Method 632

The Determination of 

Carbamate and Urea Pesticides

in Municipal and Industrial

Wastewater
Method 632

The Determination of Carbamate and Urea Pesticides in Municipal and

Industrial Wastewater

1. SCOPE AND APPLICATION

1.1 This method covers the determination of certain carbamate and urea pesticides. The

following parameters can be determined by this method:

Parameter STORET No. CAS No.

Aminocarb ) 2032-59-9

Barban ) 101-27-9

Carbaryl 39750 63-25-2

Carbofuran 81405 1563-66-2

Chlorpropham ) 101-21-3

Diuron 39650 330-54-1

Fenuron ) 101-42-8

Fenuron-TCA ) 4482-55-7

Fluometuron ) 2164-17-2

Linuron ) 330-55-2

Methiocarb ) 2032-65-7

Methomyl 39051 16752-77-5

Mexacarbate ) 315-18-4

Monuron ) 150-68-5

Monuron-TCA ) 140-41-0

Neburon ) 555-37-3

Oxamyl ) 23135-22-0

Propham 39052 122-42-9

Propoxur ) 114-26-1

Siduron ) 1982-49-6

Swep ) 1918-18-9

1.2 This method cannot distinguish monuron from monuron-TCA and fenuron from

fenuron-TCA. Results for the paired parameters are reported as monuron and fenuron

respectively.

1.3 This is a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method applicable to the

determination of the compounds listed above in industrial and municipal discharges as

provided under 40 CFR 136.1. Any modification of this method beyond those expressly

permitted shall be considered a major modification subject to application and approval

of alternative test procedures under 40 CFR 136.4 and 136.5.

1.4 The method detection limit (MDL, defined in Section 15) for many of the parameters are

listed in Table 1. The MDL for a specific wastewater may differ from those listed,

depending upon the nature of interferences in the sample matrix.
Method 632

1.5 This method is restricted to use by or under the supervision of analysts experienced in

the use of liquid chromatography and in the interpretation of liquid chromatograms.

Each analyst must demonstrate the ability to generate acceptable results with this method

using the procedure described in Section 8.2.

1.6 When this method is used to analyze unfamiliar samples for any or all of the compounds

above, compound identifications should be supported by at least one additional

qualitative technique.

2. SUMMARY OF METHOD

2.1 A measured volume of sample, approximately 1 L, is extracted with methylene chloride

using a separatory funnel. The methylene chloride extract is dried and concentrated to

a volume of 10 mL or less. HPLC chromatographic conditions are described which

permit the separation and measurement of the compounds in the extract by HPLC with

a UV detector.1,2

2.2 This method provides an optional Florisil column cleanup procedure to aid in the

elimination or reduction of interferences which may be encountered.

3. INTERFERENCES

3.1 Method interferences may be caused by contaminants in solvents, reagents, glassware,

and other sample-processing apparatus that lead to discrete artifacts or elevated baselines

in liquid chromatograms. All reagents and apparatus must be routinely demonstrated

to be free from interferences under the conditions of the analysis by running laboratory

reagent blanks as described in Section 8.5.

3.1.1 Glassware must be scrupulously cleaned. Clean all glassware, as soon as 3

possible after use by thoroughly rinsing with the last solvent used in it. Follow

by washing with hot water and detergent and thorough rinsing with tap and

reagent water. Drain dry, and heat in an oven or muffle furnace at 400°C for 15

to 30 minutes. Do not heat volumetric ware. Thermally stable materials, such as

PCBs, may not be eliminated by this treatment. Thorough rinsing with acetone

and pesticide-quality hexane may be substituted for the heating. After drying

and cooling, seal and store glassware in a clean environment to prevent any

accumulation of dust or other contaminants. Store inverted or capped with

aluminum foil.

3.1.2 The use of high-purity reagents and solvents helps to minimize interference

problems. Purification of solvents by distillation in all-glass systems may be

required.

