# Method 541: Determination o f 1

- Butanol, 1,4

- Dioxane, 2

- Methoxyethanol a nd 2

- Propen

- 1

- o l i n Drinking Water b y Solid Phase Extraction a nd Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometryi Questions concerning this document should be addressed to:

Steven C. Wendelken, PhD U.S. EPA, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water, Standar ds and Risk Management Division, Technical Support Center, 26 W. Martin Luther King Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45268 Phone: (513) 569

- 7491 wendelken.steve@epa.gov

Office of Water (MS

- 140) EPA 815

- R

- 15

- 011 EPA contract EP

- C

- 12

- 013 November, 201 5


## Acknowledgements Don Shelly and Xiaoyan Wang, Ph.D., UCT, Inc. (Bristol, PA) Michael S. Young, Ph.D., Mark Cappar ella, and Jeremy Shia, Waters Corporation (Milford, MA) Paul Grimmett, U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development (Cincinnati, OH)ii 

## Table of Contents

1 Scope and application

................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 1

1.1 Analyte List

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 1

1.2 Supporting Data

................................ ................................ ................................ ............................ 1

1.3 Method Flexibility

................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 1

2 Summary of the Method

................................ ................................ ................................ ....................... 1

3 Definitions

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 2

3.1 Analysis Batch

................................ ................................ ................................ ............................... 2

3.2 Calibration Standard

................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 2

3.3 Continuing Calibration Check (CCC)

................................ ................................ .............................. 2

3.4 Extraction Batch

................................ ................................ ................................ ............................ 2

3.5 Field Duplicates (FD)

................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 2

3.6 Internal Standard (IS)

................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 2

3.7 Laborato ry Fortified Blank (LFB)

................................ ................................ ................................ ... 2

3.8 Laboratory Fortified Sample Matrix (LFSM)

................................ ................................ .................. 2

3.9 Laboratory Fortified Sample Matrix Duplicate (LFSMD )

................................ ............................... 3

3.10 Laboratory Reagent Blank (LRB)

................................ ................................ ................................ ... 3

3.11 Lowest Concentration Minimum Reporting Level (LCMRL)

................................ .......................... 3

3.12 Minimum Reporting Level (MRL)

................................ ................................ ................................ .. 3

3.13 Primary Dilution Standard (PDS)

................................ ................................ ................................ ... 3

3.14 Quality Contro l Sample (QCS)

................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 3

3.15 Reagent Water

................................ ................................ ................................ .............................. 3

3.16 Safety Data Sheets

................................ ................................ ................................ ........................ 3

3.1 7 Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM)

................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 3

3.18 Stock Standard Solution

................................ ................................ ................................ ................ 3

3.19 Surrogate Analyte

................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 4

4 Interferences

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 4

4.1 Glassware, Reagents and Equipment

................................ ................................ ........................... 4

4.2 Matrix Interferences

................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 4

4.3 Extraction Cartridges

................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 4

4.4 Matrix Effects in the Presence of Water

................................ ................................ ....................... 4

4.4.1 Nitrogen

- drying Manifold

................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 4

4.4.2 Optimizing the Cartridge Drying Step

................................ ................................ ................... 5iii 4.5 Analyte Extraction Efficiency

................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 5

4.6 Extraction Flow Rate

................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 5

4.7 QC Compounds

................................ ................................ ................................ ............................. 5

5 Safety

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 5

5.1 Chemicals

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 5

5.2 Sodium Bisulfate

................................ ................................ ................................ ........................... 5

5.3 Dichloromethane

................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 5

6 Equipment and Supplies

................................ ................................ ................................ ....................... 5

6.1 Sample Containers

................................ ................................ ................................ ........................ 5

6.2 Vials

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 6

6.3 Micro Syringes

................................ ................................ ................................ ............................... 6

6.4 Volumetric Pipettes

................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 6

6.5 Analytical Balance

................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 6

6.6 Compressed Gas: Helium

................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 6

6.7 Compressed Gas: Nitrogen

................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 6

6.8 Compressed Gas: Air

................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 6

6.9 Disposable Pasteur Pipettes

................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 6

6.10 Volumetric Flasks

................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 6

6.11 Solid Phase Extraction Apparat us for Cartridges

................................ ................................ .......... 6

6.11.1 UCT EU

- 541 SPE Cartridge

................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 6

6.11.2 Waters AC

- 2 SPE Cartridge

................................ ................................ ................................ .... 6

6.11.3 Vacuum Extraction Manifold

................................ ................................ ................................ 6

6.11.4 Sample Delivery System

................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 7

6.11.5 Extract Collection Tubes

................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 7

6.12 Laboratory Vacuum System

................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 7

6.13 Drying Manifold for SPE Cartridges

................................ ................................ ............................... 7

6.14 Flow Meter for Drying Manifold

................................ ................................ ................................ ... 7

6.15 Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS)

................................ ................................ ...... 7

6.15.1 Column

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 7

6.15.2 GC Inlet

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 7

6.15.3 Inlet Liner for Split/Splitless Inlet

................................ ................................ .......................... 7

6.15.4 GC/MS Interface

................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 7

6.15.5 Mass Spectrometer (MS)

................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 7iv 6.15.6 Data System

................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 8

7 Reagents and Standards

................................ ................................ ................................ ....................... 8

7.1 Methanol

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 8

7.2 Dichloromethane

................................ ................................ ................................ .......................... 8

7.3 Sodium Sulfate , Anhydrous

................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 8

7.4 Sample Preservation Reagents

................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 8

7.4.1 Sodium Sulfite

................................ ................................ ................................ ....................... 8

7.4.2 Sodium Bisulfate

................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 8

7.5 Stock Standard Solutions

................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 8

7.5.1 Internal Standard Stocks

................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 8

7.5.2 Surrogate Analyte Stock Standards

................................ ................................ ....................... 8

7.5.3 Method Analyte Stock Standard Solutions

................................ ................................ ........... 9

7.5.4 Prepara tion Instructions for Analytes Obtained as Neat Compounds

................................ . 9

7.5.5 Storage of Stock Standards

................................ ................................ ................................ ... 9

7.6 Primary Dilution Standards (PDS )

................................ ................................ ................................ . 9

7.6.1 Internal Standard Primary Dilution Standard

................................ ................................ ....... 9

7.6.2 Surrogate Analyte Primary Dilution Standard

................................ ................................ ....... 9

7.6.3 Method Analyte Primary Dilution Standard

................................ ................................ ......... 9

7.7 Calibration Standards

................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 10

7.7.1 Examp le Calibration Scheme

................................ ................................ .............................. 10

7.7.2 Dilution Scheme for Calibration Standards

................................ ................................ ......... 10

7.7.3 Storage of Calibration Standards

................................ ................................ ........................ 11

7.7.4 GC/MS Tune Check Solution

................................ ................................ ............................... 11

8 Sample Collection, Preservation, and Storage

................................ ................................ .................... 11

8.1 Sample Bottles

................................ ................................ ................................ ............................ 11

8.2 Sample Collection

................................ ................................ ................................ ....................... 11

8.3 QC Samples

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 11

8.4 Sample Shipment and Storage

................................ ................................ ................................ .... 11

8.5 Verification upon Receipt

................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 11

8.6 Sample Holding Time

................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 11

8.7 Storage of Extracts

................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 11

8.8 Extract Holding Time

................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 11

9 Quality Control

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 12v 9.1 Optimizing SPE Cartridge Drying Parameters

................................ ................................ ............. 12

9.1.1 Prepare for the Test

................................ ................................ ................................ ............ 12

9.1.2 Con dition SPE Test Cartridges

................................ ................................ ............................. 12

9.1.3 Dry the Cartridges

................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 12

9.1.4 Flow Rate and Volumes used during Method Development

................................ .............. 12

9.1.5 Elute the Test Cartridges

................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 13

9.1.6 Estimate the Minimum Required Nitrogen Volume

................................ ........................... 13

9.1.7 Analyze and Evaluate the Extracts

................................ ................................ ...................... 13

9.1.8 Select a Volume above the Minimum

................................ ................................ ................. 13

9.2 Initial Demonstration of Ca pability (IDC)

................................ ................................ .................... 13

9.2.1 Demonstration of Low System Background

................................ ................................ ........ 13

9.2.2 Demonstration of Precision

................................ ................................ ................................ 13

9.2.3 Demonstration of Accuracy

................................ ................................ ................................ 14

9.2.4 Minimum Reporting Level (MRL) Confirmation

................................ ................................ .. 14

9.2.5 Qu ality Control Sample (QCS)

................................ ................................ ............................. 14

9.3 Ongoing QC Requirements

................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 15

9.3.1 Laboratory Reagent Blank (LRB)

................................ ................................ ......................... 15

9.3.2 Continuing Calibration Check (CCC)

................................ ................................ .................... 15

9.3.3 Laboratory Fortified Blank

................................ ................................ ................................ .. 15

9.3.4 BFB MS Tun e Check

................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 15

9.3.5 Internal Standards (IS)

................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 16

9.3.6 Surrogate Recovery

................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 16

9.3.7 Laboratory Fortified Sample Matrix (LFSM)

................................ ................................ ........ 16

9.3.8 Field Duplicate or Laboratory Fortified Sample Matrix Duplicate (FD or LFSMD)

.............. 17

9.3.9 Retention Time Shifts

................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 18

9.3.10 Quality Control Sample (QCS)

................................ ................................ ............................. 18

9.4 Method Modification QC Requirements

................................ ................................ .................... 1 8

9.4.1 Repeat the IDC

................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 18

9.4.2 Document Performance in Representative Sample Matrixes

................................ ............ 18

9.4.3 Monitor Performance of the Modified Method

................................ ................................ . 19

10 Calibration and Standardization

................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 19

10.1 GC/MS Optimization

................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 19

10.1.1 MS Tune and MS Tune Check

................................ ................................ .............................. 19vi 10.1.2 GC Conditions

................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 19

10. 1.3 SIM MS Conditions

................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 20

10.1.4 Suggested Ions and Dwell Times

................................ ................................ ......................... 20

10.2 Initial Calibration

................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 20

10.2.1 Calibration Standards

................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 20

10.2.2 Calibration Curve

................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 20

10.2.3 Calibration Acceptance Criteria

................................ ................................ .......................... 20

10.3 Continuing Calibration Checks (CCCs)

................................ ................................ ......................... 21

10.3.1 Internal Standard Responses

................................ ................................ .............................. 21

10.3.2 Surrogate Analytes

................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 21

10.3.3 Method Analytes

................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 21

10.4 Corrective Action

................................ ................................ ................................ ........................ 21

11 Procedure

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 21

11.1 Sample Preparation

................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 21

11.1.1 QC Samples

................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 22

11.1.2 Surrogate Analytes

................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 22

11.2 Extraction Procedure Using Waters AC

- 2 SPE Format

................................ ................................ 22

11.2.1 Set up the Extraction Manifold

................................ ................................ ........................... 22

11.2.2 Cartridge Cleaning

................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 22

11.2.3 Cartridge Conditioning

................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 22

11.2.4 Sample Loading

................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 22

11.2.5 Cartridge Drying

................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 22

11.3 Extraction Procedure using UCT EU

- 541 SPE Format

................................ ................................ . 23

11.3.1 Set Up the Extraction Manifold

................................ ................................ ........................... 23

11.3.2 Cartridge Cleaning

................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 23

11.3.3 Cartridge Conditioning

................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 23

11.3.4 Sample Loading

................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 23

11.3.5 Cartridge Drying

................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 23

11.4 Cartridge Elution

................................ ................................ ................................ ......................... 24

11.5 Internal Standard Addition

................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 24

11.6 Extract Drying

................................ ................................ ................................ .............................. 24

11.7 Analysis of Sample Extracts

................................ ................................ ................................ ......... 24

11.8 The Analysis Batch

................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 24vii 11.8.1 Initial CCC

................................ ................................ ................................ ............................ 25

11.8.2 Field and QC Samples

................................ ................................ ................................ .......... 25

11.8.3 CCC Frequency

................................ ................................ ................................ .................... 25

11.8.4 Final CCC

................................ ................................ ................................ .............................. 25

11.8.5 Initial Calibration Frequency

................................ ................................ ............................... 25

12 Data Analysis and Calculations

................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 25

12.1 Establish Retention Time Windows

................................ ................................ ............................ 25

12.2 Identify Analytes by Retention Time

................................ ................................ ........................... 25

12.3 Confirm Analyte Identifications

................................ ................................ ................................ .. 25

12.4 Compound Quantitation

................................ ................................ ................................ ............. 26

12.5 Data Review

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ 26

12.6 Exceedin g the Calibration Range

................................ ................................ ................................ 26

13 Method Performance

................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 26

13.1 Precision, Accuracy, and LCMRL Results

................................ ................................ ..................... 26

13.2 Analyte Stability Study

................................ ................................ ................................ ................ 26

13.3 Extract Storage Stability

................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 27

14 Pollution Prevention

................................ ................................ ................................ ....................... 27

15 Waste Management

................................ ................................ ................................ ....................... 27

