Method 617

The Determination of

Organohalide Pesticides and

PCBs in Municipal and

Industrial Wastewater
Method 617

The Determination of Organohalide Pesticides and PCBs in Municipal

and Industrial Wastewater

1. SCOPE AND APPLICATION

1.1 This method covers the determination of certain organohalide pesticides and PCBs. The

following parameters can be determined by this method:

Parameter Storet No. CAS No.

Aldrin 39330 309-00-2

"-BHC 39337 319-84-6

ß-BHC 39338 319-85-7

*-BHC 39259 319-86-8

(-BHC 39340 58-89-9

Captan 39640 133-06-2

Carbophenothion -- 786-19-6

Chlordane 39350 57-74-9

4,4′-DDD 39310 72-54-8

4,4′-DDE 39320 72-55-9

4,4′-DDT 39300 50-29-3

Dichloran -- 99-30-9

Dicofol 39780 115-32-2

Dieldrin 39380 60-57-1

Endosulfan I 34356 959-98-8

Endosulfan II 34361 33213-65-9

Endosulfan sulfate 34351 1031-07-8

Endrin 39390 72-20-8

Endrin aldehyde 34366 7421-93-4

Heptachlor 39410 76-44-8

Heptachlor epoxide 39420 1024-57-3

Isodrin 39430 465-73-6

Methoxychlor 39480 72-43-5

Mirex 39755 2385-85-5

PCNB 39029 82-68-8

Perthane 39034 72-56-0

Strobane -- 8001-50-1

Toxaphene 39400 8001-35-2

Trifluralin 39030 1582-09-8

PCB-1016 34671 12674-11-2

PCB-1221 39488 11104-28-2

PCB-1232 39492 11141-16-5

PCB-1242 39496 53469-21-9

PCB-1248 39500 12672-29-6

PCB-1254 39504 11097-69-1

PCB-1260 39508 11096-82-5
Method 617

1.2 This is a gas chromatographic (GC) 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.

1.3 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.

1.4 The sample extraction and concentration steps in this method are essentially the same as

in Method 614. Thus, a single sample may be extracted to measure the parameters

included in the scope of both of these methods. When cleanup is required, the

concentration levels must be high enough to permit selecting aliquots, as necessary, in

order to apply appropriate cleanup procedures. Under gas chromatography, the analyst

is allowed the latitude to select chromatographic conditions appropriate for the

simultaneous measurement of combinations of these parameters (see Section 12).

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

the use of gas chromatography and in the interpretation of gas 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. This method describes analytical conditions for a second gas

chromatographic column that can be used to confirm measurements made with the

primary column. Section 14 provides gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS)

criteria appropriate for the qualitative confirmation of compound identifications.

2. SUMMARY OF METHOD

2.1 A measured volume of sample, approximately 1 L, is extracted with 15% methylene

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

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

the separation and measurement of the compounds in the extract by electron capture gas

chromatography.

2.2 Method 617 represents an editorial revision of two previously promulgated U.S. EPA

methods for pesticides and for PCBs. While complete method validation data is not 1

presented herein, the method has been in widespread use since its promulgation, and

represents the state of the art for the analysis of such materials.

2.3 This method provides selected cleanup procedures to aid in the elimination of

interferences which may be encountered.
Method 617

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 gas 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 possible 2

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 Interferences by phthalate esters can pose a major problem in pesticide analysis when the

EC detector is used. These compounds generally appear in the chromatogram as large

late-eluting peaks, especially in the 15% and 50% fractions from the Florisil column

cleanup. Common flexible plastics contain varying amounts of phthalates. These

phthalates are easily extracted or leached from such materials during laboratory

operations. Cross-contamination of clean glassware occurs when plastics are handled

during extraction steps, especially when solvent-wetted surfaces are handled.

Interferences from phthalates can be minimized by avoiding the use of plastics in the

laboratory. Exhaustive cleanup of reagents and glassware may be required to eliminate

background phthalate contamination. The interferences from phthalate esters can be 3,4

avoided by using a microcoulometric or electrolytic conductivity detector.

3.3 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.