3.2 Matrix interferences may be caused by contaminants that are coextracted from the

sample. The extent of matrix interferences will vary considerably from source to source,

depending upon the nature and diversity of the industrial complex or municipality

sampled. The cleanup procedure in Section 11 can be used to overcome many of these

interferences, but unique samples may require additional cleanup approaches to achieve

the MDL listed in Table 1.
Method 632

4. SAFETY

4.1 The toxicity or carcinogenicity of each reagent used in this method has not been precisely

defined; however, each chemical compound must be treated as a potential health hazard.

From this viewpoint, exposure to these chemicals must be reduced to the lowest possible

level by whatever means available. The laboratory is responsible for maintaining a

current awareness file of OSHA regulations regarding the safe handling of the chemicals

specified in this method. A reference file of material data handling sheets should also

be made available to all personnel involved in the chemical analysis. Additional

references to laboratory safety are available and have been identified for the 4-6

information of the analyst.

5. APPARATUS AND MATERIALS

5.1 Sampling equipment, for discrete or composite sampling.

5.1.1 Grap-sample bottle: Amber borosilicate or flint glass, 1-L or 1-quart volume,

fitted with screw-caps lined with TFE-fluorocarbon. Aluminum foil may be

substituted for TFE if the sample is not corrosive. If amber bottles are not

available, protect samples from light. The container and cap liner must be

washed, rinsed with acetone or methylene chloride, and dried before use to

minimize contamination.

5.1.2 Automatic sampler (optional): Must incorporate glass sample containers for the

collection of a minimum of 250 mL. Sample containers must be kept refrigerated

at 4°C and protected from light during compositing. If the sampler uses a

peristaltic pump, a minimum length of compressible silicone rubber tubing may

be used. Before use, however, the compressible tubing must be thoroughly rinsed

with methanol, followed by repeated rinsings with reagent water to minimize the

potential for contamination of the sample. An integrating flow meter is required

to collect flow-proportional composites.

5.2 Glassware. (All specifications are suggested. Catalog numbers are included for

illustration only.)

5.2.1 Separatory funnel: 2000-mL, with TFE-fluorocarbon stopcock, ground-glass or

TFE stopper.

5.2.2 Drying column: Chromatographic column 400 mm long by 19 mm ID with

coarse-fritted disc.

5.2.3 Chromatographic column: 400 mm long by 19 mm ID with coarse-fritted disc at

bottom and TFE-fluorocarbon stopcock (Kontes K-420540-0224 or equivalent).

5.2.4 Flask: Round-bottom 500-mL, with standard taper to fit rotary evaporator.

5.2.5 Vials: Amber glass, 10- to 15-mL capacity with TFE-fluorocarbon-lined screw-cap.

5.3 Rotary evaporator.
Method 632

5.4 Water bath: Heated, with concentric ring cover, capable of temperature control (±2°C).

The bath should be used in a hood.

5.5 Balance: Analytical, capable of accurately weighing to the nearest 0.0001 g.

5.6 Filtration apparatus: As needed to filter chromatographic solvents prior to HPLC.

5.7 Liquid chromatograph: High-performance analytical system complete with high pressure

syringes or sample injection loop, analytical columns, detector, and strip-chart recorder.

A guard column is recommended for all applications.

5.7.1 Gradient pumping system, constant flow.

5.7.2 Column: 30 cm long by 4 mm ID stainless steel packed with μ Bondapak C (10 18

μm) or equivalent. This column was used to develop the method performance

statements in Section 14. Alternative columns may be used in accordance with

the provisions described in Section 12.1.

5.7.3 Detector: Ultraviolet, capable of monitoring at 254 nm and 280 nm. This detector

has proven effective in the analysis of wastewaters and was used to develop the

method performance statements in Section 14. Alternative detectors may be used

in accordance with the provisions described in Section 12.1.

6. REAGENTS

6.1 Reagent water: Reagent water is defined as a water in which an interferent is not

observed at the method detection limit of each parameter of interest.

6.2 Acetone, acetonitrile, hexane, methylene chloride, methanol: Pesticide-quality or

equivalent.

6.3 Ethyl ether: Nanograde, redistilled in glass if necessary. Must be free of peroxides as

indicated by EM Quant test strips (available from Scientific Products Co., Cat.