16 References

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 27

17 Tables, Figures, and Method p erformance Data

................................ ................................ ............ 28

Table 1. 4

- Bromofluorobenzene (BFB) Mass Intensity Criteria

................................ ........................ 28

Table 2. Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (G C/MS) Conditions

................................ ........ 28

Table 3. Retention Times, Quantitation Ions, and Internal Standard Assignments a

........................ 29

Table 4. LCMRL Results for the Waters AC

- 2 SPE Format

................................ ................................ 29

Table 5. Precision and Accuracy Data for Reagent Water: Waters AC

- 2 SPE Format

...................... 29

Table 6. Precision and Accuracy Data for Ground Water: Waters AC

- 2 SPE Format

....................... 30

Table 7. Precision and Accuracy Data for Surface Water: Waters AC

- 2 SPE Format

........................ 30

Table 8. LCMRL Results for the UCT EU

- 541 SPE Format

................................ ................................ . 30

Table 9. Precision and Accuracy Data for Reagent Water: UCT EU

- 541 SPE Format

....................... 31

Table 10. Precision and Accuracy Data for Ground Water: UCT EU

- 541 SPE Format

........................ 31

Table 11. Precision and Accuracy Data for Surface Water: UCT EU

- 541 SPE Format

......................... 32

Table 12. Aqueous Sample Holding Time Data ( n =4)

................................ ................................ ......... 33

Table 13. Holding Time Data for Sample Extracts ( n =4)

................................ ................................ ..... 33viii Table 14. Initial Demonstration of Capability (IDC) Quality Control Requirements

........................... 34

Table 15. Ongoing Quality Control Requirements

................................ ................................ .............. 34
Figure 1. Drying apparatus and proper placement of rotameter in flow path

................................ .. 36
Figure 2. Reconstructed ion chromatogram (RIC), SIM mode, for calibration stan dard

................... 37
Figure 3. Extracted ion current profiles for calibration standard; concentrations as listed

.............. 38
Figure 4. RIC, SIM mode, fo r unfortified drinking water from a surface water source

..................... 39
Figure 5. RIC, SIM mode, for unfortified drinking water from a ground water source

..................... 401 

## 1 Scope and ap plication

Method 541 is a gas chromatography (GC) method for the determination of 1

- butanol, 1,4

- dioxane,
2

- methoxyethanol, and 2

- propen

- 1

- ol in finished drinking water. Method 541 requires detection using mass spectrometry (MS) in selected ion monitoring (SIM) to provide select ivity for the method analytes. This method is intended for use by analysts skilled in the performance of solid phase extractions , the operation of GC/MS instru mentation and in the interpre tation of the associated data.



### 1.1 Analyte List

A nalyte Chemical Abstracts Services Registry Number (CASRN) 1

- butanol 71

- 36

- 3 1,4

- dioxane 123

- 91

- 1 2

- methoxyethanol 109

- 86

- 4 2

- propen

- 1

- ol (allyl alcohol) 107

- 18

- 6



### 1.2 Supporting Data Precision and accuracy data have been generated for the detection of t he method analytes in reagent water and finished drinking water from both ground water and surface wate r sources ( Sect. 17, Tables 5

– 7 and Sect. 17, Tables 9

– 11 )

. Single

- laborato ry Lowest Concentration Minimum Report ing Levels (LCMRL ) ( Sect. 3.11 ) for the ana lytes in this method are presented in Section 1 7, Table 4 and Table 8

. Laboratories using this method are not required to determine LCMRLs, but they must demonstrate that the Minimum Reporting Level (MRL) ( Sect. 3.12 ) for each analyte meets the requirements described in Section 9.2.4

. 

### 1.3 Method Flexibility The laboratory is permitted to select GC columns, inlets, and GC conditions different from those u tilized to develop the method. However, the basic chromatographic elements o f the method must be retained. At a minimum, the internal standards and surrogate analytes specifi ed in the method must be used. Changes may not be made to sample collection and preservation ( Sect. 8 ), the quality control (QC) requirements ( Sect. 9 ), or the extraction procedure ( Sect

. 11 ). Method modifications should be considered only to improve method performance

. In all cases where meth od modifications are proposed, the analyst must perform the procedures outlined in the Initial Demonstration of Capability (IDC, Sect. 9.2 ), verify that all QC acceptance criteria in this method ( Sect. 9.3 ) are met, and verify method performance in representative sample matrixes ( Sect. 9.4 )

.


## 2 Summary of the Method

Samples (0.05 L) are collected in amber, glass bottles containing the method preservatives, sodium sulfite (dechlorination) and sodium bisulfate (pH adjustment). In the laboratory, two surrogate analytes are added. The method and surrogate analytes are isolated from water using solid phase extraction (SPE). The SPE cart ridges are dried to remove adsorbed water and eluted with 2 mL of 5 % methanol in dichloromethane. Extracts are analyzed, without further concentration, by GC/MS in the SIM mode of detection. The method analytes are identified by comparing the retention tim es and ion abundance ratios to reference retention times and ion abundance ratios obtained from calibration standards acquired und er identical GC/MS conditions. The concentrations of 1

- butanol, 1,4

- dioxane,2 2

- methoxyethanol, and 2

- propen

- 1

- ol are calculate d using the integrated peak area and the internal standard technique

. 

## 3 Definitions

3.1 Analysis Batch A set of samples that is analyzed on the s ame instrument during a 24 hour period that begins and ends with the analysis of the appropriate Continuing Calibra ti on Check (CCC) standards. Additional CCCs may be required depending on the length of the Analysis Batch and the number of field samples

. 

### 3.2 Calibration Standard A solution of the method analytes, surrogate analytes
, and internal standards prepared from t he
Pr imary Dilution Standards. The calibration standards are used to calibrate the instrument response with respect to analyte concentration

. 

### 3.3 Continuing Calibration Check (CCC) A calibration standard that is analyzed periodically to verify the accuracy of the e xisting calibration

. 

### 3.4 Extraction Batch A set of up to 20 field samples (not including QC samples) extracted together using the same lot of solid phase extraction devices, solvents, surrogate solu tion, and fortifying solutions.



### 3.5 Field Duplicates (FD) Separat e samples collected at the same time, shipped and stor ed under identical conditions. Method precision, including the contribution from sample collection procedures, is estim ated from the analysis of Field Duplicates

. Field Duplicates are used to prepare La boratory Fortified Sample Matrix and Laboratory Fortified Sampl e Matrix Duplicate QC samples. For the purposes of this method, Field Duplicates are necessary to conduct repeat analyses if the original field sample is lost, or to conduct repeat analyses in the case of QC failures associated with the analys is of the original field sample.



### 3.6 Internal Standard (IS) A pure compound that is added to all standard solutions and extracts in a known amount and used to measure the relative response of method analytes th at are co mponents of the same solution. The IS should respond to instrument conditions and sample matrix in a similar manner as the method analytes
, and have no potential to be present in the samp les

. 

### 3.7 Laboratory Fortified Blank (L FB) An aliquot of reagent water, containing method preservatives, to which known quantities of the method analytes are added. The LFB is used during the IDC to verify method performan ce for precision and
accuracy. The LFB is also a required QC element with each Extraction Batch. Th e results of the LFB verify method performance in the absence of sample matrix.



### 3.8 Laboratory Fortified Sample Matrix (LFSM) An aliquot of a field sample to which known quantities of the method analytes are adde d. The purpose of the LSFM is to de termine wheth er the sample matrix contributes b ias to the analytical results. For this method, separate field samples are required for preparing fortified matrix so that sampling error is inc luded in the accuracy estimate.3 

### 3.9 Laboratory Fortified Sample Matrix Duplicate ( LFSMD) A Field Duplicate of the sample used to prepare the LFSM that i s fortified and analyzed identi cally to the LFSM. The LFSMD is used instead of the Field Duplicate to assess method precision when the method analytes are rarely found at conce ntrations greater than the MRL.



### 3.10 Laboratory Reagent Blank (LRB) An aliquot of reagent water that contains the preserv atives and surrogate analytes. An LRB is included in each Extraction Batch to determine if the method analytes or other interferences are introduced f rom the laboratory environment, the reagents, glas sware, or extraction apparatus.



### 3.11 Lowest Concentration Minimum Reporting Level (LCMRL) The single

- laboratory LCMRL is the lowest spiking concentration such that the probability of spike recovery in the 50% to 150% range is at least 99%. 1 ,2



### 3.12 Minimum Reporting Level (MRL) The minimum concentration that can be reported by a laboratory as a quantified value for a method analyte following analysis. For each method analyte, t his concent ration must meet the criteria defined in Section 9.2.4 and must be greater than or equal to the concentration of the lowest calibration standard

. 

### 3.13 Primary Dilution Standard (PDS) A solution that contains compoun ds prepared from stock standards. PDS solutions are diluted to prepare calibration standards and sample fortification solutions
, and are used to fortify QC samples

. 

### 3.14 Quality Control Sample (QCS) A solution containing the method analytes at a known concentra tion that is obtained from a source external to the laboratory and different from the so urce of calibration standards. The purpose of the QCS is to verify the accuracy of the primary calibration standards.



### 3.15 Reagent Water Purified water that does not contain any measurable quantity of the method analytes or interfering compounds at
, or above
, one

- third of the MRL.



### 3.16 Safety Data Sheets Written information provided by vendors concerning a chemical’s toxicity, health hazards, physical properties, fire and reactivi ty data, storage instructions, spill response procedures, and handling precautions.



### 3.17 Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM) A GC/MS technique where only one or a few ions are monitored instead of scanni ng over a selected
mass range. When used with gas chromatography , the set of ions monitored is usually changed periodically throughout the chromatographic run to correlate with the characteristic ions of the analyte, surrogates, and internal standards as they elute from the chromatographic column.



### 3.18 Stock Standard Soluti on A concentrated standard solution that is prepared in the laboratory using assayed reference materials or that is purchased from a commercial source with a certificate of analysis.4 

### 3.19 Surrogate Analyte A pure compound, chemically similar to the method analy tes, that is unl ikely to be found in any sample. The surrogate is added to each sample in a k nown amount before extraction. Surrogates are quantitated using the same procedur es as other sample components. Because surrogates are present in every sample, the y provide a means of assessing method performance for each sample extraction

.


## 4 Interferences

4.1 Glassware, Reagents and Equipment Method interfe rences may be caused by contami nants in solvents, reagents (including reagent water), sample bottles and caps, and o th er sample processing hardware. All laboratory reagents and equipment must be routinely demonstrated to be free from interferences under t he conditions of the analysis. This may be accomplished by analyzing LRBs as described in Section 9.3.1

. 

### 4.2 Matrix Interferences Matrix interferences may be caused by contaminants that are co

- extr acted from the sample. The extent of matrix interferences will vary considerably from source to source depending upon the nature of the
water. Matrix components may directly interfere by producing a signal at or near the retention time of an analyte peak

. Matrix components may also suppress or enhance the signal of the method analytes. (Suppression and enhancement effects occur within the GC inlet when co

- eluting contaminants influence the transmission efficiency of an analyte to the column.) Humic and fulvic material in environmental samples may be co

- extracted during SPE and can caus e enhancement and suppression. Total organic carbon (TO C) is an indicator of the humic content of a sample if such information is available. The analysis of Laboratory Fortified Sample Matrix provides evidence for the presence (or absence) of matrix effects.



### 4.3 Extraction Cartridges Solid phase extraction cartrid ges may be a source of interferences. The analysis of LRBs provides important information regarding the presence or absence of such interferences. Each brand and lot of SPE devices should be monitored to ensure that contamination does not preclude analyte i dentification and quantitation. It is recommended to keep SPE cartridges sealed while in storage in order to prevent contamination of SPE sorbent.



### 4.4 Matrix Effects in t he Presence o f Water During method development studies, matrix enhancement, matrix suppre ssion, and retention time shifts were observed when analyzing extracts containing residual water from the extraction procedure. These effects are eliminated by drying SPE cartridges prior to solvent elution and by adding a des iccant to the organic extract. It is important to follow all of the steps in the extraction procedure ( Sect. 1 1 ) related to water management.

4.4.1 Nitrogen

- drying Manifold A drying manifold designed for SPE cartridges is required for this method. A rotameter or other appropriate flow measurement device must be placed in the delivery line to the nitrogen

- drying manifold to ensure that the volume of gas passing through the SPE cartridges is consis tent for each Extraction Batch.5 4.4.2 Optimizing the Cartridge Drying Step The laboratory is required to optimize the nitrogen volume for each SPE format prior to conducting the method (during the IDC). The gas volumes recommended in Section 9.1.4 are good starting parameters. The authors verifi ed these values for each extraction format across multiple lots of cartridges.



### 4.5 Analyte Extraction Efficiency Overall extraction efficiency for 2

- propen

- 1

- ol i s lower than the other ana l ytes. Typical recovery for
2

- propen

- 1

- ol can be expected to fall in the 80 to 90% range. Typical recovery for 1

- butanol and
2

- methoxyethanol can be expected to fall in the 80 to 100% range. 1,4

- D ioxane is routinely recovered near 100%.



