US EPA Method 8260 with the Tekmar Atomx XYZ P&T System and Agilent 7890B GC/5977A MS

Significance of the Topic

This study addresses the determination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in water and soil matrices, a critical component of environmental monitoring, pollution control, and regulatory compliance. Reliable quantification of trace-level contaminants is essential for assessing water quality, site remediation, and ensuring public health and safety.

Objectives and Study Overview

The primary aim was to evaluate the performance of the Teledyne Tekmar Atomx XYZ purge and trap system coupled with an Agilent 7890B GC and 5977A MS for VOC analysis following US EPA Method 8260 in combination with Methods 5030 and 5035. Key objectives included developing linear calibration ranges, determining method detection limits (MDLs), and assessing accuracy and precision in both water and soil sample matrices.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Standard mixtures were prepared in methanol to produce calibration points from 0.5 ppb to 200 ppb. Internal standards (eg, 1,2-dichloroethane-d4, bromofluorobenzene) and surrogates (eg, dibromofluoromethane, toluene-d8) were added at fixed concentrations to each sample. The Atomx XYZ system parameters (including trap temperature, purge flow, and desorb conditions) were optimized to minimize water interference. GC conditions used a Restek VMS capillary column with tailored oven temperature ramps, while the MS operated in scan mode from m/z 35 to 260.

Main Results and Discussion

Calibration curves for over 90 target VOCs exhibited excellent linearity (response factor RSDs typically below 15%). MDLs ranged from approximately 0.08 ppb to 0.45 ppb. Accuracy across seven replicate analyses at 0.5 ppb demonstrated recoveries between 79% and 127%, and precision met method requirements with RSD values generally below 20%. Chromatographic comparison of blank runs confirmed the Atomx XYZ’s moisture control system reduced water peaks by roughly 60%, enhancing peak resolution and protecting the column. Total ion chromatograms at 50 ppb showed consistent, well resolved peaks with no significant water interference for both water and soil methods.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High throughput: 84-position autosampler enables extended unattended operation.
• Reduced cycle time: Trap cooling design shortens sample cycles by up to 14%.
• Improved moisture removal: Enhanced water vapor control reduces interference and extends column life.
• Regulatory compliance: Fully meets US EPA Method 8260 criteria for VOC quantitation.

Future Trends and Applications

Further optimization of GC oven programs may reduce run times, while automation of sample preparation and data processing can enhance laboratory efficiency. Integration with high-resolution MS, development of portable P&T-GC/MS systems for field use, and AI-driven data analysis are expected to advance VOC monitoring capabilities.

Conclusion

The combined Teledyne Tekmar Atomx XYZ P&T system and Agilent 7890B/5977A GC/MS configuration delivers robust, high-throughput quantitation of VOCs in water and soil, fully compliant with US EPA Method 8260 and associated purge and trap protocols. Its enhanced moisture management, rapid cycle times, and reliable performance make it ideal for environmental laboratories and routine monitoring applications.

References

1. US EPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. Method 8260B: Volatile Organic Compounds by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. Revision 2. December 1996.
2. US EPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. Method 8260C: Volatile Organic Compounds by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. Revision 3. August 2006.
3. US EPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. Method 5030B: Purge and Trap for Aqueous Samples. Revision 2. December 1996.
4. US EPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. Method 5030C: Purge and Trap for Aqueous Samples. Revision 3. May 2003.