100 43 58
Isopropylbenzene 120 105 120
4-Isopropyltoluene 134 119 134,91
Methacrylonitrile 67 67 52
Methyl acrylate 86 55 85
Methylene chloride 84 84 86,49
Methyl iodide 142 142 127
Methylmethacrylate 100 69 99
4-Methyl-2-pentanone 100 43 58,85
Methyl-t-butyl ether 88 73 57
Naphthalene 128 128 --
Nitrobenzene 123 51 77
2-Nitropropane 89 46 --
Pentachloroethane 200 117 119,167
Propionitrile 55 54 --
n-Propylbenzene 120 91 120
Styrene 104 104 78
1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane 166 131 133,119
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 166 83 131,85
Tetrachloroethene 164 166 168,129
Tetrahydrofuran 72 71 72,42
Toluene 92 92 91
1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene 180 180 182
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 180 180 182
1,1,1-Trichloroethane 132 97 99,61
1,1,2-Trichloroethane 132 83 97,85

524.2-28
 TABLE 1. (continued)

Primary Secondary
Quantitation Quantitation
Compound MWa Ion Ions

Trichloroethene 130 95 130,l32

Trichlorofluoromethane 136 101 103
1,2,3-Trichloropropane 146 75 77
1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene 120 105 120
1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene 120 105 120
Vinyl Chloride 62 62 64
o-Xylene 106 106 91
m-Xylene 106 106 91
p-Xylene 106 106 91
a
Monoisotopic molecular weight calculated from the atomic masses of the
isotopes with the smallest masses.

524.2-29
 TABLE 2. CHROMATOGRAPHIC RETENTION TIMES FOR METHOD ANALYTES
ON THREE COLUMNS WITH FOUR SETS OF CONDITIONSa

Retention Time (min:sec)

Compound Col. 1b Col. 2b Col. 2c Col. 3d Col. 4e

Internal standard

Fluorobenzene 8:49 6:27 14:06 8:03 22:00

Surrogates

4-Bromofluorobenzene 18:38 15:43 23:38 31:21

1,2-Dichlorobenzene-d4 22:16 19:08 27:25 35:51

Target Analytes

Acetone 16:14
Acrylonitrile 17:49
Allyl chloride 16:58
Benzene 8:14 5:40 13:30 7:25 21:32
Bromobenzene 18:57 15:52 24:00 16:25 31:52
Bromochloromethane 6:44 4:23 12:22 5:38 20:20
Bromodichloromethane 10:35 8:29 15:48 9:20 23:36
Bromoform 17:56 14:53 22:46 15:42 30:32
Bromomethane 2:01 0:58 4:48 1:17 12:26
2-Butanone 19:41
n-Butylbenzene 22:13 19:29 27:32 17:57 35:41
sec-Butylbenzene 20:47 18:05 26:08 17:28 34:04
tert-Butylbenzene 20:17 17:34 25:36 17:19 33:26
Carbon Disulfide 16:30
Carbon Tetrachloride 7:37 5:16 13:10 7:25 21:11
Chloroacetonitrile 23:51
Chlorobenzene 15:46 13:01 20:40 14:20 28:26
1-Chlorobutane 21:00
Chloroethane 2:05 1:01 1:27
Chloroform 6:24 4:48 12:36 5:33 20:27
Chloromethane 1:38 0:44 3:24 0:58 9:11
2-Chlorotoluene 19:20 16:25 24:32 16:44 32:21
4-Chlorotoluene 19:30 16:43 24:46 16:49 32:38
Cyanogen chloride (8) 1:03
Dibromochloromethane 14:23 11:51 19:12 12:48 26:57
1,2-Dibromo-3-Chloropropane 24:32 21:05 18:02 38:20
1,2-Dibromoethane 14:44 11:50 19:24 13:36 27:19
Dibromomethane 10:39 7:56 15:26 9:05 23:22
1,2-Dichlorobenzene 22:31 19:10 27:26 17:47 35:55
1,3-Dichlorobenzene 21:13 18:08 26:22 17:28 34:31
1,4-Dichlorobenzene 21:33 18:23 26:36 17:38 34:45
t-1,4-Dichloro-2-butene 31:44
Dichlorodifluoromethane 1:33 0:42 3:08 0:53 7:16
1,1-Dichloroethane 4:51 2:56 10:48 4:02 18:46