No. P1126-8, and other suppliers). Procedures recommended for removal of peroxides

are provided with the test strips. After cleanup, 20 mL ethyl alcohol preservative must

be added to each liter of ether.

6.4 Sodium sulfate: ACS, granular, anhydrous. Condition by heating in a shallow tray at

400°C for a minimum of 4 hours to remove phthalates and other interfering organic

substances. Alternatively, heat 16 hours at 450 to 500°C in a shallow tray or perform a

Soxhlet extraction with methylene chloride for 48 hours.

6.5 Florisil: PR grade (60/100 mesh). Purchase activated at 675°C and store in dark in glass

container with ground-glass stopper or foil-lined screw-cap. Before use activate each

batch at least 16 hours at 130°C in a foil-covered glass container.

6.6 Acetic acid: Glacial.
Method 632

6.7 Stock standard solutions (1.00 μg/μL): Stock standard solutions may be prepared from

pure standard materials or purchased as certified solutions.

6.7.1 Prepare stock standard solutions by accurately weighing approximately 0.0100 g

of pure material. Dissolve the material in pesticide-quality acetonitrile or

methanol and dilute to volume in a 10-mL volumetric flask. Larger volumes may

be used at the convenience of the analyst. If compound purity is certified at 96%

or greater, the weight may be used without correction to calculate the

concentration of the stock standard. Commercially prepared stock standards may

be used at any concentration if they are certified by the manufacturer or by an

independent source.

6.7.2 Transfer the stock standard solutions into TFE-fluorocarbon-sealed screw-cap

vials. Store at 4°C and protect from light. Frequently check stock standard

solutions for signs of degradation or evaporation, especially just prior to

preparing calibration standards from them.

6.7.3 Stock standard solutions must be replaced after 6 months, or sooner if comparison

with check standards indicates a problem.

7. CALIBRATION

7.1 Establish HPLC operating parameters equivalent to those indicated in Table 1. The

HPLC system may be calibrated using either the external standard technique (Section 7.2)

or the internal standard technique (Section 7.3).

7.2 External standard calibration procedure.

7.2.1 For each parameter of interest, prepare calibration standards at a minimum of

three concentration levels by adding accurately measured volumes of one or more

stock standards to a volumetric flask and diluting to volume with acetonitrile or

methanol. One of the external standards should be representative of a

concentration near, but above, the method detection limit. The other

concentrations should correspond to the range of concentrations expected in the

sample concentrates or should define the working range of the detector.

7.2.2 Using injections of 10 μL of each calibration standard, tabulate peak height or

area responses against the mass injected. The results can be used to prepare a

calibration curve for each parameter. Alternatively, the ratio of the response to

the mass injected, defined as the calibration factor (CF), may be calculated for

each parameter at each standard concentration. If the relative standard deviation

of the calibration factor is less than 10% over the working range, the average

calibration factor can be used in place of a calibration curve.
Method 632

7.2.3 The working calibration curve or calibration factor must be verified on each

working shift by the measurement of one or more calibration standards. If the

response for any parameter varies from the predicted response by more than

±10%, the test must be repeated using a fresh calibration standard. Alternatively,

a new calibration curve or calibration factor must be prepared for that parameter.

7.3 Internal standard calibration procedure: To use this approach, the analyst must select

one or more internal standards similar in analytical behavior to the compounds of

interest. The analyst must further demonstrate that the measurement of the internal

standard is not affected by method or matrix interferences. Due to these limitations, no

internal standard applicable to all samples can be suggested.

7.3.1 Prepare calibration standards at a minimum of three concentration levels for each

parameter of interest by adding volumes of one or more stock standards to a

volumetric flask. To each calibration standard, add a known constant amount of

one or more internal standards, and dilute to volume with acetonitrile or

methanol. One of the standards should be representative of a concentration near,

but above, the method detection limit. The other concentrations should

correspond to the range of concentrations expected in the sample concentrates, or

should define the working range of the detector.