### 4.6 Extraction Flow Rate During method development, the authors observed low analyte recovery f or some extractions when the flow rate during loading of the SPE cartridges exceeded 10 mL/min. For this reason, a loading rate of
5 mL /min is recommended for this method.



### 4.7 QC Compounds Depending on the source and purity, labeled analogs used as internal st andards and surrogates may contain a small percentage of the corresponding native analyte. Such a contribution may be significant when attempting to determine MRLs

.


## 5 Safety

5.1 Chemicals Each chemical should be treated as a potential health hazard and exposure to these chemicals should be minimized. Each laboratory is responsible for maintaining an awareness of OSHA regulations regarding safe handling of chemicals used in this method. A reference file of safety data sheets should be made available to all personn el involved in the chemical analysis.



### 5.2 Sodium Bisulfate Sodium bisulfate is used as a sample preservative to inhibi t microbial growth. Sodium bisulfate is highly acidic and should be used with appropriate caution.



### 5.3 Dichloromethane The primary hazard when con ducting the procedures in this method i s exposure to dichloromethane. This solvent is a possible human carcinogen, volatilizes readily with vapors heavier than air, and quickly permeates many typ es of common laboratory gloves. Handle this material with app ropriate protection for the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Always perform extractions and prepare standard solutions in a laboratory fume hood

. 

## 6 Equipment and Supplies

References to specific brands and catalog numbers are included as examples only and do not imply endorsement of the product s . Such reference does not preclude the use of other vendors or suppliers.



### 6.1 Sample Containers Amber glass bottles or vials fitted with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) lined screw caps.6 

### 6.2 Vials Various sizes of amber glass vials with PTFE

- lined screw caps f or storing standard solutions. Amber or clear glass , 2 mL autosampler vials with PTFE

- faced septa.



### 6.3 Micro Syringes Suggested sizes include 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250 and 1000 microliters

. 

### 6.4 Volumetric Pipettes Class A.



### 6.5 Analytic al Balance Capable of weighing to the nearest 0.0001 g ram

. 

### 6.6 Compressed Gas: Helium Ultra

- high

- purity; for use as the GC ca rrier. Alternate carrier gases, such as hydrogen (99.999% or better) may be used if the Q C criteria in Sect. 9 are met. Instrument manufacturers should be consulted prior to any GC carrier gas conversion.



### 6.7 Compressed Gas: Nitrogen Ultra

- high

- purity; for drying SPE cartridges.



### 6.8 Compressed Gas: Air Ultra

- high

- purity; for drying SPE cartridges.



### 6.9 Disposable Pa steur Pipettes
F ive and three

- fourths inch borosilicate glass, used to transfer samples to autosampler vials (Fisher Cat.
No. 13

- 678

- 20B or equivalent).



### 6.10 Volumetric Flasks Class A, suggested sizes include 2, 5, and 10 mL for preparation of primary dilution standards and calibration standards [Pyrex Brand Cat. No. 5640

- 2 (2 mL), 5640

- 5 (5 mL), and 5640

- 10 (10 mL)]. The
2 mL size is used to receive the sample eluate during the elution step in the extraction procedure.



### 6.11 Solid Phase Extraction Apparatus for Cart ridges

6.11.1 UCT EU

- 541 S PE Cartridge UCT, Inc., (Bristol, PA) EU

- 541 activated carbon (Cat. No. EU541163), 600 mg, 3 mL cartridge; requires tube adaptor (Supelco Cat. No. 57020

- U, UCT Cat. No. AD0000AS, or equivalent) to attach sample reservoir to cartridge an d to attach cartridge to the drying manifold.

6.11.2 Waters AC

- 2 SPE Cartridge Waters Corporation (Milford, MA) AC

- 2 activated carbon (Cat. No. JJAN20229), 400 mg, r eversible cartridge; requires 3 mL solvent reservoir (Supelco Cat. No. 57241 or equivalent).

6.11.3 Vacuu m Extraction Manifold Equipped with flow and vacuum control [Supelco Cat. No. 57030

- U, UCT Cat. No. VMF016GL ( the later requires UCT Cat. No. VMF02116 control va lves), or equivalent systems]. Automated devices designed for use with SPE cartridges may be us ed; however, all extraction and elution steps must be the sa me as in the manual procedure. Extraction and elution steps may not be changed or omitted to accommodate the use of an automated system.7 6.11.4 Sample Delivery System Poly propylene sample reservoirs (60 mL Restek Cat. No. 26015, 75 mL UCT Cat. No. RFV0075P, or equivalent) which attach to the cartridge, are recommended.

6.11.5 Extract Collection Tubes Two mL volumetric flasks (Pyrex Brand Cat. No. 5640

- 2 or equivalent) suitable for collection of eluate from the S PE cartridges.



### 6.12 Laboratory Vacuum System Sufficient capacity to maintain a vacuum of approximately 20 inches of mercury.



### 6.13 Drying Manifold for SPE Cartridges Manifold with flow control valve (Supelco Visidry TM Drying Attachment, Cat. No. 57100

- U, or equivalen t).



### 6.14 Flow Meter for Drying Manifold Rotameter, 0

– 30 liters/min [Organomation Associates, Inc., (Berlin, MA) Ca t. No. NA

- 1421 or equivalent]. Install the rotameter between the gas s upply and the drying manifold. See Section 17, Figure 1 , for additional guidance.



### 6.15 Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS) Analytical system complete with temperature programmable GC suitable for use with capillary columns and all required accessories including gas supply, liqui d autosampler and data system. Table 3 in Section 17 lists retention times observed for method analytes using the column and analytical conditions described below.

6.15.1 Column 30 m x 0.25 mm i.d. polyethylene glycol (PEG; commonly calle d WAX), bonded

- phase fused silica column, 0.50 μm film thickness. Helium carrier gas: 0.9 mL/min in constant flow mode. Oven temperature program: 30 °C (5 min), 10 °C/min to 110 °C (0 min), 25 °C/min to 200 °C (6 min hold).

6.15.2 GC Inlet Split/splitless injecto r operated in pulsed splitless mode (200 °C; 10

- psig pulse pressure) with a 30 second split delay. The injection volume was one microliter.

6.15.3 Inlet Liner for Split/Splitless Inlet Sing le

- gooseneck splitless liner, 4 mm deactivated glass with deactivated glas s wool.

6.15.4 GC/MS Interface The interface should allow the capillary column or transfer line exit to be placed within a few millimeters of the ion source. Other interfaces are acceptable as long as the system has adequate sensitivity and Q C performance criteri a are met.

6.15.5 Mass Spectrometer (MS) Any type of MS may be used that is capable of SIM or selected ion storage (SIS) mode (i.e., quadrupole and ion trap) with electr on impact ionization at 70 eV. The instrument must be operated in SIM mode (or SIS) for enhanc e d sensitivity and selectivity. The minimum scan range capability of the MS must be m/z 35 to 260, and it must produce a full scan mass spectrum that meets all criteria in Table 1 when a solution containing one ng, or less, of bromofluorobenzene (BFB) is injected into the GC/MS.8 6.15.6 Data System An interfaced data system is required to acquire , store and output GC/MS data. The computer software must have the capability of processing stored data by recognizing a c hromatographic peak within a given retention time window. The software must be ab le to construct a linear regres sion or quadratic regression calibration curve and calculate analyte concentrations using the internal standard technique

.


## 7 Reagents and Standard s
Reagent grade or better chemicals must be used. Unless otherwise indicated, all reagents must conform to the specifications of the Committee on Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society (ACS), where such specifications are available. Other gra des may be used if the reagent is demonstrated to be free of analytes and interferences and all requirements of the IDC are met when using these reagents.



### 7.1 Methanol
CH 3 OH, CASRN 67

- 56

- 1, p urge

- and

- trap

- grade (Honeywell, Burdick & Jackson brand, Cat. No. 232 or equivalent). No other grades of methanol are permitted for this method.



### 7.2 Dichloromethane DCM, CASRN 75

- 09

- 02, p esticide residue grade or equivalent. Use DCM to prepare the eluti on solvent: 5% methanol in DCM.



### 7.3 Sodium Sulfate, Anhydrous
Na 2 SO 4 , CASRN 7757

- 82

- 6, c onditioned at 400 °C for at least f our hours in a muffle furnace. An “ACS grade, suitable for pesticide re sidue analysis” of granular, 10

– 60 mesh, anhydrous Na 2 SO 4 is recommended (Fisher Scientific Cat. No. S415 or equivalent).



### 7.4 Sample Preservation Reagents These preservatives are solids and may be added to the sample bottl e before shipment to the field.

7.4.1 Sodium Sulfite Na 2 SO 3 , CASRN 7757

- 83

- 7, r educes residual chlorine at the time o f sample collection.

7.4.2 Sodium Bisulfate NaHSO 4 , CASRN 7681

- 38

- 1
, reduce s sample pH to inhibit microbial growth a nd prevent analyte degradation.



### 7.5 Stock Standard Solutions
V endor certified solutions of the method analytes, the internal standards
, and the surro gate analytes are recommended

. Users may prepare stock standards start ing with the neat liquid if not available as certified solutions or sufficient concentration, following the guidance provide d in this section

. Useful concentrations for stock standards are typically in the range of 1000

– 2000 μg/mL.

7.5.1 Internal Standard Stock s This method requires two internal standards: 1,4

- dioxane

- d 8 (CASRN 17647

- 74

- 4) and chlorobenzene

- d 5 (CASRN 3114

- 55

- 4). Obtain the internal standards as certified mixtures in methanol.

7.5.2 Surrogate Analyte Stock Standard s This method requires two surrogate s tandards: 1

- butanol

- d 10 (CASRN 34193

- 38

- 9) and 2

- propen

- 1

- ol

- d 6 (CASRN 1173018

- 56

- 8). Prepare a mixture of 1

- butanol

- d 10 and 2

- propen

- 1

- ol

- d 6 in purge

- and

- trap

grade methanol. During method development, 1

- butanol

- d 10 was obtained as the neat compound from9 CDN Isotopes (Pointe

- Claire, Quebec, C anada, Cat. No. D

- 1181 )

. During method development,
2

- propen

- 1

- ol

- d 6 was obtained as the neat compound from Sigma

- Aldric h ( Cat. No. 614629 ).

7.5.3 Method Analyte Stock Standard Solutions Obtain the analytes listed in Section 1.1 as certified mixes in methanol, or as neat standards if desired

. 7.5.4 Preparation Instructions for Analytes Obtained as Neat Compounds Prepare the stock standa rds individually at 2 000 μ g/mL. Using an analytical balance, ob tain a tare weight for a vial containing 20 mL of purge

- and

- trap

- grade methanol. To achieve 2.0 mg/L nominal concentrations, calculate the volume of the liquid a nalyte corresponding to 40 mg. M easure this volume with a 100 μL syringe and inject the entire quantity under the surface of the methan ol. Subtract the tare weight from the final weight to calculate the exact solution concentration. When a compound’s purity is assayed to be 96 percent or greater, the weight can be used without correction to calculat e the concentration of the stock stand ard.

7.5.5 Storage o f Stock Standards Experience indicates that the most likely cause of standard deterioration for this method is solvent evaporation. After opening sealed ampoules, store commercial mixes in glass vials wit h Teflon closures
at

– 10 °C or lower temperature

. Stock standard solutions prepared in

- house are estimated to be stable for at least one ye ar if stored at

– 10 °C

. Store these stock s in the vials in which they were prepared

. L aboratories should use appropri ate QC practices to determine when stock standards need to be replaced

. Expiration dates of commercially available mixtures provided by the vendor can be used to estimate shelf life of stock solutions if evaporation of the solvent is prevented.



### 7.6 Primary Dil ution Standards (PDS) Prepare Primary Dilution Standards by combining and diluting appropriate volumes of the stock standards with purge

- and

- trap

- grade methanol. Store the PDS solutions in glass vial s with Teflon

- lined septa at

– 10 °C or lowe r temperature

. During method development, PDS solutions were demonstrated to be stable for at least one year ; however , laboratories should use appropriate QC practices to determine when PDS standards need to be replaced

. The PDS concentrations appearing in this section were used during method development
, and are intended to be examples only.

7.6.1 Internal Standard Primary Dilution Standard Prepare the internal standard PDS at 50 μg/m L in methanol fr om the internal standard stock. The authors added 10 μL to each 2 mL extract and calibration standard to achieve a concentration of 0.25 μg/mL.

7.6.2 Surrogate Analyte Primary Dilution Standard Prepare the surrogate standard PDS at 50 μg/mL in methanol from the surrogate standard stock. The

au thors added 10 μL to each 0.050 L sample to a chi eve a concentration of 10 μg/L.