524.2-30
 TABLE 2. (continued)

Retention Time (min:sec)

b
Compound Col. 1 Col. 2b Col. 2c Col. 3d Col. 4e

1,2-Dichloroethane 8:24 5:50 13:38 7:00 21:31

1,1-Dichloroethene 2:53 1:34 7:50 2:20 16:01
cis-1,2-Dichloroethene 6:11 3:54 11:56 5:04 19:53
trans-1,2-Dichloroethene 3:59 2:22 9:54 3:32 17:54
1,2-Dichloropropane 10:05 7:40 15:12 8:56 23:08
1,3-Dichloropropane 14:02 11:19 18:42 12:29 26:23
2,2-Dichloropropane 6:01 3:48 11:52 5:19 19:54
1,1-Dichloropropanone 24:52
1,1-Dichloropropene 7:49 5:17 13:06 7:10 21:08
cis-1,3-dichloropropene 11.58 16:42 24:24
trans-1,3-dichloropropene 13.46 17:54 25:33
Diethyl ether 15:31
Ethylbenzene 15:59 13:23 21:00 14:44 28:37
Ethyl Methacrylate 25:35
Hexachlorobutadiene 26:59 23:41 32:04 19:14 42:03
Hexachloroethane 36:45
Hexanone 26:23
Isopropylbenzene 18:04 15:28 23:18 16:25 30:52
4-Isopropyltoluene 21:12 18:31 26:30 17:38 34:27
Methacrylonitrile 20:15
Methylacrylate 20:02
Methylene Chloride 3:36 2:04 9:16 2:40 17:18
Methyl Iodide 16:21
Methylmethacrylate 23:08
4-Methyl-2-pentanone 24:38
Methyl-t-butyl ether 17:56
Naphthalene 27:10 23:31 32:12 19:04 42:29
Nitrobenzene 39:02
2-Nitropropane 23:58
Pentachloroethane 33:33
Propionitrile 19:58
n-Propylbenzene 19:04 16:25 24:20 16:49 32:00
Styrene 17:19 14:36 22:24 15:47 29:57
1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane 15:56 13:20 20:52 14:44 28:35
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 18:43 16:21 24:04 15:47 31:35
Tetrachloroethene 13:44 11:09 18:36 13:12 26:27
Tetrahydrofuran 20:26
Toluene 12:26 10:00 17:24 11:31 25:13
1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene 27:47 24:11 32:58 19:14 43:31
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 26:33 23:05 31:30 18:50 41:26
1,1,1-Trichloroethane 7:16 4:50 12:50 6:46 20:51
1,1,2-Trichloroethane 13:25 11:03 18:18 11:59 25:59
Trichloroethene 9:35 7:16 14:48 9:01 22:42
Trichlorofluoromethane 2:16 1:11 6:12 1:46 14:18
1,2,3-Trichloropropane 19:01 16:14 24:08 16:16 31:47
1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene 20:20 17:42 31:30 17:19 33:33

524.2-31
 TABLE 2. (continued)

Retention Time (min:sec)

Compound Col. 1b Col. 2b Col. 2c Col. 3d Col. 4e

1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene 19:28 16:54 24:50 16:59 32:26

Vinyl chloride 1:43 0:47 3:56 1:02 10:22
o-Xylene 17:07 14:31 22:16 15:47 29:56
m-Xylene 16:10 13:41 21:22 15:18 28:53
p-Xylene 16:07 13:41 21:18 15:18 28:53

a
Columns 1-4 are those given in Sect. 6.3.2.1; retention times were measured
from the beginning of thermal desorption from the trap (columns 1-2, and 4) or
from the beginning of thermal release from the cryogenic interface (column 3).
b
GC conditions given in Sect. 11.3.1.
c
GC conditions given in Sect. 11.3.2.
d
GC conditions given in Sect. 11.3.3.
e
GC conditions given in Sect. 11.3.4.