7.3.2 Using injections of 10 μL of each calibration standard, tabulate the peak height or

area responses against the concentration for each compound and internal

standard. Calculate response factors (RF) for each compound as follows:

Equation 1

where

A = Response for the parameter to be measured s

A = Response for the internal standard is

C = Concentration of the internal standard, in μg/L is

C = Concentration of the parameter to be measured, in μg/L s

If the RF value over the working range is constant, less than 10% relative

standard deviation, the RF can be assumed to be invariant and the average RF

may be used for calculations. Alternatively, the results may be used to plot a

calibration curve of response ratios, A /A against RF. s is

7.3.3 The working calibration curve or RF must be verified on each working shift by

the measurement of one or more calibration standards. If the response for any

parameter varies from the predicted response by more than ±10%, the test must

be repeated using a fresh calibration standard. Alternatively, a new calibration

curve must be prepared for that compound.
Method 632

7.4 The cleanup procedure in Section 11 utilizes Florisil chromatography. Florisil from

different batches or sources may vary in adsorptive capacity. To standardize the amount

of Florisil which is used, the use of the lauric acid value is suggested. This procedure7

determines the adsorption from hexane solution of the lauric acid, in milligrams per gram

of Florisil. The amount of Florisil to be used for each column is calculated by dividing

this factor into 110 and multiplying by 20 g.

7.5 Before using any cleanup procedure, the analyst must process a series of calibration

standards through the procedure to validate elution patterns and the absence of

interference from the reagents.

8. QUALITY CONTROL

8.1 Each laboratory using this method is required to operate a formal quality control

program. The minimum requirements of this program consist of an initial demonstration

of laboratory capability and the analysis of spiked samples as a continuing check on

performance. The laboratory is required to maintain performance records to define the

quality of data that is generated.

8.1.1 Before performing any analyses, the analyst must demonstrate the ability to

generate acceptable accuracy and precision with this method. This ability is

established as described in Section 8.2.

8.1.2 In recognition of the rapid advances occurring in chromatography, the analyst is

permitted certain options to improve the separations or lower the cost of

measurements. Each time such modifications to the method are made, the analyst

is required to repeat the procedure in Section 8.2.

8.1.3 The laboratory must spike and analyze a minimum of 10% of all samples to

monitor continuing laboratory performance. This procedure is described in

Section 8.4.

8.2 To establish the ability to generate acceptable accuracy and precision, the analyst must

perform the following operations.

8.2.1 Select a representative spike concentration for each compound to be measured.

Using stock standards, prepare a quality control check sample concentrate in

acetonitrile or methanol, 1000 times more concentrated than the selected

concentrations.

8.2.2 Using a pipette, add 1.00 mL of the check sample concentrate to each of a

minimum of four 1000-mL aliquots of reagent water. A representative

wastewater may be used in place of the reagent water, but one or more additional

aliquots must be analyzed to determine background levels, and the spike level

must exceed twice the background level for the test to be valid. Analyze the

aliquots according to the method beginning in Section 10.
Method 632

8.2.3 Calculate the average percent recovery (R), and the standard deviation of the

percent recovery (s), for the results. Wastewater background corrections must be

made before R and s calculations are performed.

8.2.4 Table 2 provides single-operator recovery and precision for most of the carbamate

and urea pesticides. Similar results should be expected from reagent water for

all compounds listed in the method. Compare these results to the values

calculated in Section 8.2.3. If the data are not comparable, review potential

problem areas and repeat the test.

8.3 The analyst must calculate method performance criteria and define the performance of

the laboratory for each spike concentration and parameter being measured.

