Using Nitrogen Purge Gas for US EPA Drinking Water Methods
Applications | 2012 | Teledyne LABSInstrumentation
The identification of purgeable volatile organic compounds in drinking water is critical to protect public health. USEPA Method 524.4 sets rigorous requirements for sensitivity and accuracy while offering a cost effective alternative by using nitrogen purge gas instead of helium. The method ensures detection of a broad range of contaminants at low levels needed for regulatory compliance.
This study aimed to demonstrate the performance of a purge and trap gas chromatography mass spectrometry setup using nitrogen as the purge gas for compliance with USEPA Method 524.4. Linear calibration and minimum reporting levels were established for 76 volatile organic compounds. Field samples from local drinking water sources were analyzed to illustrate method applicability.
The analysis employed automated sample handling and concentration, followed by capillary column GC MS detection.
Method parameters such as purge flow rate, volume, desorb temperature, and timing followed the recommended ranges for Method 524.4.
Calibration curves from 0.5 to 50 ppb showed excellent linearity, with regression factors above 0.995 for all compounds. Minimum reporting levels at 0.5 ppb met precision and accuracy criteria, with prediction intervals within 50 to 150 percent. Analysis of tap water samples from four locations detected only trihalomethanes below regulatory limits of 80 ppb.
The use of nitrogen purge gas reduces operating costs while maintaining purge efficiency. Automation enhances sample throughput and reproducibility. The system meets all performance requirements for drinking water analysis, making it suitable for routine monitoring in environmental, industrial, and regulatory laboratories.
Advances in purge and trap materials and more sensitive detectors may lower detection limits further. Integration with real time data processing and remote monitoring could streamline compliance. Expanded compound libraries will support emerging contaminant screening.
The combination of a purge and trap concentrator, automated sampler, and GC MS system using nitrogen purge gas fulfills USEPA Method 524.4 criteria. This approach offers accurate, reliable, and cost effective analysis of volatile organic compounds in drinking water.
GC/MSD, Purge and Trap, GC/SQ
IndustriesEnvironmental
ManufacturerAgilent Technologies, Teledyne LABS
Summary
Importance of the Topic
The identification of purgeable volatile organic compounds in drinking water is critical to protect public health. USEPA Method 524.4 sets rigorous requirements for sensitivity and accuracy while offering a cost effective alternative by using nitrogen purge gas instead of helium. The method ensures detection of a broad range of contaminants at low levels needed for regulatory compliance.
Study Objectives and Overview
This study aimed to demonstrate the performance of a purge and trap gas chromatography mass spectrometry setup using nitrogen as the purge gas for compliance with USEPA Method 524.4. Linear calibration and minimum reporting levels were established for 76 volatile organic compounds. Field samples from local drinking water sources were analyzed to illustrate method applicability.
Methodology and Instrumentation
The analysis employed automated sample handling and concentration, followed by capillary column GC MS detection.
- Sample concentration Stratum purge and trap concentrator
- Automation AQUATek 100 autosampler with chiller
- Trap medium Supelco Vocarb 3000 K Trap
- Gas chromatograph Agilent 7890A with J W DB 624 column
- Mass spectrometer Agilent 5975C inert XL MSD with triple axis detector
Method parameters such as purge flow rate, volume, desorb temperature, and timing followed the recommended ranges for Method 524.4.
Main Results and Discussion
Calibration curves from 0.5 to 50 ppb showed excellent linearity, with regression factors above 0.995 for all compounds. Minimum reporting levels at 0.5 ppb met precision and accuracy criteria, with prediction intervals within 50 to 150 percent. Analysis of tap water samples from four locations detected only trihalomethanes below regulatory limits of 80 ppb.
Benefits and Practical Applications
The use of nitrogen purge gas reduces operating costs while maintaining purge efficiency. Automation enhances sample throughput and reproducibility. The system meets all performance requirements for drinking water analysis, making it suitable for routine monitoring in environmental, industrial, and regulatory laboratories.
Future Trends and Applications
Advances in purge and trap materials and more sensitive detectors may lower detection limits further. Integration with real time data processing and remote monitoring could streamline compliance. Expanded compound libraries will support emerging contaminant screening.
Conclusion
The combination of a purge and trap concentrator, automated sampler, and GC MS system using nitrogen purge gas fulfills USEPA Method 524.4 criteria. This approach offers accurate, reliable, and cost effective analysis of volatile organic compounds in drinking water.
References
- USEPA Method 524.4 Measurement of Purgeable Organic Compounds by Capillary Column Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Revision 1 2011
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