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
Method 617

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 5-7

information of the analyst.

4.2 The following parameters covered by this method have been tentatively classified as

known or suspected human or mammalian carcinogens: aldrin, benzene hexachlorides,

chlordane, heptachlor, PCNB, PCBs, and toxaphene. Primary standards of these toxic

materials should be prepared in a hood.

5. APPARATUS AND MATERIALS

5.1 Sampling equipment, for discrete or composite sampling.

5.1.1 Grab-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: 125-mL, 1000-mL, and 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 Concentrator tube, Kuderna-Danish: 10-mL, graduated (Kontes K-570050-1025 or

equivalent). Calibration must be checked at the volumes employed in the test.

Ground-glass stopper is used to prevent evaporation of extracts.

5.2.5 Evaporative flask, Kuderna-Danish: 500-mL (Kontes K-570001-0500 or

equivalent). Attach to concentrator tube with springs. 
Method 617

5.2.6 Snyder column, Kuderna-Danish: three-ball macro (Kontes K-503000-0121 or

equivalent).

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

5.3 Boiling chips: Approximately 10/40 mesh. Heat at 400°C for 30 minutes or perform a

Soxhlet extraction with methylene chloride.

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 Shaker: Laboratory, reciprocal action.

5.7 Gas chromatograph: Analytical system complete with gas chromatograph suitable for

on-column injection and all required accessories including syringes, analytical columns,

gases, detector, and strip-chart recorder. A data system is recommended for measuring

peak areas.

5.7.1 Column 1: 180 cm long by 4 mm ID glass, packed with 1.5% SP-2250/1.95% SP2401 on Supelcoport (100/120 mesh) or equivalent. This column was used to

develop the method performance statements in Section 15. Alternative columns

may be used in accordance with the provisions described in Section 12.1.

5.6.2 Column 2: 180 cm long by 4 mm ID glass, packed with 3% OV-1 on Supelcoport

(100/120 mesh) or equivalent.

5.6.3 Detector: Electron capture. This detector has proven effective in the analysis of

wastewaters for the parameters listed in the scope and was used to develop the

method performance statements in Section 15. Alternative detectors, including

a mass spectrometer, 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 interferant is not

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

6.2 Acetone, hexane, isooctane, methylene chloride: 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 Acetonitrile, hexane-saturated: Mix pesticide-quality acetonitrile with an excess of hexane

until equilibrium is established.
Method 617

6.5 Sodium sulfate: ACS, granular, anhydrous. Heat in a shallow tray at 400°C for a

minimum of four hours to remove phthalates and other interfering organic substances.

Alternatively, heat 16 hours at 450 to 500°C in a shallow tray or Soxhlet extract with

methylene chloride for 48 hours.

6.6 Sodium chloride solution, saturated: Prepare saturated solution of NaCl in reagent water

and extract with hexane to remove impurities.

6.7 Sodium hydroxide solution (10N): Dissolve 40 g ACS grade NaOH in reagent water and

dilute to 100 mL.

6.8 Sulfuric acid solution (1+1): Slowly add 50 mL H SO (sp. gr. 1.84) to 50 mL of reagent 2 4

water.

6.9 Mercury: Triple-distill.

6.10 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.

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

pure standard materials or purchased as certified solutions.

6.11.1 Prepare stock standard solutions by accurately weighing approximately 0.0100 g

of pure material. Dissolve the material in pesticide-quality isooctane 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.

6.11.2 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.

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

with check standards indicates a problem.

7. CALIBRATION

7.1 Establish gas chromatographic operating parameters equivalent to those indicated in

Table 1. The gas chromatographic 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.
Method 617

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 isooctane. 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 1 to 5 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.

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 isooctane. 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 1-5 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:
Method 617

Equation 1

where

A = Response for the parameter to be measured s

A = Response for the internal standard si

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

C =Concentration of the parameter to be measured, in ug/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.

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 procedure8

determines the adsorption from hexane solution of 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.