524.2-32
TABLE 3. ION ABUNDANCE CRITERIA FOR 4-BROMOFLUOROBENZENE (BFB)

Mass
(M/z) Relative Abundance Criteria

50 15 to 40% of mass 95
75 30 to 80% of mass 95
95 Base Peak, 100% Relative Abundance
96 5 to 9% of mass 95
173 < 2% of mass 174
174 > 50% of mass 95
175 5 to 9% of mass 174
176 > 95% but < 101% of mass 174
177 5 to 9% of mass 176

524.2-33
TABLE 4. ACCURACY AND PRECISION DATA FROM 16-31 DETERMINATIONS OF
THE METHOD ANALYTES IN REAGENT WATER USING WIDE-BORE
CAPILLARY COLUMN 1a

True Mean Rel. Method

Conc. Accuracy Std. Det.
Range (% of True Dev. Limitb
Compound (:g/L) Value) (%) (:g/L)

Benzene 0.1-10 97 5.7 0.04

Bromobenzene 0.1-10 100 5.5 0.03
Bromochloromethane 0.5-10 90 6.4 0.04
Bromodichloromethane 0.1-10 95 6.1 0.08
Bromoform 0.5-10 101 6.3 0.12
Bromomethane 0.5-10 95 8.2 0.11
n-Butylbenzene 0.5-10 100 7.6 0.11
sec-Butylbenzene 0.5-10 100 7.6 0.13
tert-Butylbenzene 0.5-10 102 7.3 0.14
Carbon Tetrachloride 0.5-10 84 8.8 0.21
Chlorobenzene 0.1-10 98 5.9 0.04
Chloroethane 0.5-10 89 9.0 0.10
Chloroform 0.5-10 90 6.1 0.03
Chloromethane 0.5-10 93 8.9 0.13
2-Chlorotoluene 0.1-10 90 6.2 0.04
4-Chlorotoluene 0.1-10 99 8.3 0.06
Dibromochloromethane 0.1-10 92 7.0 0.05
1,2-Dibromo-3-Chloropropane 0.5-10 83 19.9 0.26
1,2-Dibromoethane 0.5-10 102 3.9 0.06
Dibromomethane 0.5-10 100 5.6 0.24
1,2-Dichlorobenzene 0.1-10 93 6.2 0.03
1,3-Dichlorobenzene 0.5-10 99 6.9 0.12
1,4-Dichlorobenzene 0.2-20 103 6.4 0.03
Dichlorodifluoromethane 0.5-10 90 7.7 0.10
1,1-Dichloroethane 0.5-10 96 5.3 0.04
1,2-Dichloroethane 0.1-10 95 5.4 0.06
1,1-Dichloroethene 0.1-10 94 6.7 0.12
cis-1,2-Dichloroethene 0.5-10 101 6.7 0.12
trans-1,2-Dichloroethene 0.1-10 93 5.6 0.06
1,2-Dichloropropane 0.1-10 97 6.1 0.04
1,3-Dichloropropane 0.1-10 96 6.0 0.04
2,2-Dichloropropane 0.5-10 86 16.9 0.35
1,1-Dichloropropene 0.5-10 98 8.9 0.10
cis-1,2-Dichloropropene
trans-1,2-Dichloropropene
Ethylbenzene 0.1-10 99 8.6 0.06
Hexachlorobutadiene 0.5-10 100 6.8 0.11
Isopropylbenzene 0.5-10 101 7.6 0.15
4-Isopropyltoluene 0.1-10 99 6.7 0.12

524.2-34
TABLE 4. ACCURACY AND PRECISION DATA FROM 16-31 DETERMINATIONS OF
THE METHOD ANALYTES IN REAGENT WATER USING WIDE-BORE
CAPILLARY COLUMN 1a

True Mean Rel. Method

Conc. Accuracy Std. Det.
Range (% of True Dev. Limitb
Compound (:g/L) Value) (%) (:g/L)