8.3.1 Calculate upper and lower control limits for method performance as follows:

Upper Control Limit (UCL) = R + 3s

Lower Control Limit (LCL) = R − 3s

where R and s are calculated as in Section 8.2.3. The UCL and LCL can be used

to construct control charts that are useful in observing trends in performance. 8

8.3.2 The laboratory must develop and maintain separate accuracy statements of

laboratory performance for wastewater samples. An accuracy statement for the

method is defined as R ± s. The accuracy statement should be developed by the

analysis of four aliquots of wastewater as described in Section 8.2.2, followed by

the calculation of R and s. Alternatively, the analyst may use four wastewater

data points gathered through the requirement for continuing quality control in

Section 8.4. The accuracy statements should be updated regularly.8

8.4 The laboratory is required to collect in duplicate a portion of their samples to monitor

spike recoveries. The frequency of spiked sample analysis must be at least 10% of all

samples or one spiked sample per month, whichever is greater. One aliquot of the

sample must be spiked and analyzed as described in Section 8.2. If the recovery for a

particular parameter does not fall within the control limits for method performance, the

results reported for that parameter in all samples processed as part of the same set must

be qualified as described in Section 13.3. The laboratory should monitor the frequency

of data so qualified to ensure that it remains at or below 5%.

8.5 Before processing any samples, the analyst must demonstrate through the analysis of a

1-L aliquot of reagent water that all glassware and reagent interferences are under

control. Each time a set of samples is extracted or there is a change in reagents, a

laboratory reagent blank must be processed as a safeguard against laboratory

contamination.

8.6 It is recommended that the laboratory adopt additional quality assurance practices for

use with this method. The specific practices that are most productive depend upon the

needs of the laboratory and the nature of the samples. Field duplicates may be analyzed

to monitor the precision of the sampling technique. When doubt exists over the

identification of a peak on the chromatogram, confirmatory techniques, such as

chromatography with a dissimilar column, or ratio of absorbance at two or more
Method 632

wavelengths, may be used. Whenever possible, the laboratory should perform analysis

of quality control materials and participate in relevant performance evaluation studies.

9. SAMPLE COLLECTION, PRESERVATION, AND HANDLING

9.1 Grab-samples must be collected in glass containers. Conventional sampling practices9

should be followed; however, the bottle must not be prerinsed with sample before

collection. Composite samples should be collected in refrigerated glass containers in

accordance with the requirements of the program. Automatic sampling equipment must

be as free as possible of plastic and other potential sources of contamination.

9.2 The samples must be iced or refrigerated at 4°C from the time of collection until

extraction.

9.3 All samples must be extracted within 7 days and completely analyzed within 40 days of

extraction.

10. SAMPLE EXTRACTION

10.1 Mark the water meniscus on the side of the sample bottle for later determination of

sample volume. Pour the entire sample into a 2-L separatory funnel.

10.2 Add 60 mL methylene chloride to the sample bottle, seal, and shake 30 seconds to rinse

the inner walls. Transfer the solvent to the separatory funnel and extract the sample by

shaking the funnel for 2 minutes with periodic venting to release excess pressure. Allow

the organic layer to separate from the water phase for a minimum of 10 minutes. If the

emulsion interface between layers is more than one-third the volume of the solvent layer,

the analyst must employ mechanical techniques to complete the phase separation. The

optimum technique depends upon the sample, but may include stirring, filtration of the

emulsion through glass wool, centrifugation, or other physical methods. Collect the

methylene chloride extract in a 250-mL Erlenmeyer flask.

10.3 Add a second 60-mL volume of methylene chloride to the sample bottle and repeat the

extraction procedure a second time, combining the extracts in the Erlenmeyer flask.

Perform a third extraction in the same manner.

10.4 It is necessary to exchange the extract solvent to hexane if the Florisil clean up procedure

is to be used. For direct HPLC analysis the extract solvent must be exchanged to a

solvent (either methanol or acetonitrile) that is compatible with the mobile phase. The

analyst should only exchange a portion of the extract to HPLC solvent if there is a

possibility that cleanup may be necessary.

10.5 Pass a measured fraction or all of the combined extract through a drying column

containing about 10 cm of anhydrous sodium sulfate and collect the extract in a 500-mL

round-bottom flask. Rinse the Erlenmeyer flask and column with 20 to 30 mL of

methylene chloride to complete the quantitative transfer.

10.6 Attach the 500-mL round-bottom flask containing the extract to the rotary evaporator and

partially immerse in the 50°C water bath.
Method 632

10.7 Concentrate the extract to approximately 5 mL in the rotary evaporator at a temperature

of 50°C. Other concentration techniques may be used if the requirements of Section 8.2

are met.