7.6 The multipeak materials included in this method present a special calibration problem.

Recommended procedures for calibration, separation and measurement of PCBs is

discussed in detail in the previous edition of this method. Illustrated methods for the 1

calibration and measurement of chlordane and strobane/toxaphene are available

elsewhere.9

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
Method 617

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

acetone, 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.

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 many of the

organohalide pesticides. Similar results should be expected from reagent water

for all parameters listed in this 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.
Method 617

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. 10

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.10

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 gas

chromatography with a dissimilar column, specific element detector, or mass

spectrometer must 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 practices11

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.
Method 617

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

extraction. Chemical preservatives should not be used in the field unless more than 24

hours will elapse before delivery to the laboratory. If the samples will not be extracted

within 48 hours of collection, the sample should be adjusted to a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0

with sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid. Record the volume of acid or base used.

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 15% (v/v) methylene chloride in hexane 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. Drain the aqueous phase into a 1000-mL Erlenmeyer flask and

collect the extract in a 250-mL Erlenmeyer flask. Return the aqueous phase to the

separatory funnel.

10.3 Add a second 60-mL volume of 15% methylene chloride in hexane to the sample bottle

and repeat the extraction procedure a second time, combining the extracts in the 250-mL

Erlenmeyer flask. Perform a third extraction in the same manner.

10.4 Assemble a Kuderna-Danish (K-D) concentrator by attaching a 10-mL concentrator tube

to a 500- mL evaporative flask. Other concentration devices or techniques may be used

in place of the K-D if the requirements of Section 8.2 are met.

10.5 Pour the combined extract through a drying column containing about 10 cm of

anhydrous sodium sulfate, and collect the extract in the K-D concentrator. Rinse the

Erlenmeyer flask and column with 20 to 30 mL of hexane to complete the quantitative

transfer.

10.6 Add one or two clean boiling chips to the evaporative flask and attach a three-ball

Snyder column. Prewet the Snyder column by adding about 1 mL methylene chloride

to the top. Place the K-D apparatus on a hot water bath, 80 to 85°C, so that the

concentrator tube is partially immersed in the hot water, and the entire lower rounded

surface of the flask is bathed with hot vapor. Adjust the vertical position of the

apparatus and the water temperature as required to complete the concentration in 15 to

20 minutes. At the proper rate of distillation, the balls of the column will actively chatter

but the chambers will not flood with condensed solvent. When the apparent volume of

liquid reaches 1 mL, remove the K-D apparatus and allow it to drain and cool for at least

10 minutes. 
Method 617

10.7 Remove the Snyder column and rinse the flask and its lower joint into the concentrator

tube with 1 to 2 mL of hexane and adjust the volume to 10 mL. A 5-mL syringe is

recommended for this operation. Stopper the concentrator tube and store refrigerated

if further processing will not be performed immediately. If the extracts will be stored

longer than 2 days, they should be transferred to PTFE-sealed screw-cap bottles. If the

sample extract requires no further cleanup, proceed with gas chromatographic analysis.

If the sample requires cleanup, proceed to Section 11.

10.8 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 Acetonitrile partition: The following acetonitrile partitioning procedure may be used to

isolate fats and oils from the sample extracts. This procedure is applicable to all of the

parameters in this method except mirex.

11.2.1 Quantitatively transfer the previously concentrated extract to a 125-mL separatory

funnel with enough hexane to bring the final volume to 15 mL. Extract the

sample four times by shaking vigorously for 1 minute with 30-mL portions of

hexane-saturated acetonitrile.

11.2.2 Combine and transfer the acetonitrile phases to a 1-L separatory funnel and add

650 mL of reagent water and 40 mL of saturated sodium chloride solution. Mix

thoroughly for 30 to 45 seconds. Extract with two 100-mL portions of hexane by

vigorously shaking for 15 seconds.

11.2.3 Combine the hexane extracts in a 1-L separatory funnel and wash with two 100-

mL portions of reagent water. Discard the water layer and pour the hexane layer

through a drying column containing 7 to 10 cm of anhydrous sodium sulfate into

a 500-mL K-D flask equipped with a 10-mL concentrator tube. Rinse the

separatory funnel and column with three 10-mL portions of hexane.