Methylene Chloride 0.1-10 95 5.3 0.03

Naphthalene 0.1-100 104 8.2 0.04
n-Propylbenzene 0.1-10 100 5.8 0.04
Styrene 0.1-100 102 7.2 0.04
1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane 0.5-10 90 6.8 0.05
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 0.1-10 91 6.3 0.04
Tetrachloroethene 0.5-10 89 6.8 0.14
Toluene 0.5-10 102 8.0 0.11
1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene 0.5-10 109 8.6 0.03
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 0.5-10 108 8.3 0.04
1,1,1-Trichloroethane 0.5-10 98 8.1 0.08
1,1,2-Trichloroethane 0.5-10 104 7.3 0.10
Trichloroethene 0.5-10 90 7.3 0.19
Trichlorofluoromethane 0.5-10 89 8.1 0.08
1,2,3-Trichloropropane 0.5-10 108 14.4 0.32
1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene 0.5-10 99 8.1 0.13
1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene 0.5-10 92 7.4 0.05
Vinyl Chloride 0.5-10 98 6.7 0.17
o-Xylene 0.1-31 103 7.2 0.11
m-Xylene 0.1-10 97 6.5 0.05
p-Xylene 0.5-10 104 7.7 0.13
a
Data obtained by using Column 1 with a jet separator interface and a quadrupole mass
spectrometer (Section 11.3.1) with analytes divided among three solutions.
b
Replicate samples at the lowest concentration listed in Column 2 of this table were
analyzed. These results were used to calculate MDLs.

524.2-35
TABLE 5. ACCURACY AND PRECISION DATA FROM SEVEN DETERMINATIONS OF
THE METHOD ANALYTES IN REAGENT WATER USING THE CRYOGENIC
TRAPPING OPTION AND A NARROW-BORE CAPILLARY COLUMN 3a

Mean Rel. Method

True Accuracy Std. Det.
Conc. (% of True Dev. Limit
Compound (:g/L) Value) (%) (:g/L)

Benzene 0.1 99 6.2 0.03

Bromobenzene 0.5 97 7.4 0.11
Bromochloromethane 0.5 97 5.8 0.07
Bromodichloromethane 0.1 100 4.6 0.03
Bromoform 0.1 99 5.4 0.20
Bromomethane 0.1 99 7.1 0.06
n-Butylbenzene 0.5 94 6.0 0.03
sec-Butylbenzene 0.5 90 7.1 0.12
tert-Butylbenzene 0.5 90 2.5 0.33
Carbon Tetrachloride 0.1 92 6.8 0.08
Chlorobenzene 0.1 91 5.8 0.03
Chloroethane 0.1 100 5.8 0.02
Chloroform 0.1 95 3.2 0.02
Chloromethane 0.1 99 4.7 0.05
2-Chlorotoluene 0.1 99 4.6 0.05
4-Chlorotoluene 0.1 96 7.0 0.05
Cyanogen Chlorideb 92 10.6 0.30
Dibromochloromethane 0.1 99 5.6 0.07
1,2-Dibromo-3-Chloropropane 0.1 92 10.0 0.05
1,2-Dibromoethane 0.1 97 5.6 0.02
Dibromomethane 0.1 93 6.9 0.03
1,2-Dichlorobenzene 0.1 97 3.5 0.05
1,3-Dichlorobenzene 0.1 99 6.0 0.05
1,4-Dichlorobenzene 0.1 93 5.7 0.04
Dichlorodifluoromethane 0.1 99 8.8 0.11
1,1-Dichloroethane 0.1 98 6.2 0.03
1,2-Dichloroethane 0.1 100 6.3 0.02
1,1-Dichloroethene 0.1 95 9.0 0.05
cis-1,2-Dichloroethene 0.1 100 3.7 0.06
trans-1,2-Dichloroethene 0.1 98 7.2 0.03
1,2-Dichloropropane 0.1 96 6.0 0.02
1,3-Dichloropropane 0.1 99 5.8 0.04
2,2-Dichloropropane 0.1 99 4.9 0.05
1,1-Dichloropropene 0.1 98 7.4 0.02
cis-1,2-Dichloropropene
trans-1,2-Dichloropropene
Ethylbenzene 0.1 99 5.2 0.03
Hexachlorobutadiene 0.1 100 6.7 0.04

524.2-36
TABLE 5. ACCURACY AND PRECISION DATA FROM SEVEN DETERMINATIONS OF
THE METHOD ANALYTES IN REAGENT WATER USING THE CRYOGENIC
TRAPPING OPTION AND A NARROW-BORE CAPILLARY COLUMN 3a

