NEMI Method Summary

Method Summary Information

Method Number: 420.2 Media: WATER
Revision: Issued 1974
Method Source: U.S. EPA National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL) [formerly EMSL]
Analytes in this method
Subcategory: ORGANIC
Official Name: Phenolics, Total Recoverable (Colorimetric, Automated 4-AAP with Distillation)
Descriptive Name Phenolics by Automated Colorimetry
Source Info: U.S.EPA National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL)
Microbiological and Chemical Exposure Assessment Research Division (MCEARD)
[formerly the Environmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory (EMSL), Cincinnati, OH]
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268-0001
Fax: 513-569-7757
email: DWmethods.help@epa.gov
Citation: Methods for the Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes (MCAWW) (EPA/600/4-79/020)
109196 Byte file
Brief Method
Summary:
 This automated method is based on the distillation of phenols and subsequent reaction of the distillate with alkaline ferricyanide and 4-aminoantipyrine to form a red complex which is measured with an on-line colorimeter.
Scope And
Application:
 This automated method determines phenolic compounds in drinking, surface and saline waters; domestic and industrial wastes.
Applicable
Conc Range:
 There are two working ranges: 2-200 ug/L and 10-500 ug/L.
Interferences: (A) Sulfur compounds: Interferences from sulfur compounds are eliminated by acidifying the sample to pH < 4 with phosphoric acid and aerating briefly by stirring and adding copper sulfate.
(B) Oxidizing agents: Oxidizing agents can oxidize phenolics, causing results to be low. Test for the presence of oxidizing agents with potassium iodide strips. If present, remove them when sampling by adding ferrous ammonium sulfate in excess.
(C) Contamination: Contamination from plastic tubing and sample containers is eliminated by using glass and Kel-F tubing.
QC Requirements: None.
Sample Handling: Add copper sulfate (1 gram/L) and acidity to pH < 4 to inhibit biodegradation. The sample should be refrigerated at 4oC.
Max Holding Time:
 24 hours.
Sample Prep Met None.
Relative Cost: Less than $50
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