10.8 Add 50 mL of hexane, methanol, or acetonitrile to the round-bottom flask and

concentrate the solvent extract as before. When the apparent volume of liquid reaches

approximately 5 mL, remove the 500-mL round-bottom flask from the rotary evaporator

and transfer the concentrated extract to a 10-mL volumetric flask, quantitatively washing

with 2 mL of solvent. Adjust the volume to 10 mL.

10.9 Stopper the volumetric flask and store refrigerated at 4°C if further processing will not

be performed immediately. If the extracts will be stored longer than 2 days, they should

be transferred to TFE-fluorocarbon-sealed screw-cap bottles.

10.10 Determine the original sample volume by refilling the sample bottle to the mark and

transferring the water to a 1000-mL graduated cylinder. Record the sample volume to

the nearest 5 mL.

11. CLEANUP AND SEPARATION

11.1 Cleanup procedures may not be necessary for a relatively clean sample matrix. The

cleanup procedure recommended in this method has been used for the analysis of

various industrial and municipal effluents. If particular circumstances demand the use

of an alternative cleanup procedure, the analyst must determine the elution profile and

demonstrate that the recovery of each compound of interest for the cleanup procedure

is no less than 85%.

11.2 The following Florisil column cleanup procedure has been demonstrated to be applicable

to the five pesticides listed in Table 3. It should also be applicable to the cleanup of

extracts for the other carbamate and urea pesticides listed in the scope of this method.

11.2.1 Add a weight of Florisil (nominally 20 g) predetermined by calibration (Sections

7.4 and 7.5), to a chromatographic column. Settle the Florisil by tapping the

column. Add anhydrous sodium sulfate to the top of the Florisil to form a layer

1 to 2 cm deep. Add 60 mL of hexane to wet and rinse the sodium sulfate and

Florisil. Just prior to exposure of the sodium sulfate to air, stop the elution of the

hexane by closing the stopcock on the chromatography column. Discard the

eluate.

11.2.2 Adjust the sample extract volume to 10 mL with hexane and transfer it from the

volumetric flask to the Florisil column. Rinse the flask twice with 1 to 2 mL

hexane, adding each rinse to the column.

11.2.3 Drain the column until the sodium sulfate layer is nearly exposed. Elute the

column with 200 mL of 20% (v/v) ethyl ether in hexane (Fraction 1) using a drip

rate of about 5 mL/min. Place a 500-mL round-bottom flask under the

chromatography column. Elute the column again, using 200 mL of 6% (v/v)

acetone in hexane (Fraction 2), into a second flask. Perform a third elution using

200 mL of 15% (v/v) acetone in hexane (Fraction 3), and a final elution with
Method 632

200 mL of 50% (v/v) acetone in hexane (Fraction 4), into separate flasks. The

elution patterns for five of the pesticides are shown in Table 3.

11.2.4 Concentrate the eluates to 10 mL with a rotary evaporator as described in Section

10.7, exchanging the solvent to acetonitrile or methanol as required.

12. LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY

12.1 Table 1 summarizes the recommended operating conditions for the liquid chromatograph.

Included in this table are estimated retention-times and method detection limits that can

be achieved by this method. An example of the separations achieved by this column is

shown in Figure 1. Other HPLC columns, chromatographic conditions, or detectors may

be used if the requirements of Section 8.2 are met.

12.2 Calibrate the system daily as described in Section 7. The standards and extracts must be

in the solvent (acetonitrile or methanol) compatible with the mobile phase.

12.3 If the internal standard approach is being used, add the internal standard to sample

extracts immediately before injection into the instrument. Mix thoroughly.

12.4 Inject 10 μL of the sample extract. Record the volume injected to the nearest 0.05 μL, and

the resulting peak size in area or peak height units.

12.5 The width of the retention-time window used to make identifications should be based

upon measurements of actual retention-time variations of standards over the course of

a day. Three times the standard deviation of a retention time can be used to calculate

a suggested window size for a compound. However, the experience of the analyst

should weigh heavily in the interpretation of chromatograms.