Mean Rel. Method

True Accuracy Std. Det.
Conc. (% of True Dev. Limit
Compound (:g/L) Value) (%) (:g/L)

Isopropylbenzene 0.5 98 6.4 0.10

4-Isopropyltoluene 0.5 87 13.0 0.26
Methylene Chloride 0.5 97 13.0 0.09
Naphthalene 0.1 98 7.2 0.04
n-Propylbenzene 0.1 99 6.6 0.06
Styrene 0.1 96 19.0 0.06
1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane 0.1 100 4.7 0.04
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 0.1 100 12.0 0.20
Tetrachloroethene 0.1 96 5.0 0.05
Toluene 0.1 100 5.9 0.08
1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene 0.1 98 8.9 0.04
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 0.1 91 16.0 0.20
1,1,1-Trichloroethane 0.1 100 4.0 0.04
1,1,2-Trichloroethane 0.1 98 4.9 0.03
Trichloroethene 0.1 96 2.0 0.02
Trichlorofluoromethane 0.1 97 4.6 0.07
1,2,3-Trichloropropane 0.1 96 6.5 0.03
1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene 0.1 96 6.5 0.04
1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene 0.1 99 4.2 0.02
Vinyl Chloride 0.1 96 0.2 0.04
o-Xylene 0.1 94 7.5 0.06
m-Xylene 0.1 94 4.6 0.03
p-Xylene 0.1 97 6.1 0.06
a
Data obtained by using Column 3 with a cryogenic interface and a quadrupole mass
spectrometer (Section 11.3.3).
b
Reference 8.

524.2-37
TABLE 6. ACCURACY AND PRECISION DATA FROM SEVEN DETERMINATIONS OF
THE METHOD ANALYTES IN REAGENT WATER USING WIDE-BORE
CAPILLARY COLUMN 2a

Mean Accu-
Mean Accu- racy
racy (% of (% of True
True Value, Value,
2 :g/L RSD 0.2 :g/L RSD
Compound No.b Conc.) (%) Conc.) (%)

Internal Standard

Fluorobenzene 1 – – – –

Surrogates

4-Bromofluorobenze 2 98 1.8 96 1.3

1,2-Dichlorobenzene-d4 3 97 3.2 95 1.7

Target Analytes

Benzene 37 97 4.4 113 1.8

Bromobenzene 38 102 3.0 101 1.9
Bromochloromethane 4 99 5.2 102 2.9
Bromodichloromethane 5 96 1.8 100 1.8
Bromoform 6 89 2.4 90 2.2
Bromomethane 7 55 27. 52 6.7
n-Butylbenzene 39 89 4.8 87 2.3
sec-Butylbenzene 40 102 3.5 100 2.8
tert-Butylbenzene 41 101 4.5 100 2.9
Carbon Tetrachloride 8 84 3.2 92 2.6
Chlorobenzene 42 104 3.1 103 1.6
Chloroethanec
Chloroform 9 97 2.0 95 2.1
d
Chloromethane 10 110 5.0
2-Chlorotoluene 43 91 2.4 108 3.1
4-Chlorotoluene 44 89 2.0 108 4.4
Dibromochloromethane 11 95 2.7 100 3.0
1,2-Dibromo-3-Chloropropanec
1,2-Dibromoethanec
Dibromomethane 13 99 2.1 95 2.2
1,2-Dichlorobenzene 45 93 2.7 94 5.1
1,3-Dichlorobenzene 46 100 4.0 87 2.3
1,4-Dichlorobenzene 47 98 4.1 94 2.8
d
Dichlorodifluoromethane 14 38 25.
1,1-Dichloroethane 15 97 2.3 85 3.6
1,2-Dichloroethane 16 102 3.8 100 2.1

524.2-38
TABLE 6. ACCURACY AND PRECISION DATA FROM SEVEN DETERMINATIONS OF
THE METHOD ANALYTES IN REAGENT WATER USING WIDE-BORE
CAPILLARY COLUMN 2a

Mean Accu-
Mean Accu- racy
racy (% of (% of True
True Value, Value,
2 :g/L RSD 0.2 :g/L RSD
Compound No.b Conc.) (%) Conc.) (%)

