NEMI Method Summary

Method Summary Information

Method Number: 606 Media: WATER
Revision: 40 CFR Part 136, Appendix A (Current Edition)
Method Source: U.S. EPA Engineering and Analysis Division
Subcategory: ORGANIC Analytes in this method
Official Name: Phthalate Esters
Descriptive Name Phthalate Esters in Water by GCECD
Source Info: 4303 USEPA Headquarters
Ariel Rios Building
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N. W.
Washington, DC 20460
Citation: EPA Method Guidance CD-ROM (includes MCAWW Methods, and most current EPA Methods)
97163 Byte file
Brief Method
Summary:
 A 1-L sample is extracted with methylene chloride using a separatory funnel. The methylene chloride extract is dried and exchanged to hexane during concentration to a volume of 10-mL or less. The concentrations of esters in the extract are measured using a gas chromatography (GC) system equipped with an electron capture detector (ECD).
Scope And
Application:
 This method determines certain phthalate esters in wastewater and other waters.
Applicable
Conc Range:
 Ranges differ for each analyte depending on matrix and interferences.
Interferences:

(A) Glassware contamination: Thoroughly clean glassware, including baking or solvent rinse.

(B) Reagent contamination: Use high purity reagents.

(C) Phthalate ester interference: Avoid the use of plastics and use pure reagents to avoid contamination by these ubiquitous compounds.

(D) Extracted interferences: Interference from extracted non-target compounds, with retention times similar to target compounds, can be reduced by performing a cleanup procedure.
QC Requirements: Each laboratory that uses this method is required to operate a formal quality control program. The minimum requirements of this program consist of an initial demonstration of laboratory capability and an ongoing analysis of spiked samples to evaluate and document data quality. The laboratory must maintain records to document the quality of data that is generated. Ongoing data quality checks are compared with established performance criteria to determine if the results of analyses meet the performance characteristics of the method. When results of sample spikes indicate atypical method performance, a quality control check standard must be analyzed to confirm that the measurements were performed in an in-control mode of operation.
Sample Handling:

Grab samples must be collected in glass containers. [Note: Do NOT pre-rinse bottles]. Composite samples should be collected in refrigerated glass containers in accordance with the requirements of the program. Automatic sampling equipment must be as free as possible of Tygon tubing and other potential sources of contamination.

All samples must be iced or refrigerated at 4oC from the time of collection until extraction.
Max Holding Time:

Extract w/in 7 days; Analyze extracts w/in 40 days.
 
Relative Cost: $201 to $400
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