EPA Method 524.2 Drinking Water

Significance of the Topic

The reliable determination of volatile organic compounds in drinking water is essential for environmental monitoring and public health protection. Gas chromatography with capillary columns offers high resolution and sensitivity for trace-level analysis of chlorinated and aromatic contaminants, supporting regulatory compliance and quality assurance in water analysis laboratories.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

This application note demonstrates the use of a cyanopropyl phenyl methylpolysiloxane capillary column for the simultaneous separation and detection of 54 target compounds in drinking water. The method follows EPA Method 524.2 to ensure reproducibility and accreditation compatibility.

Methodology

• Column: 30 m × 0.25 mm I.D. × 2.0 µm film of cyanopropyl phenyl methylpolysiloxane (Cat. No. 007-624-30-2.0F)
• Temperature Program: 35 °C (2 min hold), ramp 6 °C/min to 150 °C, ramp 2.5 °C/min to 240 °C
• Injector Temperature: 220 °C
• Carrier Gas: Helium at 28 cm/s linear velocity

Instrumentation Used

• Gas chromatograph equipped with capillary column 007-624
• Mass selective detector (MSD) for sensitive identification and quantitation

Main Results and Discussion

The method achieved baseline separation of all 54 target compounds, including structural isomers such as cis/trans dichloroethylenes and trimethylbenzenes, within a single run. Retention times were consistent across replicate injections, and the mass spectrometer provided unambiguous confirmation of analyte identity. Complex mixtures of halogenated ethenes, ethanes, propanes, aromatic hydrocarbons, and halogenated by-products were resolved with minimal coelution.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Trace-level detection of regulated contaminants in drinking water matrices
• Compliance with EPA Method 524.2 and related environmental standards
• High sample throughput due to efficient temperature programming
• Robust separation of structurally similar compounds supports quality control

Future Trends and Applications

Advances in fast GC and high-resolution mass spectrometry will further reduce analysis time and enhance selectivity. Portable GC-MS systems are emerging for on-site water monitoring. Integration with automated sample preparation and data-analysis software will streamline workflows. Expansion of target analyte lists to include emerging contaminants such as chlorinated haloacetic acids and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances is anticipated.

Conclusion

The described GC-MS method with a cyanopropyl phenyl methylpolysiloxane capillary column provides a robust and reproducible platform for the simultaneous analysis of a broad range of volatile organic compounds in drinking water. Its alignment with EPA Method 524.2 ensures regulatory acceptance and reliable performance in environmental laboratories.

References

• EPA Method 524.2, Measurement of Purgeable Organic Compounds in Water by Capillary Column Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
• Quadrex Corporation, Application Note for Column 007-624-30-2.0F