11.2.4 Concentrate the extracts to 6 to 10 mL in the K-D as directed in Section 10.6.

Adjust the extract volume to 10 mL with hexane.

11.2.5 Analyze by gas chromatography unless a need for further cleanup is indicated.
Method 617

11.3 Florisil column cleanup: The following Florisil column cleanup procedure has been

demonstrated to be applicable to most of the organochlorine pesticides and PCBs listed

in Table 3. It should also be applicable to the cleanup of extracts for PCNB, strobane,

and trifluralin.

11.3.1 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.

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

K-D concentrator tube to the Florisil column. Rinse the tube twice with 1 to 2 mL

hexane, adding each rinse to the column.

11.3.3 Place a 500-mL K-D flask and clean concentrator tube under the chromatography

column. Drain the column into the flask until the sodium sulfate layer is nearly

exposed. Elute the column with 200 mL of 6% (v/v) ethyl ether in hexane

(Fraction 1) using a drip rate of about 5 mL/min. Remove the K-D flask and set

aside for later concentration. Elute the column again, using 200 mL of 15% (v/v)

ethyl ether in hexane (Fraction 2), into a second K-D flask. Perform a third

elution using 200 mL of 50% (v/v) ethyl ether in hexane (Fraction 3) into a

separate K-D flask. The elution patterns for the pesticides and PCBs are shown

in Table 3.

11.3.4 Concentrate the eluates by standard K-D techniques (Section 10.6), using the

water bath at about 85°C. Adjust final volume to 10 mL with hexane. Analyze

by gas chromatography.

11.4 Removal of sulfur: Elemental sulfur will elute in Fraction 1 of the Florisil cleanup

procedure. If a large amount of sulfur is present in the extract, it may elute in all

fractions. If so, each fraction must be further treated to remove the sulfur. This

procedure cannot be used with heptachlor, endosulfans, or endrin aldehyde.

11.4.1 Pipette 1.00 mL of the concentrated extract into a clean concentrator tube or a vial

with a TFE-fluorocarbon seal. Add 1 to 3 drops of mercury and seal.

11.4.2 Agitate the contents of the vial for 15 to 30 seconds.

11.4.3 Place the vial in an upright position on a reciprocal laboratory shaker and shake

for up to 2 hours.

11.4.4 If the mercury appears shiny after this treatment, analyze the extract by gas

chromatography. If the mercury is black, decant the extract into a clean vial and

repeat the cleanup with fresh mercury.
Method 617

12. GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY

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

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

be achieved by this method. Other packed columns, chromatographic conditions, or

detectors may be used if the requirements of Section 8.2 are met. Capillary (opentubular) columns may also be used if the relative standard deviations of responses for

replicate injections are demonstrated to be less than 6% and the requirements of Section

8.2 are met.

12.2 Calibrate the system daily as described in Section 7.

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 1 to 5 μL of the sample extract using the solvent-flush technique. Record the 12

volume injected to the nearest 0.05 μL, and the resulting peak size in area or peak height

units. An automated system that consistently injects a constant volume of extract may

also be used. Multipeak materials present a special analytical problem beyond the scope

of this discussion. Illustrated procedures for calibration and measurement are available

for PCBs and pesticides. 1 9

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 617

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 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.

14. GC/MS CONFIRMATION

14.1 It is recommended that GC/MS techniques be judiciously employed to support

qualitative compound identifications made with this method. The mass spectrometer

should be capable of scanning the mass range from 35 amu to a mass 50 amu above the

molecular weight of the compound. The instrument must be capable of scanning the

mass range at a rate to produce at least 5 scans per peak but not to exceed 7 per scan
Method 617

utilizing a 70 V (nominal) electron energy in the electron impact ionization mode. A

GC-to-MS interface constructed of all glass or glass-lined materials is recommended. A

computer system should be interfaced to the mass spectrometer that allows the

continuous acquisition and storage on machine-readable media of all mass spectra

obtained throughout the duration of the chromatographic program.