1,1-Dichloroethene 17 90 2.2 87 3.8

cis-1,2-Dichloroethene 18 100 3.4 89 2.9
trans-1,2-Dichloroethene 19 92 2.1 85 2.3
1,2-Dichloropropane 20 102 2.2 103 2.9
1,3-Dichloropropane 21 92 3.7 93 3.2
2,2-Dichloropropanec
1,1-Dichloropropenec
cis-1,2-Dichloropropenec
trans-1,2-Dichloropropene 25 96 1.7 99 2.1
Ethylbenzene 48 96 9.1 100 4.0
Hexachlorobutadiene 26 91 5.3 88 2.4
Isopropylbenzene 49 103 3.2 101 2.1
4-Isopropyltoluene 50 95 3.6 95 3.1
e e
Methylene Chloride 27
Naphthalene 51 93 7.6 78 8.3
n-Propylbenzene 52 102 4.9 97 2.1
Styrene 53 95 4.4 104 3.1
1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane 28 99 2.7 95 3.8
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane 29 101 4.6 84 3.6
Tetrachloroethene 30 97 4.5 92 3.3
Toluene 54 105 2.8 126 1.7
1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene 55 90 5.7 78 2.9
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 56 92 5.2 83 5.9
1,1,1-Trichloroethane 31 94 3.9 94 2.5
1,1,2-Trichloroethane 32 107 3.4 109 2.8
Trichloroethene 33 99 2.9 106 2.5
Trichlorofluoromethane 34 81 4.6 48 13.
1,2,3-Trichloropropane 35 97 3.9 91 2.8
1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene 57 93 3.1 106 2.2
1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene 58 88 2.4 97 3.2
Vinyl Chloride 36 104 3.5 115 14.

524.2-39
TABLE 6. ACCURACY AND PRECISION DATA FROM SEVEN DETERMINATIONS OF
THE METHOD ANALYTES IN REAGENT WATER USING WIDE-BORE
CAPILLARY COLUMN 2a

Mean Accu-
Mean Accu- racy
racy (% of (% of True
True Value, Value,
2 :g/L RSD 0.2 :g/L RSD
Compound No.b Conc.) (%) Conc.) (%)

o-Xylene 59 97 1.8 98 1.7

f f
m-Xylene 60
p-Xylene 61 98 2.3 103 1.4
a
Data obtained using Column 2 with the open split interface and an ion trap mass spec-
trometer (Section 11.3.2) with all method analytes in the same reagent water solution.
b
Designation in Figures 1 and 2.
c
Not measured; authentic standards were not available.
d
Not found at 0.2 :g/L.
e
Not measured; methylene chloride was in the laboratory reagent blank.
f
m-xylene coelutes with and cannot be distinguished from its isomer p-xylene, No 61.

524.2-40
TABLE 7. ACCURACY AND PRECISION DATA FROM SEVEN DETERMINATIONS OF
METHOD ANALYTES IN REAGENT WATER USING WIDE-BORE CAPILLARY
COLUMN 4a

Mean Rel. Method

True Conc. Std. Detect.
Conc. Detected Dev. Limit
Compound (:g/L) (:g/L) (%) (:g/L)

Acetone 1.0 1.6 5.7 0.28

Acrylonitrile 1.0 0.81 8.7 0.22
Allyl Chloride 1.0 0.90 4.7 0.13
2-Butanone 2.0 2.7 5.6 0.48
Carbon Disulfide 0.20 0.19 15 0.093
Chloroacetonitrile 1.0 0.83 4.7 0.12
1-Chlorobutane 1.0 0.87 6.6 0.18
trans-Dichloro-2-Butene 1.0 1.3 8.7 0.36
1,1-Dichloropropanone 5.0 4.2 7.7 1.0
cis-1,3-Dichloropropene 0.20 0.20 3.1 0.020
trans-1,3-Dichloropropene 0.10 0.11 14 0.048
Diethyl Ether 1.0 0.92 9.5 0.28
Ethyl Methacrylate 0.20 0.23 3.9 0.028
Hexachloroethane 0.20 0.18 10 0.057
2-Hexanone 1.0 1.1 12 0.39
Methacrylonitrile 1.0 0.92 4.2 0.12
Methylacrylate 1.0 1.2 12 0.45
Methyl Iodide 0.20 0.19 3.1 0.019
Methylmethacrylate 1.0 1.0 13 0.43
4-Methyl-2-Pentanone 0.40 0.56 9.7 0.17
Methyl-tert-Butylether 0.40 0.52 5.6 0.090
Nitrobenzene 2.0 2.1 18 1.2
2-Nitrobenzene 1.0 0.83 6.2 0.16
Pentachloroethane 0.20 0.23 20 0.14
Propionitrile 1.0 0.87 5.3 0.14
Tetrahydrofuran 5.0 3.9 13 1.6
a
Data obtained using Column 4 with the open split interface and an ion trap mass spec-
trometer.