7.6.3 Method Analyte Primary Dilution Standard The analyte PDS is used to prepare the calibrati on standards and to fortify LFB, LFSM and LF SMD QC samples with the method analytes. Select nominal analyte concentrations for the P DS such that between 5 and 25 μL of the PDS is used to fortify samples and prepare standard solu tions. More than one PDS concentration may be neces sary to meet this requirement. The analyte PDS is prepared by combining appropriate volumes of the analyte st ock s tandard solutions in purge

- and

- trap

- grade methanol. During method development, three PDS solutions were used. The concentrations of these solutions are listed in the table in Section 7. 7.2

.10 

### 7.7 Calibration St andards Prepare a series of calibration standards of at least six levels by diluting the analyt e PDS into 5% methanol in DCM. The lowest calibration standard must be at
, or below
, the concentration representing the MRL in the aq ueous sample for each analyt e. Using the internal standard and surrogate PDS solutions, add a constant amount of each internal standard and surrogate to each calibration standard. The concentration of the surrogate analytes should match the concentration of the surrogates in sample

e xtracts, assuming 100% recovery through the extraction process. The calibration standards may also be used as CCCs.

7.7.1 Example Calibration Scheme The dilution scheme for calibration standards used to col lect method performance data ( Section 13 ) is presented in Section 7.7.2

. The right

- most column gives the aqueous concentration of method analytes achieved by fortifying the same quanti ty of PDS solution into a 0.050 L aqueous sample, e.g., when preparing fortified field sampl es. Ten microliters of the internal standard PDS (50 μg/mL) were added to each calibration standard resulting in a concentration of 0.25 μg/mL. Ten microliters of the surrogate PDS (50 μg/mL) were added to each calibration standard resulting in a concentration of 0.25 μg/mL in the calibration standard (10 μg/L aqueous sample equivalent).

7.7.2 Dilution Scheme for Calibration Standards

CAL a Level Analyte PDS (μg/mL) PDS Volume (μL) Final Std. Volume 5% methanol:DCM (mL) CAL Std. c,d (μg/mL) Aqueous Equivalent 0.050 L Sample (μg/L) 0.5 x MRL 1,4

- dioxane (0.40) Alcohols, 2

- ME a (2.0) 25 2.0 0.0050 0.025 0.20 1.0 Std

. #1
, MRL b 1,4

- dioxane (4.0) Alcohols, 2

- ME (20) 5.0 2.0 0.010 0.050 0.40 2.0 2 1,4

- dioxane (4.0) Alcoh ols, 2

- ME (20) 10 2.0 0.020 0.10 0.80 4.0 3 1,4

- dioxane (4.0) Alcohols, 2

- ME (20) 20 2.0 0.040 0.20 1.6 8.0 4 1,4

- dioxane (40) Alcohols, 2

- ME (200) 5.0 2.0 0.10 0.50 4.0 20 5 1,4

- dioxane (40) Alcohols, 2

- ME (200) 10 2.0 0.20 1.0 8.0 40 6 1,4

- dioxane (4 0) 20 2.0 0.40 16

a. CAL = calibration standard; alcohols = 1

- butanol, 2

- propen

- 1

- ol; 2

- ME = 2

- methoxyethanol. b. During method development, the MRL was confi rmed at this level.

c. Ten μL internal standard PDS (50 μg/mL) added to each calibration standard results in a concentration of 0.25 μg/mL. d. Ten μL surrogate PDS (50 μg/mL) added to each calibration standard results in a concentration of
0.25 μg/mL in the CAL standard (10 μg/L aqueous sample equivalent).11 7.7.3 Storage of Calibration Standards The stability of calibra tion standards was evaluated during method development at concentrations within the calibration range. The calibration standards are stable for at le ast 6 months when stored in autosampler vials with PTFE

- faced silicone septa at

– 10 °C

.
7.7.4 GC/MS Tune Check So lution BFB , 1 μg/mL, CASRN 460

- 00

- 4. P repare in a solvent mixture identical to the extract solvent composition.



## 8 Sample Collection, Preservation, and Storage

8.1 Sample Bottles Prior to shipment to the field, add sodium sulfite and sodium bisulfate to each samp le bottle: 2.5 mg of sodium sulfite and 50 mg of sodium bisulfate. Cap the vials tightly to avoid spillage of the pre servation reagents. The final concentrations of sodium sulfite and sodium bisulfate in the sample are 50 mg/L and 1000 mg/L, res pectively, for a 50 mL sample. Do no t dilute these salts in water. The preservatives m ust be added in the solid form.



### 8.2 Sample Collection Open the tap and allow the system to flus h for approximately 5 minutes. Using a graduated cylinder
, fill each bottle with exactly 5 0 mL of sample. Invert the bottle several times to mix the sample with the preservatives. Rinse the graduated cylinder several times with the subsequent sample before filling the next bottle.



### 8.3 QC Samples Collect additional field samples to fulfill QC requir ements for Field Duplica tes, LFSMs, and LFSMDs. For this method, all QC samples are prepared using duplicate samples collected in the field, i.e., not split
samp les prepared in the laboratory.



### 8.4 Sample Shipment and Storage Samples must be chilled during ship ment and must not exceed 10 °C during the fi rst 48 hours after collection. In the laboratory, s amples must be stored at
, or below
, 6 °C and protected from light.



### 8.5 Verification upon Receipt Samples must be confirmed to be at, or below
, 10 °C when they are re ceived at the laboratory. When samples are returned to the laboratory, use a pH meter to periodically verify that sample pH is less than 3 f or each drinking water source. For each water source, analyze one sample using common assays for residual chlorine, e.g., N,N diethyl

- p

- phenylenediamine (DPD)

- colorimetric technique. Residual chlorine should not be present in preserved w ater samples.



### 8.6 Sample Holding Time Analyz e samples as soon as possible. Samples must be analyzed within 28 days of collection.



### 8.7 Storage o f Extracts Store the 2 mL extracts obtained from the SPE procedure in a freezer a t, or below
, – 10 °C

. 

### 8.8 Extract Holding Time Extracts must be analyzed within 28 days after sample extraction

.12 

## 9 Quality Control

QC requirements include the ID C and ongoing QC requ irements. This section describes each QC parameter, its required frequency, and the performance criteria that must be met in ord er to satisfy EPA quality objec tives. The QC criteria discussed in the following sections a re summarized in Section 17,
Ta ble 14 and Table 15

. These QC requirements are considered the minimum acceptable QC program. Laboratories are encouraged to institute additional QC practices to meet their specific needs . C alibrate the GC/MS system following the steps in Section 10 prior to optimizing the SPE cartridge drying parameters and conductin g the IDC.



### 9.1 Optimizing SPE Cartridge Drying Parameters For this method, the SPE cartridge drying parameters must be optimiz ed for each extraction format. The goal is to produce dry extracts for GC analysis and to conserve compressed gas required by this method

. The WAX column is very sensitive to water in the extracts and retention time shifts will occur if residual water is not completely removed. In addition, the authors observed s uppression and enhancement of analyte response when residual water was present in the extracts.

9.1.1 Prepare for the Test Review the extra ction procedure in Section 11

. Pay pa rticular attention to the step s for drying the AC

- 2 cartridges ( Sect. 11.2.5 ) and the UCT EU

- 541 cartridges ( Sect. 11.3.5 ) after sa mple loading

. Proper drying technique results in a clear, single

- layer extract after elution: no clou diness or separate water layer. In addition, retention times observed during extract analysis should match those obser ved for calibration standards. Perform the following experiment to identify the optim u m volume for nitrogen drying. Purified air (zero air) may be used in place of nitrogen; however, vacuum drying is not permitted.

9.1.2 Condition SPE Test Cartridges Load two SPE cartridges onto the extraction manifold and condition with the following exception: aspirate the reagent water in the final conditioning step for ~30 seconds and then close the manifold valve. [For the Water s AC

- 2 format, remove the wet 3 mL reservoirs and repl ace them with dry reservoirs.] Add 150 μL of methanol (Waters AC

- 2) or 200 μL o f methanol (UCT EU

- 541) to each reservoir and aspirate at full vacuum for ~30 seconds.

9.1.3 Dry the Cartridges Set up the drying manifold, but do not attach it t o the extraction lid. Install the rotameter between the nitrogen regulator and the control valve o n the drying manifold ( Figure 1 ). Place the cartridges on the drying m anifold in the load direction. Start the nitrogen flow at between 2 and 5 L/min per cartridge (total flow measured on the rotameter divided by the numb er of cartridges); start a timer and dry for
5 minutes. For the first one to two minutes, water is expelled from the bottom of the cartridges. With continued flow, the sorb ent visibly lightens in shade

. While the cartridges are drying, dry the manifold val ves used during the conditioning step with methanol followed by vacuum aspiration ( Sect. 11.2.5.3 ). Do not omit this step: the valves hold a significant quantity of water.

9.1.4 Flow Rate and Volumes used during Method Development A rotameter is sensitive to pressure drop across the device and the flow rate observed may not be
accurate. The authors recorded a true flow rate of 5.0 liters/min per cartridge as measured by a mass flow meter when the rotameter ind icated a fl ow rate of 2 L/min ( nitrogen delivery pressure of 80 psig )

. For example, when drying five cartridges, the mass flow meter read 25 liters/min while the rotamet er read 10 liters /min. As measured with a mass flow meter , the optimized nitrogen volumes were as13 follows: Waters AC

- 2 (5 L/min x 5 minutes = 25 liters per sample) and UCT EU

- 541 (5 L/min x 8 minutes = 40 liters per sample

. Because the rotameter is used to repeat the total flow optimized in these steps, accuracy is not required.

9.1.5 Elute the Test Cartridg es Replace the cartridges on the manifold in their original positions and elute with 2 mL of 5% methanol in DCM following the procedure in Sect. 11.4

. The extracts should be clear with out a discernible water layer. If th e extracts are wet, repeat the experiment and incrementally increase the nitrogen flow or time until a volume is reached that results in a clear, single

- layer extract. Sa ve these extracts for
S tep 9.1. 7

. 9.1.6 Estimate th e Minimum Required Nitrogen Volume If the extracts contain no visible water after the first trial, repeat the experiment and incrementally decrease the nitrogen volu me. Determine the minimum volume of nitrogen that res ults in single

- layer
extracts. Save th ese extracts for S tep 9.1. 7

. 9.1.7 Analyze and Evaluate the Extracts Fortify the extracts with analytes, internal standards, and surrogates and bring to volum e (2 mL) with elution solvent. Ensure that the sodium sulfate d es iccant is properly conditioned. Dry the extracts with sodium sulfate per Sectio n 11.6 . Analyze the extracts. The retention times should match those obser ved for calibration standards. If retention time shifts occur, inc rease the nitrogen volume and repeat the experiment until the problem is resolved.

9.1.8 Select a Volume above the Minimum The authors determined empirically that up to six times the minimum volume necessary to eliminate retention time shifts could be applied wi thout adverse effects on method performance. However, excessive drying (beyond this limit) decreased analyte recovery dur ing the solvent elution step.
2

- Propen

- 1

- ol is the most sen sitive analyte to over drying. The authors recommend adding a few minutes to the drying time representing the optimized nitrogen volume to ensure retention time shifts do not occur if operating conditions vary slightly, e.g., different lots of SPE media. Use the rotameter to ensure that the optimized nitrogen volume is applied to all subsequent sample extractions.



### 9.2 Initial Demonstration of Capability (IDC) The IDC must be successfully performed prior t o analyzing field samples. The IDC must be repeated if changes are made to analytical parameters not previously validated during the IDC, for example, selection of alternate quantitation ions, extending the calibration range, or changing the internal
stan dard assignment of an analyte. Prior to conducting the IDC, the analyst must meet the calibration requirements outlined in Sec tion 10

. The same calibration range used during the IDC must be used for the analysis of field samples.

9.2.1 Demonstration of Low System Background Analyze an LRB immediately after injecting the highest calibration st andard in the selected calibration
rang e. Confirm that the blank is free from contaminati on as defined in Section 9.3.1

. 9.2.2 Demonstration of Precision Prepare, extract and analyze five replicate LFBs in a valid Ext raction Batch (fi ve replicate LFBs and an LRB). Fo rtify the LFBs near the midpoint of the initial calibration curve. The method preservatives must be added to the samples as described in Section 8.1

. The percent relative standard de viation (%RSD) of the concentra tions of the replicate analyses must be less than, or equal to, 20% for all method analytes.14 % RRRRRR = SSSSSSSSSSSSSS DDDDDD DDDD oo MM MMMM CC CC MM CC CC × 100

9.2.3 Demonstration of Accuracy Using the same set of replicate data generated for Section 9.2.2 , calculate the average percen t recovery

. The average percent recovery for each analyte must be within plus or minus 30% of the true value.

AA AA % RR RR = AA AA MM MMMM CC CC FF CC CC × 100

9.2.4 Minimum Reporting Level (MRL) Confirmation Establish a target concen tratio n for the MRL based on the intended use of the method. Analyze an initial calibration following the procedures in Section 10

. The lowest calibration standard used to establish the initial calibration (as well as the low

- level CCC) must be at
, or below
, the concentration representing the
MRL

. Establishing the MRL concentration too low may cause repeated failu re of ongoing QC requirements. Confirm the MRL following the procedure outlined below.

