ZB-SemiVolatiles with Enviro-Inert™ Technology

Importance of the Topic

Analytical methods for semivolatile organic compound analysis in environmental testing demand high inertness and stability to prevent analyte degradation and peak distortion. Zebron ZB-SemiVolatiles columns with Enviro-Inert technology address these challenges by minimizing active surface sites, reducing bleed, and offering robust performance, thereby reducing downtime and increasing laboratory productivity.

Objectives and Study Overview

This work aimed to develop a gas chromatography column optimized for EPA Method 8270D semivolatile analysis using a novel deactivation and bonding strategy. Key objectives included improving response for basic and acidic analytes, ensuring out of the box compliance with method suitability requirements, and extending column lifetime under aggressive sample matrices.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Column development involved collaboration with multiple environmental laboratories and extensive QC testing using two test mixes targeting efficiency, bleed, activity, retention, and breakdown criteria. Analytical methods applied GC MS and GC FID instruments with helium or hydrogen carrier gas, split and splitless injections, pulsed injection protocols, and detailed temperature programs for semivolatile separations.

Main Results and Discussion

• ZB-SemiVolatiles exceeded competitor columns in pyridine and pentachlorophenol response factors, meeting stringent internal thresholds for activity testing.
• DDT degradation remained below 20 percent consistent with EPA 8270D requirements.
• Improved resolution of critical compound pairs such as benzo b fluoranthene and benzo k fluoranthene achieved valley heights under 15 percent, enabling shorter run times.
• Signal to noise ratios for brominated flame retardant BDE 209 increased more than 40 fold compared to other 5 percent phenyl columns.
• Users reported stable calibrations and reduced maintenance over extended sample sequences.

Benefits and Practical Applications

ZB-SemiVolatiles columns simplify compliance with EPA semivolatile methods and extend applicability to analyses of PAHs, phenols, amines, pesticides, drinking water contaminants, and PBDEs. Guardian pre column traps and compatibility with fast GC formats enhance versatility and throughput.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Further improvements in deactivation chemistries to support emerging analytes and ultra trace detection.
• Integration with high speed GC and automated sample introduction for higher throughput environmental monitoring.
• Development of specialized phases tailored to novel contaminant classes such as microplastic degradation products.
• Coupling with advanced detectors such as time of flight MS for comprehensive screening and identification.

Conclusion

Zebron ZB-SemiVolatiles columns with Enviro-Inert technology deliver reliable inertness, high sensitivity, and extended lifetime for semivolatile organic analysis. Their proven performance and broad application scope make them a valuable asset in modern analytical laboratories.

Reference

Phenomenex Zebron ZB-SemiVolatiles Application Note 2014