14.2 Gas chromatographic columns and conditions should be selected for optimum separation

and performance. The conditions selected must be compatible with standard GC/MS

operating practices. Chromatographic tailing factors of less than 5.0 must be achieved.13

14.3 At the beginning of each day that confirmatory analyses are to be performed, the GC/MS

system must be checked to see that all decafluorotriphenyl phosphine (DFTPP)

performance criteria are achieved.14

14.4 To confirm an identification of a compound, the background-corrected mass spectrum

of the compound must be obtained from the sample extract and compared with a mass

spectrum from a stock or calibration standard analyzed under the same chromatographic

conditions. It is recommended that at least 25 ng of material be injected into the GC/MS.

The criteria below must be met for qualitative confirmation.

14.4.1 All ions that are present above 10% relative abundance in the mass spectrum of

the standard must be present in the mass spectrum of the sample with agreement

to ±10%. For example, if the relative abundance of an ion is 30% in the mass

spectrum of the standard, the allowable limits for the relative abundance of that

ion in the mass spectrum for the sample would be 20 to 40%.

14.4.2 The retention time of the compound in the sample must be within 6 seconds of

the same compound in the standard solution.

14.4.3 Compounds that have very similar mass spectra can be explicitly identified by

GC/MS only on the basis of retention time data.

14.5 Where available, chemical ionization mass spectra may be employed to aid in the

qualitative identification process.

14.6 Should these MS procedures fail to provide satisfactory results, additional steps may be

taken before reanalysis. These may include the use of alternate packed or capillary GC

columns or additional cleanup (Section 11).

15. METHOD PERFORMANCE

15.1 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 1 were obtained using reagent water. 15 16

15.2 In a single laboratory, Susquehanna University, using spiked tap water samples, the

average recoveries presented in Table 2 were obtained. The standard deviation of the

percent recovery is also included in Table 2.16
Method 617

References

1. "Methods for Benzidine, Chlorinated Organic Compounds, Pentachlorophenol and

Pesticides in Water and Wastewater," U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,

Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio, September 1978.

2. 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.

3. Giam, D.S., Chan, H.S., and Nef, G.S. "Sensitive Method for Determination of Phthalate

Ester Plasticizers in Open-Ocean Biota Samples," Analytical Chemistry, 47, 2225 (1975).

4. Giam, C.S. and Chan, H.S. "Control of Blanks in the Analysis of Phthalates in Air and

Ocean Biota Samples," National Bureau of Standards (U.S.), Special Publication 442, pp.

701-708, 1976.

5. "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.

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

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

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

Committee on Chemical Safety, 3rd Edition, 1979.

8. 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.

9. "Pesticide Analytical Manual Volume 1," U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,

Food and Drug Administration.

10. "Handbook for Analytical Quality Control in Water and Wastewater Laboratories," EPA600/4-79-019, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Monitoring and

Support Laboratory−Cincinnati, Ohio, March 1979.

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

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

12. Burke, J. A. "Gas Chromatography for Pesticide Residue Analysis; Some Practical

Aspects," Journal of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, 48, 1037 (1965).

13. McNair, H.M. and Bonelli, E. J. "Basic Chromatography," Consolidated Printing,

Berkeley, California, p. 52, 1969.
Method 617

14. Eichelberger, J.W., Harris, L.E., and Budde, W.L. "Reference Compound to Calibrate Ion

Abundance Measurement in Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry," Analytical

Chemistry, 47, 995 (1975).

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

15, 1426 (1981).

16. McGrath, T. F. "Recovery Studies of Pesticides From Surface and Drinking Waters," Final

Report for U.S. EPA Grant R804294, Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory,

Cincinnati, Ohio 45268.
Method 617

Table 1. Gas Chromotagraphy of Pesticides and PCBs

Parameter (μg/L) Column 1 Column 2

Retention Time (min)