9.2.4.1 Prepare and A nalyze MRL Samples Fortify, extract and analyze seven replicate LFBs at
, or below
, t he proposed MRL concentration. The LFBs must contain the method preservatives as specified in Section 8.1

. 9.2.4.2 Calculate MRL Statistics Calcu late the mean and standard d eviation for each analyte in these replicates. Determine the Half Range for the Prediction Interval of Results ( HR PIR ) using the following equation:

HH PPPPPP = 3

. 963 Where, S is the standard deviation and 3.963 is a constant value for seven replicates. 1

Calculate the Upper and Lower Limits for the Prediction Interval of Results ( PIR = Mean ± HR PIR ) as shown below.

UU pppp PPPP LL LL = MM + HH PPPPPP FF CC CC × 100

LL LL PPPP LL LL = MM

− HH PPPPPP FF CC CC × 100

9.2.4.3 MRL Acceptance Criteria The MRL is confirmed if the Upper PIR Limit is less than, or equal to, 150%; and the Lower PIR Limit is greater than, or equal to, 50%

. If these criteria are not met, the MRL has been set too low and must be confirmed again at a higher concentration.

NOTE: These equations ar e only valid for seven replicate samples.

9.2.5 Quality Control Sample (QCS) Analyze a Quality Control Sample ( Sect. 9.3. 10 ) to confirm the accuracy of the primary calibration standards.15 

### 9.3 Ongoing QC Requirements
T his s ection describes the ongoing QC elements that must be included when processing and analyzing field samples.

9.3.1 Laboratory Reagent Blank (LRB) Analyze an L RB with each Extraction Batch. The LRB m ust contain the method preserva tives and the surrogate analytes a t the same concentration used to fortify field samples. Background from method anal ytes or contaminants that inter fere with the measurement of method analytes must b e less than

one

- third the MRL. If method ana lytes are detected in the LRB at concentrations equal to
, or greater than this level, then all data for the problem analyte(s) must be considered invalid for all samples t hat yielded a positive result. Subtracting blank values from sample results is not permitted.

9.3.1.1 Estimating Background Concentrations
A lthough quantitative data below the MRL may not be accurate enough for data reporting, such data are useful in determining the magnitu de of background interference. Therefore, the analyte concentrations in the LRB may be estimated by extrapolation when res ults are below the MRL.

9.3.1.2 Influence of Background on Selection of MRLs It is important to evaluate background values of analytes that commonl y occur in LRBs. The MRL should be set at a value greater than three times the mean concentrati on observed in replica te LRBs. If LRB values are highly variable, setting the MRL to a value greater than the mean LRB concentration plus three times the standard deviation may provide a more realistic MRL.

9.3.1.3 Evaluation of Background when Analytes Exceed the Calibration R ange Aft er analysis of a sample in which method analytes exceed the calibration range, one or more LRBs must be analyzed (to detect potential carryover) until the system meet s the LRB acceptance criteria. If this occurs during an automated sequence, examine the re sults of samples analyzed following the sample that e xceeded the calibration range. If the analytes that exceeded the calibration range in the previous sample are detected at , or above
, the MRL, these sa mples are invalid. If the affected analytes do not ex ceed the MRL, these subs equent samples may be reported.

9.3.2 Continuing Calibration Check (CCC) Analyze CCC standards at the beginning of each Analysis Batch, after every ten th field sample , and at the

en d of the Analysis Batch. See Section 10.3 for concentration requirements and acceptance criteria for
CCCs.

9.3.3 Laboratory Fortified Blank An LFB is requir ed with each Extraction Batch. The concentration of the LFB must be rotated between low, medium, and high conce nt rations from batch to batch. The low concentration LFB must be within a factor of two times the MRL. The high concentration LFB must be near the high end of the calibration range est ablished during the initial calibration. Results of the low

- le vel LFB anal yses must be within 50% of t he true value for each analyte. Results of the medium and high

- level LFB analyses must be within plus or minus 30% of th e true value for each analyte. If the LFB results do not meet these criteria, then

a ll data for the problem analytes must be considered invalid for all sam ples in the Extraction Batch.

9.3.4 BFB MS Tune Check A complete description of the MS Tune C heck is found in Sect. 10.1.1

. Perform the MS T une C heck in full scan mode. The acceptance criteria for the MS Tune Check are summ arized in Section 17, Table 1

. The16 MS Tune Check must be performed each time a major change is made to the mass spectrometer and prior to establishing or re

- establish ing an ini tial calibration

. Daily BFB analysis is not required.

9.3.5 Internal Standards (IS) The analyst must monitor the peak areas of the internal standards (1,4

- dioxane

- d 8 and chlorobenzene

- d 5 ) in all inj ections of the Analysis Batch. The internal standard r esponses (as indicated by peak areas) in any chromatographic run must not deviate by more than plus or minus 50% from the average areas measured d uring the initial calibration. In addition, the peak areas must not deviate by more than plus or minus 30% fro m the resp onses in the most recent CCC. If an IS area for a sample does not meet these criteria, check the corresponding IS area of the most recent CCC and proceed as follows.

9.3.5.1 Corrective Action for Failed Internal Standards in Samples If the IS criterion i s met in the CCC but not the sample, reanalyze the extract i n a subsequent Analysis Batch. If the IS area fails to meet the acceptance criteria in the repeat analysis, but passes in the most recent CCC, extraction of the sample may need to be repeated prov ided the sample is still within the holding time. If re

- extraction is not possible, qualify the original sample results as “suspect

– IS r esponse.” Qualify only those analytes referenced to the failed internal standard.

9.3.5.2 Corrective Action for Failed Internal Standards in CCCs If both the original field sample and the CCC fail the IS area criterion, take corrective action (e.g.,
Sect. 10.4 ). After servicing the in strument, re

- inject the extract i n a subsequent Analysis Bat ch. If the IS area fails to meet the acceptance criteria in the repeat analysis, but passes in the most recent CCC, extraction of the sample may need to be repeated provided the sample is still within the holding time. If

re

- extraction is not possible, qua lify the original sample results as “suspect

– IS r esponse.” Qualify only those analytes referenced t o the failed internal standard.

9.3.6 Surrogate Recovery The surrogate analytes are fortified into the aqueous portion of field samples and Q C samples prior to
ext raction. Calculate the percent recovery for each surrogat e

. Recover y must be in the range of 70 to 130%.

% RR RR = ( CC CCCC CC SSSS SSSS CC CC FF CC CC oo SSSS ) × 100

9.3.6.1 Corrective Action for Failed Surrogates If a surro gate fails to meet th e recovery criterion, evaluat e the recovery of the surrogate in the CCCs, the integrity of the calibration solutions, and take corrective action such as recalibration a nd s ervicing the GC/MS system. A nalyze the failed extract in a subsequent Analysis Batch. If the repeat analysis meets the surrogate recovery criterion, report only d ata for the reanalyzed extract. If the repeat analysis fails the 70 to 130% recovery criterion after corrective action, extraction of the sample must be repeated provided a sample is available and still within the holding time. If the re

- extracted sample also fails the recovery criterion
, or if a duplicate field sample is not available , qualify all data for that sample a s “suspect

– surrogate recovery.”

9.3.7 Laboratory Fortified Sample Matrix (LFSM) Within each Extraction Batch, analyze a minimum of one LFSM. The background concentrations of the analytes in the sample matrix must be determined in a separat e field sample and subtracted from th e measured values in the LFSM. If various sample matrixes are analyzed regularly, for example, drinking17 water processed from ground water and surface water sources; collect performance data for each

source.

9.3.7.1 Prepare the LFSM Prepare the LFSM by fortifying a Field Duplicate with an appropriate amount of the analyte PDS ( Sect. 7.6.3 ) a nd surrogate PDS ( Sect. 7.6.2 ). Generally, select a spiking concentration that is greater than or equal to the native co ncentration for most analytes. Select ing a duplicate aliquot of a sample that has already been analyzed aids in the selection o f an appropriate spiking level. If this is not possible, u se historical data when selecting a fortifying concentration.

9.3.7.2 Calculate the Percent Recovery Calculate the percent re covery (%R) using the equation:

% RR = ( AA

− BB )
CC × 100
Where, A = measured concentration in the fortified sample, B = measured concentration in the unfortified sample, and C = fortification concentration.

In order to obtain meaningful percent recovery results, correct the measured values in the LFSM and LFSMD for the native levels in the unfortified samples, even if the native values are less than the MRL.

9.3.7.3 Evaluate Analyte Recovery Recoveries for analytes fortified at concentrations near or at the MRL (within a factor of two times the MRL concentration) must be within plus or minus 50% of the tr ue value. Recoveries for analytes fortified at all other concentrations must be within plus or minus 30% of the true value. If the accuracy for any analyte falls outside the designated range, and the laboratory performance for that analyte is shown to be in control in the CCCs and in the LFB, the rec overy is judged matrix biased. Report the result for the corresponding analyte in the unfortif ied sample as “suspect

– matrix.”

9.3.8 Field Duplicate or Laboratory Fortified Sample Matrix Duplicate (FD or LFSMD) Within each Extraction Batch, analyze a minimum of one Fi eld Duplicate or one Laboratory Fort ified Sample Matrix Duplicate. If the method analytes are not routinely observed in field samples, analyze an LFSMD rather than an FD.

9.3.8.1 Calculate the RPD for Field Duplicates Calculate the relative percent difference (RPD ) for duplicate measurements (F D1 and FD2) using the equation:

RR RR = | FD 1 − FD 2 | ( FD 1 + FD 2 ) 2 ⁄ × 100

9.3.8.2 Acceptance Criterion for Field Duplicates RPDs for Field Duplicates must be plus or minus 30% for each analyte. Greater variability may be observed when Field Duplicates have analyte concentrations that ar e near or at the MRL (within a factor of two times the MRL concentration). At these concentrations, Field Duplicates must have RPDs that are plus or minus 50%. If the RPD of an analyte falls outside the designated range, and the laboratory performance for the analyte is shown to be in control in the CCC and in the LFB, the precisio n is judged18 matrix influenced. Report the result for the corresponding analyte in the unfortified sample as “suspect

– matrix.”

9.3.8.3 Calculate the RPD for the LFSM and LFSMD If an LFSMD is analyzed instead of a Field Duplicate, calculate the RPD using the equation:

RR RR = | LL

− LL | ( LL + LL ) 2 ⁄ × 100

9.3.8.4 Acceptance Criterion for Fortified Matrix RPDs for duplicate LFSMs must be plus or minus 30% for each analyte. Gr eater variability may be observed when the matrix is fortified at analyte concentrations near or at the MRL (within a factor of
two times the MRL concentration). LFSMs at these concentrations must have RPDs that are plus or minus 50%. If the RPD of an anal yte falls outside the designated range, and the laboratory performance for the analyte is shown to be in control in the CCC and in the LFB, the precision is judged matrix infl uenced. Report the result for the corresponding analyte in the unfortified sample as “suspect

– matrix.”

9.3.9 Retention Time Shifts If QC failures are associated with retention time shifts in a sample, residual water in the extract may be the cause of the failed QC. In this case, re

- extract the sample and increase the time devoted to drying
t he SPE cart ridge with nitrogen

. 9.3.10 Quality Control Sample (QCS) A QCS (as defined in Sect. 3.1 4 ) must be analyzed during the IDC, and then at least quarterly thereafter. Prepare the QCS in the elution solvent near th e midp oint of the calibration range. The acceptance criterion for the QCS is plus or minus 20% of the true value. If the accuracy for any analyte fails the recovery criterion, prepare fresh standard dilutions and repeat the QCS evaluation.



### 9.4 Method Modificat ion QC Requirements The analyst is permitted to modify the GC injection technique, GC column and conditions, and MS conditions. Any proposed method modifications must retain the basic chromatographic elem ents of this method ( Sect. 2 ). Examples of method modifications include alternate GC column phases, MS conditions, quantitation ions, and additional QC analytes prop osed for use with the method. T he following are required after a method modification.

9.4.1 Repeat the IDC Establi sh an acceptable initial calibration ( Sect. 10.2 ) using the modified conditions. Repeat the procedures of the IDC ( Sect. 9.2 ).

9.4.2 Document P erformance in Representative Sampl e Matrixes The analyst is also required to evaluate and document method performance for the proposed modifications in real matrixes that span the range of waters that the laboratory ana lyzes. This additional step is required because modifications that perf orm acceptably in the IDC, which is conducted in reagent water, could fail ongoing meth od QC requirements in real matrixes. This is particularly important for methods subject to matrix effects , such as GC/MS

- based methods. For example, a laboratory may

rou tinely analyze drinking water from municipal treatment plants that process ground water, surface water, or a blen d of surface and ground water. In this case, the method modification requirement could be accomplished by assessing precision ( Sect. 9.2.2 ) and accuracy ( Sect. 9.2.3 ) in a surface water with19 moderate to high total organic carbon (e.g., 2 mg/L or greater) and a hard ground water (e.g., 250 mg/L as calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) eq uiva lent, or greater).

9.4.3 Monitor Performance of the Modified Method The results of Section 9.4.1 and Section 9.4.2 must be appropriately documented by the anal yst and independently assessed by the laboratory’s QA officer pri or to analyzing field samples. When implementing method modifications, it is the responsibili ty of the laboratory to review the results of ongoing QC, and in particular, the results associ ate d with LFSM , duplicate samples , CCCs , and the internal stand ard area counts

. If repeated failures are noted, the modification must be abandoned

. 

