NEMI Method Summary

Method Summary Information

Method Number: 8041A Media: VARIOUS
Revision: Revision 1, November 2000
Method Source: U.S. EPA Office of Solid Waste
Subcategory: ORGANIC Analytes in this method
Official Name: Phenols in Aqueous and Non-aqueous Samples by Capillary GC/FID or GC/ECD and Single or Dual Columns
Descriptive Name Phenols by Gas Chromatography
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 IVB
72304 Byte file
Brief Method
Summary:
 Samples are extracted and cleaned up (according to sample matrix) and the solvent appropriately exchanged. The phenols are then determined with or without derivatization. Underivatized phenols may be analyzed directly by gas chromatography, using either the single-column or dual-column approach. Alternatively, target phenols may be derivatized to form methylated phenols and pentafluorobenzylbromo ether derivatives which are then also analyzed using gas chromatography.
Scope And
Application:
 This method determines the concentration of phenols in aqueous and non-aqueous samples by using open-tubular, capillary-column gas chromatography procedures while utilizing either single-column or dual column/dual-detector approaches.
Applicable
Conc Range:
 Not Available.
Interferences: (A) Memory Interferences: Carryover may occur whenever high and low concentration samples are analyzed in sequence. For prevention, rinse the sample syringe between samples with solvent. Also, unusually concentrated samples should be followed by the analysis of a solvent blank. Column blanks should be analyzed whenever a solvent blank indicates cross-contamination.
(B) Coeluting Compounds: Some compounds coelute on either one or both columns, in which case, they must be reported as coeluting. The samples may be reanalyzed by GC/MS. Some derivatized phenols are known to coelute and, therefore, may be analyzed in the underivatized form or by using a GC column which permits separation.
(C) Non-specific Interferences: May reduce sensitivity during the analysis of underivatized phenols. Also, sample extracts should be dry prior to methylation to avoid poor recoveries.
QC Requirements: Refer to Chapter One and Methods 8000, 3500, and 3600 for specific QC procedures. Procedures include: validation of sample extraction and clean up, initial demonstration of capability, calibration verification, evaluation of retention times, analysis of method blanks, matrix spikes, duplicates, surrogates, and laboratory control samples.
Sample Handling: See SW-846 Chapter Four for information. Extracts to be methylated should undergo derivatization within 48 hours after extraction. The methylated extracts should then be analyzed immediately in order to avoid the possibility of additional reactions occurring.
Max Holding Time:
 See SW-846 Chapter Four for information.
Sample Prep Met Methods 3500,3510,3520,3540,3550,3580
Relative Cost: $201 to $400
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