Method 

Detection

Limit

Aldrin 2.40 4.10 0.009

"-BHC 1.35 1.82 0.004

$-BHC 1.90 1.97 ND

*-BHC 2.15 2.20 ND

(-BHC 1.70 2.13 0.002

Captan 6.22 5.00 ND

Carbophenothion 10.9 10.90 ND

4,4′-DDD 7.83 9.08 0.012

4,4′-DDE 5.13 7.15 0.004

4,4′-DDT 9.40 11.75 0.032

Dichloran 1.85 2.01 ND

Dicofol 2.86 4.59 ND

Dieldrin 5.45 7.23 0.011

Endosulfan I 4.50 6.20 0.11

Endosulfan II 8.00 8.28 0.17

Endosulfan sulfate 14.22 10.70 ND

Endrin 6.55 8.19 ND

Endrin aldehyde 11.82 9.30 ND

Heptachlor 2.00 3.35 0.004

Heptachlor epoxide 3.50 5.00 0.003

Isodrin 3.00 4.83 ND

Methoxychlor 18.20 26.60 0.176 

Mirex 14.60 15.50 0.015 

PCNB 1.63 2.01 0.002 

Trifluralin 0.94 1.35 0.013 

*For multipeak materials, see Figures 2 through 10 for chromatographic conditions and retention

patterns. 

ND = Not Determined

Column 1 conditions: Supelcoport (100/120 mesh) coated with 1.5% SP-2250/1.95% SP-2401 in

a glass column 1.8 m long by 4 mm ID with 95% argon/5% methane carrier gas at a flow rate

of 60 mL/min. Column temperature: isothermal at 200°C. An electron capture detector was

used with this column to determine the MDL.

Column 2 conditions: Supelcoport (100/120 mesh) coated with 3% OV-1 packed in a glass

column 1.8 m long by 4 mm ID with 95% argon/5% methane carrier gas at a flow rate of

60 mL/min. Column temperature: isothermal at 200°C.
Method 617

Table 2. Single-Operator Accuracy and Precision for Tap Water

Parameter Recovery (%) (μg/L) Analyses

Average Standard Spike Number

Percent Deviation Range of

Aldrin 78.1 5.4 0.03–3.0 21

*-BHC 95.3 8.9 0.01–1.0 21

(-BHC 95.1 7.2 0.01–1.0 21

4,4′-DDD 94.4 5.0 0.08–8.0 21

4,4′-DDE 89.8 3.7 0.05–5.0 21

4,4′-DDT 91.0 4.5 0.2–20 21

Dieldrin 98.2 4.9 0.06–6.0 21

Endosulfan I 101.0 7.6 0.05–5.0 21

Endosulfan II 92.9 4.8 0.09–9.0 21

Heptachlor 84.4 6.4 0.02–2.0 21

Heptachlor epoxide 93.7 3.9 0.03–3.0 21

Methoxychlor 96.6 6.7 0.6–60 21

Mirex 89.1 4.8 0.2–20 21

PCNB 82.6 6.2 0.01–1.0 21

Trifluralin 94.3 10.5 0.03–3.0 21
Method 617

Table 3. Distribution and Recovery of Chlorinated Pesticides and PCBs Using Florisil

Column Chromatography

Percent Recovery by Fraction

Parameter No. 1 No. 2 No. 3

Aldrin 100

"-BHC 100

$-BHC 97

*-BHC 98

(-BHC 100

Captan + +

Carbofenthion 100

Chlordane 100

4,4′-DDD 99

4,4′-DDE 98

4,4′-DDT 100

Dicofol + +

Dieldrin 0 100

Endosulfan I 37 64 91

Endosulfan II 0 7 106

Endosulfan sulfate 0 0

Endrin 4 96

Endrin aldehyde 0 68 26

Heptachlor 100

Heptachlor epoxide 100

Isodrin 100

Methoxychlor 100

Mirex 100

Perthane 100

Toxaphene 96

PCB-1016 97

PCB-1221 97

PCB-1232 95

PCB-1242 97

PCB-1248 103

PCB-1254 90

PCB-1260 95

+ = Compound occurs in both 6% and 15% fractions.

Florisil eluate composition by fraction:

Fraction 1 = 200 mL of 65% ethyl ether in hexane

Fraction 2 = 200 mL of 15% ethyl ether in hexane

Fraction 3 = 200 mL of 50% ethyl ether in hexane
Method 617
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