## 10 Calibration and Standardization

Demonstration and documentation of acceptable mass spectrometer tune and initia l calibration is required before performing the IDC and pri or to analyzing field samples. The MS T une C heck and initial calibration must be repeated each time a major instrument modification is made, or maintenance is performed.



### 10.1 GC/MS Optimization Any type of MS may be used as described in Sect. 6.15.5

. Data presented in Section 17 were obtained in the SIM mode usin g a quadrupole mass analyzer. Operation of the MS in selected ion monitoring mode enhances sensitivit y; however, less qualitative data are obtained for the method analytes an d any potential interferences. Because of this, and because the selected ions for the compounds of interest are low masses that are likely to occur more frequently in interferences th an most higher mass ions, the analyst should also rely on chromatographic resolution to reduce the p ossibility of false positives. It is recommended to use a GC column that is at least 30 m in length
, with sufficient capacity to separate the least retained analytes from the extraction solvent
, and that provides adequate separation of the compounds of intere st from possible interferences.

10.1.1 MS Tune and MS Tune Check Calibrate the mass and abundance scales of the MS using calibration compounds and procedures

re commended by t he manufacturer with any modifi cations necessar y to meet tuning requirements. Introduce BFB ( Sect. 7. 7.4 ) into the GC/MS system. Acquire a mass spectrum using a scan range of m/z 35

– 260. Use a single spect rum at the apex of the BFB peak, an average spectrum of the three highest points of the peak, or an average spectrum across the entire peak to evaluate the performance of the system. Appropriate background subtraction is allowed; however, the background sc ans must be chosen from the baseline prior to
, or after , elution of the BFB peak. If the BFB mass spectrum does not meet all criteria in Section 17, Table 1 , the MS must be re

- tuned to meet these criteria b efore proceeding with the initial calibration.

10.1.2 GC Conditions Establish GC operating conditions appropriate for the GC column dimensions by optimizing the inlet condi tions and temperature program. GC conditions used during method development are summarized in Section 17, Table 2

. Tailing peak profiles are expected for 1

- butanol, 2

- propen

- 1

- ol and, especially,
2

- methoxyethanol. However, the column and inlet conditions chosen should not ca use peaks to split or broaden. The auth ors obtained acceptable results for this method as illustrated by the profiles in the reconstructed ion chromatogram ( Sect. 17, Figure 2 ) and in the extracted ion current profiles (EICPs) ( Sect. 17, Figure 3 ). O ptimize chromatographic resolution such that a unique quantitation ion is available20 for each analyte that is free from interference due to an identical fragment ion in any co

- eluting (or

over lapping) peaks

. 10.1.3 SIM MS Con ditions Choose one primary quantitation ion and at least one confirmation ion. If possible, sel ect a second confirmation ion. Additional ions may be monitored that demonstrate a unique fragment in the mass spectrum. Verify that the primary io n is free from interference due to an identical fragment ion in any overlapping peaks. If the chromatogram is divided into SIM windows (also termed segments or periods), the laboratory must ensure that each method analyte elutes entirely within the assigned wind ow durin g each Analysis Batch. Make this observation by viewing the mass chromatogram of the quantitation ion for each analyte in the CCC s analyzed during an Analysis B atch. The entire Analysis Batch is invalid if one or more analyte peaks drift outside of designa ted SIM w indows in any CCC

. 10.1.4 Suggested Ions and Dwell Times Section 17, Table 3 lists ions used for quantitation and confirmat ion during method development. Set the dwell time for each ion to acquire at least seven to 10 scans acr oss each chromatographic peak. SIM windows and dwell times used to collect method performanc e data are included in Table 3

. 

### 10.2 Initial Calibration An initial calibration requires optimizing GC/MS conditions a nd confirming that the instrument meets the BFB tune ch eck criteria ( Section 10.1.1 ). Calibration must be performed using peak areas and th e internal standard technique. Calibration using peak heights and external standard c alibration are not permitted.

10.2.1 Calibration Standards Prepare a set of at least six calibration standards as described in Section 7.7

. The lowest concentration of the calibration standard s must be at
, or below
, the M RL. The MRL must be confirmed using the procedure outlined in Section 9.2.4 after establi shing the initial calibration. Additionally, field samples must be quantified using a calibration curve that spans the sa me concentration range used to collect the IDC data , e.g., analysts are not permitted to use a restricted calibration range to meet the IDC criteria and then use a larger dynamic range during a nalysis of field samples.

10.2.2 Calibration Curve Calibrate the GC/MS system using peak areas and th e internal standard technique. Fit the calibration points with either a linear or a quadratic regression (response vs. concentration). Weighting may be used

. The GC/MS instrument used during method development was calibrated using quadr atic curves with no weighting. Because the surrogate analytes are added at a single concentration level to the calibration standards, calibrate for each surrogate using an average response factor. Suggested internal standard assignments and quan titation ions for each method analyte are pr esented in Section 17, Table 3

. 10.2.3 Calibration Acceptance Criteria Evaluate the initial calibration by calculating the concentration of each analyte as an unknown ag ainst its

r egression equation. F or calibration levels that are less than or equal to the MRL, the result for each analyte should be within plus or minus 50% of the true value. All other calibration points should calculate to be within plus or minus 30% of their true value. If these criteria cannot be met, the analyst could have difficult y meeting ongoing QC criteria. In this case, corrective action is recommended such as reanalyzing the calibration standards, restricting the range of calibration, or performing instrum ent21 maintenan ce. If the cause for failure to meet the criteria is due to contamination or standard degradation, prepare fresh calibration standards and repeat the initial calibration.



### 10.3 Continuing Calibration Checks (CCCs) Analyze a CCC to verify the initial calibration at the beginning of each Analysis Batch, after every tenth field sample, and at t he end of each Analysis Batch. The beginning CCC for each Analysis Batc h must be
at , or below
, the MRL. This CCC verifies instrument sensitivity prior to the anal ysis of samples. Alternate subsequent CCCs between th e remaining calibration levels. Verify that the CCC meets the following criteria.

10.3.1 Internal Standard Responses T he absolute area of the quantitation ion for each internal standard (1,4

- dioxane

- d 8 and chlo robenzene

d 5 ) must be within plus or minus 50% from the average area measured during the initial calibration. If these limits are exceeded, corrective ac tion is necessary ( Sect. 10.4 ).

10.3.2 Surrogate Analytes The calculate d concentration of the surrogate analytes must be within plus or minus 30% of the true value. If the surrogate analytes fail this criterion, corrective action is necessary ( Sect. 10.4 ).

10.3.3 Method Analytes Calculate the co ncentration of e ach method analyte in the CCC. Each analyte fortified at a level less than or equal to the MRL must calculate to be within plus or minus 50% of the true value. The calculated
concent ration of the method analytes in CCCs fortified at all oth er levels must be within plus or minus 30%. If these limits are exceeded, then all data for the failed analyt es must be considered invalid. Any field samples analyzed since the last acceptable CCC that are still within holding time must be reanalyzed after an acceptable calibration has been restored.



### 10.4 Corrective Action Failure to meet calibration performance criter ia requires corrective action. Acceptable method performance may be restored simply by servicing the GC injection port and clipping the column.
Fo llowing this and other minor corrective action, check the calibration with a mid

- level CCC and a CCC at the MRL, or recalibr ate according to Section 10.2

. If internal standard and calibration failures persist, mainte nance may be required, such as servicing the MS syste m and replacing the GC column. These latter measures constitute major maintenance, and the analyst must return to the initial calibration step ( Sect. 10.2 ) and ver ify sensitivity by analyzing a CCC at
, or below
, the MRL

.


## 11 Procedure

This section describes the procedures for sample preparation and analysis. Important aspects of this analytical procedure include proper sample collection and storage ( Sect. 8 ), ensuring that the instrument is properly calibrated ( Sect. 10 ), and that all required QC el ements are included ( Sect. 9.3 ). For this method, the volume of nitrogen required to dry SPE cartridges must be determined prior to conducting this procedure. Refer to Section 9.1 for guidance on determining this volume.



### 11.1 Sample Preparation All field and QC samples must contain the prese rvatives listed in Section 8.1 , including the LRB and LFB.22 11.1.1 QC Samples With each Extraction Batch ( Sect. 3.4 )
, include one LRB, one LFB, and one LFSM . O ne FD
, or one LFSMD
, is req uired. Refer to Section 9 .3 fo r the frequency of QC elements. Fortify the LFB , LFSM, and LFSMD
, with an appropriate volume of analyte PDS ( Sect. 7.6.3 ).

11.1.2 Surrogate Anal ytes Add an aliquot of the surrogate PDS ( Sect. 7.6.2 ) to each sample. Cap and mix the samples. Fo r method development work, a 10 μL aliquot of the 50 μg/mL surrogate PDS was added to 0.050 L in the original

s ample bottle for a final concentration of 10 μg/L.



### 11.2 Extraction Procedure Using Waters AC

- 2 SPE Format

11.2.1 Set up the Extraction Manifold Place extraction cartridges on the SPE vacuum manifold and attach 3 mL polypropylene reservoirs. Establish a vacuum between

– 8 and

– 5 psig.

11.2.2 Cartridge Cleaning Add 3 mL of 5% methanol in DCM to each reservoir and draw enough solvent through the cartridge to soak the sorbent. Allow the sorbent to soak for approximately one minute. Draw the remaining solvent
to was te until the car tridge is dry. Repeat this step with 2 mL of purge

- and

- trap

- grade methanol.

11.2.3 Cartridge Conditioning

11.2.3.1 Condition with Methanol Add approximately 2 mL of methanol to the reservoir and draw enough solvent through the cartridge to soak the sorbent. Allow the sorb ent to soa k for approximately one minute. Draw the solvent through the cartridge; aspirate, but do not allow the sorbent to dry completely. It is not necessary to leave a solvent layer above the sorbent bed.

11.2.3.2 Condition with Water Fill the 3 mL reservoir com pletely with reagent water. Draw the water through the cartridge, but do not allow the sorbent to dry completely. It is not necessary to leave a water layer above the sorbent be d. Remove the 3 mL reservoir. The AC

- 2 cartridges are now ready for sample load ing.

11.2.4 Sample Loading Attach 60 mL res ervoirs to the SPE cartridges. Load samples at a flow rate of 5 mL/min or less using a vacuum between

– 8 a nd

– 5 psig. Approximate this rate by ensuring that individual drops are observed exiting the delivery tubes and by timing this step. Rinse the empty sample bottles with 5 mL of reagent water and a dd the rinse to the reservoir. After the sample passes completely through the cartridge, aspirate for approximately 30 seco nds; close the manifold valve. After all sa mples ar e loaded, remove the 60 mL reservoirs and increase the vacuum to approximately 20 psig in preparation for the drying steps.

11.2.5 Cartridge Drying The dr ying steps are very important. Precisely repeat the proc edure optimized during the IDC.

11.2.5.1 Methanol Rinse Step
A ttach a clean, dry 3 m L reservoir to each cartridge. Add 150 μ L of methanol to each reservoir. Aspirate at full vacuum for appr oximately 30 seconds. Remove the reservoirs and set aside for lat er use during the elution step.23 11.2.5.2 Nitrogen Purge Step Transfer the cart ridges to the drying manifold. Do not attach the drying manifold to the lid of the extraction manifold. Dry with high

- purity nitrogen or zero air using the flow rate and dura tion optimized during the IDC. Use the rotameter to monitor the flow rate.

11.2.5.3 Dr ying Manifold Valves Remove residual water from the manifold valves while the cartridges are drying

. Open the valves and transfer a few milliliters of meth anol to the top of each valve. Pull air through the valves under full vacuum. Do not omit this step. The manifold valves and delivery tubes hold enough water to cause retention time shifts when an alyzing the final extract.



### 11.3 Extraction Procedure using UCT EU

- 541 SPE Format

11.3.1 Set Up the Extraction Manifold Place extraction cartridges on the SPE vacuum manifold

. Establish a vacuum between

– 8 and

– 5 psig

. 11.3.2 Cartridge Cleaning Fill each cartridge with 5% methanol in DCM and draw enough solvent through the cartridge to soak the sorbent. Allow the sorbent to soa k for approximately one minute. Draw the remaining solven t to was te until the cartridge is dry. Repeat this step with 2 mL of purge

- and

- trap

- grade methanol.

11.3.3 Cartridge Conditioning

11.3.3.1 Condition with Methanol Add approximately 2 mL of methanol to each SPE cartridge and draw enough solven t through to soak the sorbent. Allow the sorbent to soak for approximately one minute. Draw the solvent through the cartridge; aspirate, but do not allow the sorbent to dry completely. It is not necessary to leave a solvent layer above the sorbent bed.

11.3.3.2 Condition with Water Fill each ca rtridge completely with reagent water. Draw the water through the cartridge, but do not allow the sorbent to dry completely. Repeat this step a second time, but leave one to two mL of water above the sorbent bed.

