MEE Method HJ605 Using the Teledyne Tekmar Atomx XYZ P&T and Agilent GC/MSD to Determine Volatile Organic Compound Concentration in Soil Matrices

Importance of Topic

The accurate measurement of volatile organic compounds in soil is critical for environmental monitoring, risk assessment, and remediation efforts. Reliable quantification of VOCs ensures compliance with regulatory thresholds and supports decision-making in site management.

Study Objectives and Overview

This application note describes the implementation of China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) Method HJ605 using the Teledyne Tekmar Atomx XYZ purge and trap system combined with an Agilent 7890B gas chromatograph and 5977B mass spectrometer. The goals were to establish a linear calibration curve, determine method detection limits (MDLs), and verify precision and accuracy via midpoint calibration checks for a suite of target VOCs in soil matrices.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample Preparation

• A 66-compound calibration standard (2–200 ppb range) was prepared by diluting commercially available mixes in methanol and spiking soil samples.
• Internal standards (fluorobenzene, chlorobenzene-d5, 1,4-dichlorobenzene-d4) and surrogate standards (dibromofluoromethane, toluene-d8, 4-bromofluorobenzene) were added to every sample.

Instrumentation

• Teledyne Tekmar Atomx XYZ P&T system: enhanced trap-cooling and moisture control (MCS) to reduce cycle times and minimize water interference, 84-position autosampler.
• Agilent 7890B GC: DB-VRX capillary column (20 m×0.18 mm×1 µm), temperature ramp from 35 °C to 225 °C, 14.8 min run time.
• Agilent 5977B MSD: single quadrupole, 35–270 amu scan range, transfer line at 225 °C, source at 250 °C.

Main Results and Discussion

Calibration curves for all compounds exhibited coefficients of determination (R²) greater than 0.99 and relative standard deviations (RSDs) of response factors below the 20% threshold. Method detection limits averaged 0.47 ppb (RSD 5.9%) based on seven replicate 2 ppb spikes. Midpoint checks at 20 ppb yielded average recoveries of 95% and RSDs below 4%, demonstrating excellent precision and minimal interference from residual water. A representative total ion chromatogram of a 10 ppb standard showed clear, well-resolved peaks and minimal baseline noise.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The combined Atomx XYZ and Agilent GC/MS configuration offers rapid, high-throughput analysis of soil VOCs with robust moisture handling, reducing sample cycle times and extending column lifetime. Laboratories can achieve reliable trace-level quantitation for environmental compliance, remediation monitoring, and quality control in industrial and research settings.

Future Trends and Possibilities

Advancements may include optimization of purge parameters and GC temperature programs to further shorten analysis time and enhance sensitivity. Integration with automated data processing and remote instrumentation control could streamline laboratory workflow and support real-time field analysis. Expansion of compound libraries and adaptation to emerging contaminants will extend the method’s applicability.

Conclusion

This study validates MEE Method HJ605 for VOC analysis in soil using the Teledyne Tekmar Atomx XYZ P&T system and Agilent 7890B/5977B GC/MSD. The method meets rigorous criteria for linearity, detection limits, precision, and accuracy while offering operational efficiencies for high-volume laboratories.

References

• Agilent Technologies, Application Note AN2108, "MEE Method HJ605 Using the Teledyne Tekmar Atomx XYZ P&T and Agilent GC/MSD," February 2022.