Analysis of USEPA 8270 mix

Importance of the Topic

The US EPA Method 8270 is a cornerstone for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of semi-volatile organic compounds in environmental samples. Reliable separation and detection of a wide variety of contaminants—from nitroaromatics to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons—are critical for monitoring water, soil, and air quality. Optimizing chromatographic performance enhances data quality, regulatory compliance, and decision-making in environmental protection and industrial quality control.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

This application note evaluates the suitability of the SolGel-1msTM GC column for the analysis of the standard EPA 8270 compound mix at 10 ppm in methanol. The aim is to demonstrate efficient separation, reproducible retention, and robust peak shapes for all 83 target analytes under typical GC-MS conditions.

Methodology

A splitless injection of 1 µL of the 10 ppm standard was performed. The GC oven program started at 40 °C (3 min hold), ramped at 8 °C/min to 300 °C, and held for 9 min. Helium carrier gas was delivered in constant-flow mode at 1.1 mL/min, with an inlet pressure of 16 psi for 30 s, then 10 psi on ramp to a final 28 psi. Full-scan MS data were acquired over m/z 41–450.

Instrumentation Used

• Gas chromatograph equipped with splitless injection and pressure-ramped control
• SolGel-1msTM column, 30 m × 0.25 mm ID × 0.25 µm film thickness (Part No. 054795)
• Mass spectrometer detector in full-scan mode (m/z 41–450)
• 4 mm ID single gooseneck inlet liner

Main Results and Discussion

The SolGel-1ms column delivered baseline separation for all major compound classes, including phenols, nitroaromatics, phthalates, and high-molecular-weight PAHs, within a 50-minute runtime. Key observations:

• Sharp, symmetric peaks for early eluters (e.g., nitrosamines, phenols).
• Clear resolution of isomeric chlorophenols and dinitrophenols.
• Effective separation of high-boiling phthalates and heavy PAHs (e.g., benzo[a]pyrene, perylene).
• Stable retention times with minimal drift over multiple injections.

These results underscore the column’s robustness and suitability for routine environmental analyses.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Comprehensive coverage of 83 semi-volatile analytes in a single run.
• Improved peak capacity reduces coelution and enhances quantitation accuracy.
• Reproducible retention and consistent performance support high-throughput laboratories.
• Compatible with existing GC-MS platforms, facilitating method adoption.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances in column technology and GC-MS sensitivity continue to drive faster ramp rates, narrower bore columns, and miniaturized systems for field deployable testing. Coupling SolGel-coated phases with tandem MS or high-resolution MS will enable trace-level detection, suspect screening, and non-target analysis of emerging contaminants such as microplastics additives and novel halogenated compounds.

Conclusion

The SolGel-1ms column provides a reliable, high-resolution solution for EPA 8270 mix analysis, delivering excellent separation, reproducibility, and operational robustness. Its broad applicability makes it an ideal choice for environmental monitoring, industrial QC, and research laboratories.

Reference

Trajan Scientific Australia Pty Ltd. Application Note AN-0131-G (December 2016).