11.3.4 Sample Loading Attach 60 mL reservoirs to t he SPE cartridges using a tube adaptor ( Sect. 6.11.1 ). Load samples at a flow rate of 5 mL/min or less using a vacuum between

– 8 and

– 5 psig. Approximate this rate by ensuring that individual drops are observed exiting th e delivery tubes and by timing this step. Rinse the empty sample bottles with 5 mL of reagent water and a dd the rinse to the reservoir. After the sample passes completely through the cartridge, aspirate for approximately 30 seco nds; close the manifold valv e. After all sa mples are loaded, remove the 60 mL reservoirs and increase the vacuum to approximately 20 psig in pr eparation for the drying steps.

11.3.5 Cartridge Drying The dr ying steps are very important. Precisely repeat the procedure optimized during the IDC

. 11.3.5.1 Methanol Rinse Step Add 200 μL of methanol to the SPE cartridge with intent to rinse residual water droplets fr om the walls of the cartridge. Any remaining water on the walls will be eliminated du ring the nitrogen

- drying step. Aspirate at full vacuum for approximately 30 seconds.24 11.3.5.2 Nitrogen Purge Step Transfer the cart ridges to the drying manifold. Do not attach the drying manifold to the l id of the extraction manifold. Dry with high

- purity nitrogen or zero air using the flow rate and dura tion optimized dur ing the IDC. Use the rotameter to monitor the flow rate.

11.3.5.3 Drying Manifold Valves Remove residual water from the manifold valves wh ile the cartridges are drying. Open the valves and transfer a few milliliters of meth anol to the top of each valve. Pull air th rough the valves under full

va cuum. Do not omit this step. T he manifold valves and delivery tubes hold enough water to cause retention time shifts when analyzing the final extract.



### 11.4 Cartridge Elution When all valves are dry, release the vacuum on the extrac tion manifold and place 2 mL volumetric tub es under each sample position. Return the dried cartridges to the same position on the manifo ld used during sample loading. (Attach a dry, 3 mL reservoir to each Waters AC

- 2 cartridge. It is not necessary to

rever se the cartridg es.) Measure approximately 2.3 mL of elution solvent and add this volume to each reservoir. Soak each cartridge for 1 minute then elu te in a slow, dropwise manner. Aspir ate each cartridge completely. The extracts should not have a visible wa ter layer. Typically , approximately 1.8 mL

o f elution solvent is recovered.



### 11.5 Internal Standard Addition Add an aliquot of the internal standard PDS ( Sect. 7.6.1 ) to each extract. Fo r method development work,
a 1 0 μL aliquot of the 50 μg/mL internal s tandard PDS was added to each 2 mL extract for a fina l concentration of 0.25 μg/mL. Bring each extract to volume with the 5% m ethanol in DCM elution solvent.



### 11.6 Extract Drying Add approximately 2 cm 3 of sodium sulfate di rectl y to the 2 mL volumetric tube

. Estimate this volume of salt by filling the 2 mL volumetric until the solid level reaches ju st under or at the 2 mL mark. The liquid level will rise close to the ground glass section of the volum etric, but should not ove rflow. Stopper securely and vorte x for 10 seconds. Allow the desiccant to remain in contact wi th the solvent for
15 minutes. Using a disposable pipette, transfer the supernatant to a 2 mL autosampler vial. (Condition the sodium sulfate at 400 °C for four h ours just prior to use with this method. Repeat the conditioning process at least once per month and more frequently in humid weather.)



### 11.7 Analysis of Sample Extracts Establish GC/MS operating conditions per the guidance in Section 10.1

. Analyze an archived, unfortified extract to cond ition the GC inlet and column. This step is optional; however, the authors believe it is an expedient means of “conditioning” the analytical system, especially after maintenance o r an extend ed period of disuse. Establish a valid initial calibration following the procedures in Section 10.2 or confirm that the existing calibration is still valid by analyzing a low

- level CCC

. If establishing an initial cal ibration for the first time, complete the IDC prior to analyzing field samples. Analyze field and QC samples in a properly sequenced Analysis Batch as described in Section 11.8

. 

### 11.8 The Analysis Batch An Analysis Batch is a sequence of samples that is analyzed on the same instrument during a 24 hour period that begins and ends with the analysis of CCCs

. The Analysis Batch must not ha ve more than 2025 field samples. QC samples, such as the LRB, LFB , FD, LFSM, and LFSMD, are n ot counted as part of the
20

- sample limit

. The purpose of the field sample limit is to ensure that a low

- level CCC and an LRB are repeated on a regular and frequent basis. Analytical conditions for the Analysis Batch must be the same as those applied durin g calibration.

11.8.1 Initial CCC After a valid calibration is established, begin every Analy sis Batch by analyzing a low

- level CCC at
, or below
, the MRL. The calculated concentration of the method analytes in this CCC must be within plus or minus 50% of the tr ue value. The calculated concentration of the surrogate analytes must be within plus or minus 3 0%. The initial CCC must pass the plus or minus 50% internal standard area criterion ( Sect. 10.3.1 ). The initial CC C confirms that t he calibration curve is valid.

11.8.2 Field and QC Samples After the initial CCC, continue the Analysis Batch by analyzing an LRB, followed by field and QC samples.

11.8.3 CCC Frequency Analyze a mid

- or high

- level CCC after every ten th field sample

. Q C samples, such as the LRB, LFB , FD, LFSM, and LFSMD, are not counted when determining the requir ed frequency of CCCs

. 11.8.4 Final CCC The last injection of the Analysis Batch must be a mid

- or high

- level CCC

. The acquisition start time of the final CCC must be w ithin 24 hours of the acquisition start time of the low

- level CCC at the be ginning of the Analysis Batch. More than one Analysis Batch within a 24 hour period is permitted

. An Analysis Batch may contain field and QC samples from multiple extraction batches

. 11.8.5 Initial Calibration Frequency A full calibration curve is not required before starting a new Analysis Batch. A previous calibration can be conf irmed by running a n initial, low

- level CCC followed by an LRB

. If a new calibration curve is analyzed, an Analy sis Batch run immediately thereafter must begin with a low

- level CCC and an LRB.



## 12 Data Analysis and Calculations

12.1 Establish Retention Time Windows Select an appropriate retention time window for each analyte to identify them in QC and field sample chromatogr ams. Base this assignment on measurements of actual retention time variation for each compound in standard solutions analyzed on the GC/MS over the course of time. The suggested variation is plu s or minus three times the stan dard deviation of the retention time for each compou nd for a series of injections. The in jections from the initial calibrati on and from the IDC may be used to calcul ate the retention time window. However, the experience of the analyst should weigh heavily on the determination of an appr opriate range.



### 12.2 Identify Analytes by Retention Time Initially, identify each analyte by comparison of its retention time with that of the corresponding analyte peak in a recent initial calibration standard or CCC. Use the same software settings established during the calibration procedure and the predetermined retention time windows.



### 12.3 Confirm Analyte Identifications Examine the SIM spectrum for each analyte. Use appropriate background subtraction to remove ions contributed by co

- eluting matrix components. For each analyte identified by retention time , at least one26 con firmation ion must be present. T he abundance of the confirmation ions relative to the quantitation ion should agree within an absolute 20 percent of the relative abundance in the spectrum taken fr om a recent calibration standard. For example, if an ion has a relative abundance of 30 percent in the calibration standard, its abundance in the sample spectrum should be in the range of 10 to 50 percent. Only confirmation ions that exhibit greater than 3 0% relative abundance to the quantitation ion in the mass spectrum of the calibration standard must meet this criterion. Knowledge of sample history and the experience of the analyst are important factors that may aid analyte confirmation.



### 12.4 Compound Quantit ation Calculate analyte concentrations usi ng the multipoint calibration. Report only those values that fall between the MRL and the highe st calibration standard. Calculations should be rounded to an appropriate number of significant figures, typically two, but not more than three

. Do not base quantitation of samples on response factors calculated from CCCs

. 

### 12.5 Data Review Prior to reporting data, the chromatograms must be reviewed for incorrect peak identifi cation or improper integration. Prior to reporting da ta, the laboratory is responsible for verifying that QC requirements have been met and that any appropriate qualifier is assigned.



### 12.6 Exceeding the Calibration Range The analyst must not extrapolate beyond the e stablished calibration range. I f an analyte resu lt exceeds the range of the initial calibration curve, dilute the extract with elution solvent containing the required

concen tration of internal standards. Re

- inject the diluted sample. Incorporate the dilution factor into fin al concentration calculations. The resulting data must be annotated as a dilution, and the reported
MRLs mus t reflect the dilution factor. Report surrogate recoveries observed in the undiluted sample.



## 13 Method Performance

13.1 Precision, Accuracy, and LCMRL Results Tables for these dat a are p resented in Section 17

. LCMRLs are presented for each of two SPE formats: Waters AC

- 2, 400 mg cartridges ( Table 4 ) and UCT EU

- 541, 600 mg cartridges (Table 8 ). For each of these formats, single

- laboratory precision and accuracy data are pres ented for three water matrixes: reagent water (Waters AC

- 2: Table 5 and UCT EU

- 541: Table 9 ), finished ground water (Waters AC

- 2: Table 6 and UCT EU

- 541 : Table 10 ), and finished surface water (Waters AC

- 2: Tabl e 7 and UC T EU 541: Table 11 ). Figure 4 and Figure 5 are reconstructed ion chromatograms of extracts (Waters AC

- 2 format) obtained from dr ink ing water using the GC/MS condi tions employed during method development.



### 13.2 Analyte Stability Study Chlorinated (finished) surface water samples were inoculated with diluted, microbial

- rich water from an ambient source, and fortified with 0.80 μg/L of 1,4

- dioxane and 4.0 μg/L of 2

- propen

- 1

- ol, 1

- butanol and
2

- methoxyethanol. These samples were preserved and st ored as required in this method

. The percent change from the initial analyzed concentration observed after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days is presented in
Sect ion 17, Table 12

.27 

### 13.3 Extract Storage Stability Extract storage stability studies were conducted on extracts obtained from chlorinated surface water fortified with the method analytes ( Sect. 13.2 ). The percent change from the initial analyzed concentration observed after 7, 14, 21
, and 28 days storage is presented in Section 17, Table 13

.


## 14 Pollution Prevention

For information about pollution p revention applicable to laboratory operations described in this method, consult: Less is Better, Guide to Minimizing Waste in Laboratories, a web

- based resource available from the American Chemical Society at www.acs.org

. 

## 15 Waste Management

The Agency requires that laboratory waste management practices be consistent with all applicable rules and regula tions, and that laboratories protect the air, water, and land by minimizing and controlling all releases from fu me hoods and bench operations. In addition, comp liance is required with any sew age discharge permits and regulations, particularly the hazardous waste identification rules and land disposal restrictions

. 

## 16 References

1. US EPA Document # 815

- R

- 05

- 006
, “Statistical Protocol for the Determination of the Single

Laboratory Lowest Concentration Minimum Reporting Level (LCMRL) and Validation of Laboratory Performance at or Below the Minimum Reporting Level (MRL)”, Office of Water, November 2004

. 2. US EPA Document # EPA 815

- R

- 11

- 001 , “Technical Basis for the Lowest Concentration Minimum Reporting Level (LCMRL) Calculator”, Office of Water, December 2010

.28 

## 17 Tables, Figures, and Method performance Data

Table 1

. 4

- Bromofluorobenzene (BFB) Mass Intensity Criteria

m/z Required Intensity (relative abundance) 95 Base peak, 100% relative abundance 96 5 to 9% of m/z 95 173 Less than 2% of m/z 174 174 Greater than 50% of m/z 95 175 5 to 9% of m/z 174 176 Greater than 95% but less than 105% of m/z 174 177 5 to 10% of m/z 17 6



### Table 2. Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (G C /M S) Conditions

Parameter Conditions a Column Phenomenex (Torrance, CA) ZB

- WAX plus : 30 meter, 0.25 mm i.d., 0.5
μm film thickness ( d f ) Inlet liner 4

- mm i.d., single

- gooseneck, deactivated glass with de activated glass wool Inlet conditions 200 °C, pulsed splitless injection mode: 10 psig until 0.5 minutes, purge flow (split) on at 0.5 minutes @ 100 mL/min Injection volume 1 μL usin g a 10 μL syringe Column flow rate 0.9 mL/min in constant flow mode, he lium carrier gas GC temperature program 30 °C for 0.5 min, 10 ° C/min to 110 °C, hold 0 min, 25 °C/min to 200 °C, hold 6 min Solvent delay 9.8 min before activating filaments in the electron impact source MS source temperature 230 ° C MS quadrupole tempe rature 150 °C

GC/MS interface Direct, 20 0 ° C

a. The chromatograms presented in Figures 2

– 5 were obtained under these conditions.29 

### Table 3. Retention Times, Quantitation Ions, a nd Internal Standard Assignments a

Ana lyte SIM Window (minutes) RT b Q

- Ion c Confirmation
Ions c IS c Reference

Filament delay 9.8 Internal standard (IS): 1,4

- dioxane

- d 8 9.8

– 10.6 10.29 96 64, 46

---

1,4

- dioxane 9.8

– 10.6 10.31 88 87, 58, 57 1,4

- dioxane

- d 8 Surrogate: 2

- propen

- 1

- ol

- d 6 10. 6

– 12.1 11.16 61 d 63, 46 chlorobenzene

- d 5 2

- propen

- 1

- ol 10.6

– 12.1 11.26 57 58, 55, 39 chlorobenzene

- d 5 Surrogate: 1

- butanol

- d 10 10.6

– 12.1 11.71 64 63, 50, 46 chlorobenzene

- d 5 1

- butanol 10.6

– 12.1 11.87 56 55, 43, 41 chlorobenzene

- d 5 2

- methoxyetha nol 12.1

– 22.5 12.50 45 76, 47, 58 chlorobenzene

- d 5 Internal standard: chlorobenzene

- d 5 12.1

– 22.5 13.14 117 76, 119

---

a. These quantitation ions are appropriate for the column used to ge nerate method performance data.
See Figures 2

– 5 for reconstructed ion chromatograms (RICs) and extracted ion current profiles (EICPs) obtained during collection of the method performance data. b. RT = retention time observed using Phenomenex Zebron ZB

- WAX plus c olumn.

c. Dwell times vary between 20 and 40 ms. d. This mass corresponds to C 3 D 4 HO +. rather than the expected fragment, C 3 D 5 O +.
, m/z 62.