524.2-41
 TABLE 8. ACCURACY AND PRECISION FROM FOUR DETERMINATIONS OF METHOD ANALYTES IN THREE WATER MATRICES
FORTIFIED AT 20 :G/La
REAGENT WATER RAW WATER TAP WATER
Mean Dev. (% of True Mean Dev. (% of True Mean Dev. (% of True
Compound (:g/L) (%) Value) (:g/L) (%) Value) (:g/L) (%) Value)
Acetone 19 12% 95% 21 3.7% 105% 22 8.2% 110%

Acrylonitrile 20 4.7% 100% 22 3.4% 110% 21 1.3% 105%

Allyl Chloride 20 5.1% 100% 20 2.8% 100% 19 3.5% 95%

2-Butanone 17 11% 85% 19 7.3% 95% 17 5.6% 85%

Carbon Disulfide 19 6.4% 95% 18 2.5% 90% 18 3.0% 90%

Chloroacetonitrile 20 4.1% 100% 23 4.7% 115% 23 1.3% 115%

1-Chlorobutane 18 6.4% 90% 19 2.2% 95% 17 2.2% 85%

524.2-42
t-1,2-Dichloro-2-Butene 19 4.1% 95% 22 2.9% 110% 21 0.90% 105%

1,1-Dichloropropanone 20 5.6% 100% 22 6.4% 110% 21 7.7% 105%

Diethyl Ether 18 6.7% 90% 22 3.4% 110% 22 2.6% 110%

Ethyl Methacrylate 20 3.7% 100% 23 2.6% 115% 22 1.8% 110%

Hexachloroethane 20 6.1% 100% 21 2.5% 105% 21 2.0% 105%

2-Hexanone 19 6.3% 95% 21 3.8% 105% 21 4.0% 105%

Methacrylonitrile 20 3.4% 100% 23 2.9% 115% 22 2.0% 110%

Methylacrylate 20 3.7% 100% 22 3.1% 110% 21 2.1% 105%

 TABLE 8. ACCURACY AND PRECISION FROM FOUR DETERMINATIONS OF METHOD ANALYTES IN THREE WATER
MATRICES FORTIFIED AT 20 :G/La
Reagent Water Raw Water Tap Water
Mean Dev. (% of True Mean Dev. (% of True Mean Dev. (% of True
Compound (:g/L) (%) Value) (:g/L) (%) Value) (:g/L) (%) Value)
Methyl Iodide 20 4.4% 100% 19 3.8% 95% 19 3.0% 95%

Methylmethacrylate 20 3.7% 100% 23 3.3% 115% 23 2.7% 115%

4-Methyl-2-Pentanone 19 8.7% 95% 21 5.5% 105% 22 7.2% 110%

Methyl-tert-Butylether 19 3.5% 95% 22 2.5% 110% 22 3.6% 110%

Nitrobenzene 20 5.4% 100% 22 4.8% 110% 21 2.4% 105%

524.2-43
2-Nitropropane 20 6.1% 100% 23 5.1% 115% 22 3.2% 110%

Pentachloroethane 19 5.2% 95% 21 2.6% 105% 22 1.7% 110%

Propionitrile 20 4.5% 100% 23 3.9% 115% 23 2.4% 115%

Tetrahydrofuran 20 2.8% 100% 24 3.2% 120% 21 2.9% 105%

a
Data obtained using Column 4 with the open-split interface and an ion trap mass spectrometer with all Table 8 analyses in the same
reagent water solution (1).
524.2-44
524.2-45
524.2-46
524.2-47