12.6 If the response for the peak exceeds the working range of the system, dilute the extract

and reanalyze.

12.7 If the measurement of the peak response is prevented by the presence of interferences,

further cleanup is required.

13. CALCULATIONS

13.1 Determine the concentration of individual compounds in the sample.

13.1.1 If the external standard calibration procedure is used, calculate the amount of

material injected from the peak response using the calibration curve or calibration

factor in Section 7.2.2. The concentration in the sample can be calculated as

follows:
Method 632

Equation 2

where

A = Amount of material injected, in ng

V = Volume of extract injected, in μL i

V = Volume of total extract, in μL t

V = Volume of water extracted, in mL s

13.1.2 If the internal standard calibration procedure was used, calculate the

concentration in the sample using the response factor (RF) determined in Section

7.3.2 as follows:

Equation 3

where

A = Response for parameter to be measured s

A = Response for the internal standard is

I = Amount of internal standard added to each extract, in μg s

V = Volume of water extracted, in L o

13.2 Calculate and report fenuron-TCA as fenuron and monuron-TCA as monuron. Report

results in micrograms per liter without correction for recovery data. When duplicate and

spiked samples are analyzed, report all data obtained with the sample results.

13.3 For samples processed as part of a set where the laboratory spiked sample recovery falls

outside of the control limits in Section 8.3, data for the affected parameters must be

labeled as suspect.
Method 632

14. METHOD PERFORMANCE

14.1 The method detection limit (MDL) is defined as the minimum concentration of a

substance that can be measured and reported with 99% confidence that the value is above

zero. The MDL concentrations listed in Table l were obtained using reagent water or 10

river water.2,11

14.2 In a single laboratory, the average recoveries presented in Table 2 were obtained using

this method. The standard deviations of the percent recoveries of these measurements 2, 11

are also included in Table 2.
Method 632

References

1. "Development of Analytical Test Procedures for Organic Pollutants in

Wastewater-Application to Pesticides," EPA Report 600/4-81-017, U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268. PB#82 132507, National Technical Information

Service, Springfield, Virginia.

2. Farrington, D.S., Hopkins, R.G., and Ruzicka, J.H.A. "Determination of Residues of

Substituted Phenylurea Herbicides in Grain, Soil, and River Water by Use of Liquid

Chromatography," Analyst, 102, 377-381 (1977).

3. ASTM Annual Book of Standards, Part 31, D3694, "Standard Practice for Preparation of

Sample Containers and for Preservation," American Society for Testing and Materials,

Philadelphia, PA, p. 679, 1980.

4. "Carcinogens—Working with Carcinogens," Department of Health, Education, and

Welfare, Public Health Service, Center for Disease Control, National Institute for

Occupational Safety and Health, Publication No. 77-206, August 1977.

5. "OSHA Safety and Health Standards, General Industry" (29 CFR 1910), Occupational

Safety and Health Administration, OSHA 2206 (Revised, January 1976).

6. "Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories," American Chemical Society Publication,

Committee on Chemical Safety, 3rd Edition, 1979.

7. ASTM Annual Book of Standards, Part 31, D3086, Appendix X3, "Standardization of

Florisil Column by Weight Adjustment Based on Adsorption of Lauric Acid," American

Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, PA, p. 765, 1980.

8. "Handbook for Analytical Quality Control in Water and Wastewater Laboratories,"

EPA-600/4-79-019, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Monitoring and

Support Laboratory - Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, March 1979.

9. ASTM Annual Book of Standards, Part 31, D3370, "Standard Practice for Sampling

Water," American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, PA, p. 76, 1980.

10. Glaser, J.A. et al. "Trace Analysis for Wastewaters," Environmental Science & Technology,

15, 1426 (1981).

