NEMI Method Summary

Method Summary Information

Method Number: 8270D Media: VARIOUS
Revision: Revision 4.0, January 1998
Method Source: U.S. EPA Office of Solid Waste
Subcategory: ORGANIC Analytes in this method
Official Name: Semivolatile Organic Compounds by GC/MS
Descriptive Name Determination Semivolatile Organic compounds by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)
Source Info: U.S. EPA Office of Solid Waste (OSW) Methods Team
Ariel Rios Bldg. (5307W)
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20460
Phone: 703-308-8855
Fax: 703-308-0511
Citation: SW-846 Update IVA
188430 Byte file
Brief Method
Summary:
 The samples are prepared for analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) using the appropriate sample preparation (refer to Method 3500) and, if necessary, sample cleanup procedures (refer to Method 3600). The semivolatile compounds are introduced into the GC/MS by injecting the sample extract into a gas chromatograph (GC) with a narrow-bore fused-silica capillary column. The GC column is temperature-programmed to separate the analytes, which are then detected with a mass spectrometer (MS) connected to the gas chromatograph. Analytes eluted from the capillary column are introduced into the mass spectrometer via a jet separator or a direct connection. Identification of target analytes is accomplished by comparing their mass spectra with the electron impact (or electron impact-like) spectra of authentic standards. Quantitation is accomplished by comparing the response of a major (quantitation) ion relative to an internal standard using a five-point calibration curve.

NOTE: This method can be used in conjunction with the followin sample preparation procedures:
Air (particulates and sorbent resin)- Method 3542
Water (including TCLP leachates) - Methods 3510, 3520, 3535
Soil/sediment - Methods 3540, 3541, 3545, 3546 3550, 3560, 3561
Waste - Methods 3540, 3541, 3545, 3546, 3550, 3560, 3561, 3580
Scope And
Application:
 Method 8270 is used to determine the concentration of semivolatile organic compounds in extracts prepared from many types of solid waste matrices, soils, air sampling media and water samples. Direct injection of a sample may be used in limited applications.
Applicable
Conc Range:
 None given.
Interferences: (1) Contaminants from glassware.
(2) Matrix interferences that are co-extracted with sample.
(3) Contamination by carryover can occur whenever high-concentration and low-concentration samples are sequentially analyzed. To reduce carryover, the sample syringe must be rinsed with solvent between sample injections. Whenever an unusually concentrated sample is encountered, it should be followed by the analysis of solvent to check for cross-contamination.
QC Requirements: See SW-846 Method 8000 and 3500. Procedures include: validation of sample preparation, introduction, and analysis, initial demonstration of proficiency, calibration verification, evaluation of retention times, analysis of method blanks, matrix spikes, duplicates, surrogates, and laboratory control samples.
Sample Handling: Store the extract at 4 degrees C, protected from light in screw-cap vials equipped with unpierced Teflon lined septa. See SW-846, Chapter 4, Organic Analytes, Section 4.1. See SW-846 Chapter Four for information.
Max Holding Time:
 Aqueous samples - 7 days (sample), 40 days (extract). Solid samples - 14 days (sample), 40 (extract). Also, see SW-846 Chapter Four for information.
Sample Prep Met See Method Summary
Relative Cost: $201 to $400
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