Fast USEPA 8270 Semivolatiles Analysis Using the 6890/5973 inert GC/MSD with Performance Electronics

Significance of the Topic

The rapid and sensitive measurement of semivolatile organic compounds in environmental samples is essential for regulatory compliance and effective contamination assessment. Fast analysis reduces turnaround time and laboratory backlog while maintaining data quality under USEPA Method 8270 criteria.

Study Objectives and Overview

This work evaluates the performance of the Agilent 6890 gas chromatograph coupled to the 5973 inert mass selective detector equipped with Performance Electronics for USEPA Method 8270 semivolatiles analysis. It demonstrates reduced run times and improved detection limits without compromising linearity or reproducibility.

Methodology

The system was configured for pulsed splitless injection onto a 20 meter by 0.18 millimeter id DB-5.625 column with 0.36 micron film thickness. Key GC parameters included:

• Inlet temperature 250 °C with a 0.5 microliter injection volume
• Helium carrier gas at 1.0 mL per minute constant flow
• Oven ramping from 55 °C to 320 °C with a total run time of 15 minutes

The MSD was operated with a 6-millimeter large aperture drawout lens and Performance Electronics to enable faster scan rates (5.92 scans per second) and lower mass detection limits. The inert source design minimized compound adsorption. The detector was tuned using a modified DFTPP method to meet Method 8270D tune criteria, adjusting the sampling rate and emission current for optimal signal-to-noise.

Instrumental Setup

• Gas chromatograph Agilent 6890
• Mass spectrometer Agilent 5973 inert MSD with Performance Electronics
• Inlet liner single taper splitless, glass wool free
• Column Agilent DB-5.625, 20 m × 0.18 mm id, 0.36 µm film
• Tune macro atune73.mac modified for Method 8270D DFTPP target criteria

Main Results and Discussion

Calibration was performed at nine levels from 1 to 200 ng per injection across 74 analytes and six internal standards. The total ion chromatogram at 5 ng shows sharp peaks and excellent resolution, with critical pairs meeting resolution requirements at low concentrations. Key performance metrics include:

• System performance check compounds average relative response factors well above the minimum 0.05 criterion
• Calibration check compounds percent relative standard deviations below the 30 percent threshold over 2 to 200 ng, with the exception of highly active pentachlorophenol at the 1 to 200 ng range

This indicates robust linearity and sensitivity even at low ng levels.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The enhanced scan speed and inert source enable a reduction in run time from 25–40 minutes to under 15 minutes, increasing sample throughput. Improved signal to noise at fast acquisition rates simplifies peak integration, reduces maintenance frequency, and supports lower minimum detection limits, making it suitable for environmental monitoring, quality assurance, and regulatory laboratories.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Ongoing advances in detector electronics and column technology will further shorten analysis times and lower detection thresholds. Integration of automated tuning, data processing, and remote monitoring can drive higher sample throughput. Emerging high speed mass analyzers may complement GC/MSD systems for comprehensive screening of semivolatiles and emerging contaminants.

Conclusion

The Agilent 6890/5973 inert GC/MSD system with Performance Electronics meets and exceeds USEPA Method 8270D requirements for semivolatile analysis. By combining a fast scan rate, inert source, and narrow-bore column, laboratories can achieve 15-minute run times with excellent linearity, sensitivity, and reproducibility.

References

• Szelewski M Wilson B Perkins P Improvements in the Agilent 6890 5973 GC MSD System for Use with USEPA Method 8270 Agilent Technologies publication 5988 3072EN 2004
• Szelewski M Fast Semivolatiles Analysis using the Agilent Technologies 6890 5973 inert GC MSD Agilent Technologies publication 5989 0207EN 2004