11. "Pesticide Methods Evaluation," Letter Reports #12B, 18, 19, 20, 22 and 23 for EPA

Contract No. 68-03-2697. Available from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,

Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268.
Method 632

Table 1. Chromatographic Conditions and Method Detection Limits

Parameter Phase* (min) (nm) (μg/L)

Mobile Time UV Wavelength Limit

Retention Method Detection

Mexacarbate A 8.7 254 0.52

Propoxur A 14.3 280 0.11

Monuron A 14.4 254 0.003

Carbaryl A 17.0 280 0.02

Propham A 17.2 254 0.07

Diuron A 19.5 254 0.009

Linuron A 21.0 254 0.009

Methiocarb A 21.4 254 0.02

Chlorpropham A 21.8 254 0.03

Barban A 22.3 254 0.05

Neburon A 24.3 254 0.012

Propoxur B 2.0 280 0.11

Methomyl B 6.5 254 8.9

Carbaryl B 14.1 280 0.02

Diuron B 15.5 254 0.009

Linuron B 17.9 254 0.009

Propoxur C 1.7 280 0.11

Carbofuran C 3.5 280 3.2

Fluorometuron C 3.6 254 11.1

Oxamyl D 3.2 254 9.2

*Mobile Phase:

A = Methanol/1% acetic acid, programmed linearly from 5 to 95% methanol at a flow

 rate of 2.0 mL/min and at ambient temperature.

B = Acetonitrile/water, programmed linearly from 10 to 100% acetonitrile in

 30 minutes at a flow rate of 2.0 mL/min.

C = 50% acetonitrile in water at a flow rate of 2.0 mL/min.

D = 35% methanol in water at a flow rate of 2.0 mL/min.

Column: μ Bondapak C (10 μm) packed in a stainless steel column 30 cm long by 4 mm ID, 18

with a Whatmann Co. PELL ODS (30-38 μm) guard column 7 cm long by 4 mm ID.
Method 632

Table 2. Single-Operator Accuracy and Precision

Parameter Type* (μg/L) Analyses Recovery (%)

Sample Spike No. of Percent Deviation

Average Standard

Fluorometuron 1 50 7 93.9 7.0

2 50 7 80.0 7.2

4 1724 7 99 11.6

Propoxur 1 550 7 94.5 1.7

3 2200 3 105 3.0

4 550 7 87.2 7.3

5 0.5 5 93 6.0

Oxamyl 1 100 7 87 8.4

2 53 7 84.9 5.5

2 1080 7 89.8 2.7

Methomyl 1 100 4 74.4 2.4

3 30660 4 48.2 2.8

2 100 7 91.8 2.8

2 1960 7 94.4 1.9

Diuron 1 10 4 89.8 1.0

3 500 4 56.1 5.0

2 10 7 90.0 2.5

2 400 7 95.7 3.2

5 0.05 5 98 4.7

Linuron 1 10 4 95.0 3.4

3 4000 4 72.2 5.1

2 10 7 93.0 1.5

2 210 7 103 4.6

5 0.05 5 99 4.7

Carbofuran 1 37 7 87.8 2.7

4 148 7 99.3 1.4

Barban 5 0.3 5 98 4.1

Carbaryl 5 0.1 5 101 4.1

Chlorpropham 5 0.2 5 95 3.9

Methiocarb 5 0.2 5 95 2.6

Mexacarbate 5 4.0 5 96 3.5

Monuron 5 0.05 5 97 1.7

Neburon 5 0.05 5 96 6.6

Propham 5 0.3 5 88 5.9

*Sample Type

1 = Reagent Water

2 = Municipal wastewater

3 = Industrial process water, pesticide manufacturing

4 = Industrial wastewater, pesticide manufacturing

5 = River Water
Method 632

Table 3. Florisil Fractionation Patterns

Percent Recovery by Fraction

Parameter

No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4

Diuron 0 0 24 58

Linuron 0 13 82 0

Methomyl 0 0 0 84

Oxamyl 0 0 92 0

Propachlor 0 94 0 0

Florisil eluate composition by fraction:

Fraction 1 = 200 mL of 20% ethyl ether in hexane

Fraction 2 = 200 mL of 6% acetone in hexane

Fraction 3 = 200 mL of 15% acetone in hexane

Fraction 4 = 200 mL of 50% acetone in hexane
Method 632