### Table 4. LCMRL Results for the Waters AC

- 2 SPE Format a

Analyte LCMRL Fortification Levels (μg/L) Calculated LCMRL (μg/L) 1,4

- dioxane 0 .0 , 0.0 40, 0.070, 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, 0.40, 0.50 0.074 2

- propen

- 1

- ol 0 .0 , 0.20, 0.35, 0.50, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 0.30 1

- butanol 0 .0 , 0.20, 0.35, 0.50, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 0.44 2

- methoxyethanol 0 .0 , 0.20, 0.35, 0.50, 1.5, 1.0, 2.0, 2.5 0.37

a. LCMRL = lowest concentra tion minimum reporting limit; SPE = solid phase extraction.



### Table 5. Precision and Accuracy Data for Reagent Water: Waters AC

- 2 SPE Format a

Analyte Fortification (μg/L) b Mean %R c ( n = 7 ) %RSD c Fortification (μg/L) Mean %R ( n =5) %RSD

1,4

- dioxane 0.40 102 3. 9 8.0 96.8 2.0 2

- propen

- 1

- ol 2.0 88.1 4.4 40 90.8 1.1 1

- butanol 2.0 97.0 2.6 40 92.2 1.8 2

- methoxyethanol 2.0 93.3 3.0 40 92.4 1.6 Surrogate: 2

- propen

- 1

- ol

- d 6 10 92.6 3.3 10 92.2 0.94

Surrogate: 1

- butanol

- d 10 10 95.5 2.3 10 92.7 1.1

a. SPE = solid pha se extraction. b. The MRL was confirmed at these concentrations during collection of the method performance data

. c. %R = percent recovery; %RSD = percent relative standard deviation

.30 

### Table 6. Precision and Accuracy Data for Ground Water: Waters AC

- 2 SPE Format a

Analyte Fortification (μg/L) b Mean %R c,d ( n =5) %RSD d Fortification (μg/L) Mean %R c ( n =5) %RSD

1,4

- dioxane 0.40 104 3.0 8.0 98.5 2.2 2

- propen

- 1

- ol 2.0 93.0 2.7 40 92.5 2.4 1

- butanol 2.0 86.4 1.8 40 92.3 2.0 2

- methoxyethanol 2.0 83.3 1.2 40 92.8 2.0 Surrogate: 2

- propen

- 1

- ol

- d 6 10 93.5 2.3 10 93.1 1.5

Surrogate: 1

- butanol

- d 10 10 95.1 1.7 10 92.7 1.7

a. Ground water physical parameters: pH = 7.8; total hardness = 337 mg/L (as CaCO 3 ); free chlorine = 0.60 mg/L, total chlorine = 0.86 mg/L; SPE = solid ph ase extraction. b. The MRL was confirmed at these concentrations during collection of the method performance data.

c. Recoveries corrected for native levels in the unfortified matrix. d. %R = percent recovery; %RSD = percent relative standard deviation.



### Table 7. Precision and Accuracy Data for Surface Water: Waters AC

- 2 SPE Format a

Analyte Fortification (μg/L) b Mean %R c,d ( n =5) %RSD d Fortification (μg/L) Mean %R c ( n =5) %RSD

1,4

- dioxane 0.40 94.1 3.2 8.0 93.0 4.3 2

- propen

- 1

- ol 2.0 87.6 1.2 40 89.1 3.7 1

- butanol 2.0 79.0 3.1 40 87.7 3.4 2

- methoxyethanol 2.0 86.6 2.8 40 89.2 3.8 Surrogate: 2

- propen

- 1

- ol

- d 6 10 88.0 1.2 10 88.9 2.9

Surrogate: 1

- butanol

- d 10 10 87.5 2.4 10 88.6 2.8

a. Surface water physical parameters: pH = 7.3; total organic carbon (TOC) = 2.28 mg/ L; free chlorine = 1.06 mg/L, total chlorine = 1.51 mg/L; SPE = solid phase extraction. b. The MRL was confirmed at these concentrations during collection of the method performance data.

c. Recoveries corrected for native levels in the unfortified matrix. d. %R = percent recovery; %RSD = percent relative standard deviation.



### Table 8. LCMRL Results for the UCT EU

- 541 SPE Format a

Analyte LCMRL Fortification Levels (μg/L) Calculated LCMRL (μg/L) 1,4

- dioxane 0 , 0.048 , 0.070, 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, 0.40, 0. 48 0.090 2

- prope n

- 1

- ol 0, 0.16, 0.2 4, 0.35, 0.50, 1.0, 1.5 , 2.0, 2. 4 0.17 1

- butanol 0, 0.2 4, 0.35, 0.50, 1.0, 1.5 , 2.0, 2. 4 0.61 2

- methoxyethanol 0, 0.2 4, 0.35, 0.50, 1.0, 1.5 , 2.0, 2. 4 0.30

a. LCMRL = lowest concentration minimum reporting limit; SPE = solid phase extrac tion.31 

### Table 9. Precision and Accuracy Data for Reagent Water: UCT EU

- 541 SPE Format a

Analyte Fortification (μg/L) b Mean %R c ( n =5) %RSD c Fortification (μg/L) Mean %R ( n =5) %RSD

1,4

- dioxane 0.40 96.2 3.7 8.0 93.7 2.3 2

- propen

- 1

- ol 2.0 84.3 5.7 40 86.7 4.2 1

- butanol 2.0 97.1 0.84 40 91.8 1.9 2

- methoxyethanol 2.0 86.2 8.2 40 86.4 3.4 Surrogate: 2

- propen

- 1

- ol

- d 6 10 8 4 .4 6.7 10 87.4 2.9

Surrogate: 1

- butanol

- d 10 10 90.1 1.8 10 92.3 1.6

a. SPE = solid phase extraction. b. The MRL was confirmed at these concentra tions during collection of the method performance data.

c. %R = percent recovery; %RSD = percent relative standard deviation.



### Table 10. Precision and Accuracy Data for Ground Water: UCT EU

- 541 SPE Format a

Analyte Fortification (μg/L) b Mean %R c,d ( n =5) %RSD d Fortification (μg/L) Mean %R c ( n =5) %RSD

1,4

- dioxane 0.40 102 2.7 8.0 96.3 4.9 2

- propen

- 1

- ol 2.0 84.7 0.83 40 83.9 0.96 1

- butanol 2.0 82.0 1.2 40 89.4 2.4 2

- methoxyethanol 2.0 87.4 1.3 40 82.7 1.5 Surrogate: 2

- propen

- 1

- ol

- d 6 10 84.3 2.0 10 82.9 2.0

Surrogate: 1

- butanol

- d 10 10 90.1 1.1 10 89.4 2.5

a. Ground water physical parameters: pH = 7.8; total hardness = 337 mg/L (as CaCO 3 ); free chlorine = 0.60 mg/L, total chlorine = 0.86 mg/L; SPE = solid phase extraction. b. The MRL was confirmed at these concen trations during collection of the method performance data.

c. Recoveries corrected for native levels in the unfortified matrix. d. %R = percent recovery; %RSD = percent relative standard deviation.32 

### Table 11. Precision and Accuracy Data for Surface Water: UCT E U

- 541 SPE Format a

Analyte Fortification (μg/L) b Mean %R c,d ( n =5) %RSD d Fortification (μg/L) Mean %R c ( n =5) %RSD

1,4

- dioxane 0.40 96.3 3.1 8.0 101 5.0 2

- propen

- 1

- ol 2.0 92.2 3.1 40 88.1 1.0 1

- butanol 2.0 84.2 5.5 40 89.7 2.1 2

- methoxyethanol 2.0 93.7 1. 8 40 85.7 1.2 Surrogate: 2

- propen

- 1

- ol

- d 6 10 90.4 1.9 10 86.2 1.4

Surrogate: 1

- butanol

- d 10 10 92.4 2.3 10 90.2 1.6

a. Surface water physical parameters: pH = 7.3; total organic carbon (TOC) = 2.28 mg/L; free chlorine = 1.06 mg/L, total chlorine = 1.51 m g/L ; SPE = solid phase extraction

. b. The MRL was confirmed at these concentrations during collection of the method performance data.

c. Recoveries corrected for native le vels in the unfortified matrix. d. %R = percent recovery; %RSD = percent relative standard dev iation.33 

### Table 12. Aqueous a 

### Sample Holding Time Data ( n =4)

Analyte Fortified Conc. (μg/L) Day Zero Mean (μg/L) Day Zero %RSD Day 7 % Change b Day 7 %RSD Day 14 % Change Day 14 %RSD Day 21 % Change Day 21 %RSD Day 28 % Change Day 28 %RSD

1,4

- dioxane 0.80 0.78 4 .6 0.19 3.7

- 1.8 2.7

- 2.6 4.2

- 0.59 6.0 2

- propen

- 1

- ol 4.0 3.5 3.2 0.53 2.0

- 3.2 1.8

- 3.7 2.2

- 2.4 3.5 1

- butanol 4.0 3.6 2.6

- 1.5 2.2

- 8.1 2.2

- 6.8 4.2

- 4.8 4.2 2

- methoxyethanol 4.0 3.4 3.5

- 1.2 2.6

- 2.0 2.0

- 0.47 3.7 0.24 2.8

a. Finished water from a sur face water source. P hysical parameters: pH = 7.3; total organic carbon (TOC) = 2.28 mg/L; free chlorine = 1.06 mg/L, total chlorine = 1.51 mg/L. b. %Change = percent change from Day Zero calculated as follows: (Day X mean concentration

– Day Zero mean concent ration) / Day Zero mean concentration * 100%, where X is the analysis day.



### Table 13. Holding Time Data f or Sample Extra cts ( n =4)

Analyte Fortified Conc. (μg/L) Day Zero Mean (μg/L) Day Zero %RSD Day 7 % Change a Day 7 %RSD Day 14 % Change Day 14 %RSD Day 21 % Change Day 21 %RSD Day 28 % Change Day 28 %RSD

1,4

- dioxane 0.80 0.76 2.7 2.5 5.9 7.5 8.4 1.9 4.9 1.7 6.6 2

- propen

- 1

- ol 4.0 3.4 1.8 2.3 2.3 1.4 2.9 0.35 2.4 3.1 2.6 1

- butanol 4.0 3.4 2.2 1.7 2.4 0.42 1.6 1.9 2.4 2.5 2.6 2

- methoxyethanol 4.0 3.4 2.0 2.8 2.7 1.1 1.2 2.5 2.6 2.9 2.6

a. %Change = percent change from Day Zero calculated as follows: (Day X mean concentration

– Day Zero mean concentration) / Day Zero mean concentration * 100%, where X is the analysis day.34 

### Table 14. Initial Demonstration of Capa bility (IDC) Quality Control Requirements

Method Reference Requirement Specification and Frequency Acceptance Criteria

Section 9.1 Optimize SPE cartridge drying parameters For each extraction format Extract mus t be visibly dry. R etention times must match those observed for calibration standards

. Section 9.2.1 Demonstration of low system background Analyze a Laboratory Reagent Blank after the high calibration standard dur ing the IDC calibration

. Demonstrate that all method analytes

are less than one

- third of the Minimum Reporting Level (MRL )

. Section 9.2.2 Demonstration of precision Extract and a nalyze 5 replicate Laboratory Fortified Blanks (LFBs) near the mid

- range concentration. Percent relative standard deviation must be ≤ 20%.

Section 9.2.3 Demonstration of accuracy Calculate mean recovery for replicates used in Section 9.2.2

. Mean recovery within ± 30% of the true value.

Section 9.2.4 MRL confirmation Fortify and analyze 7 replicate LFBs at the proposed MRL concentration. Confirm that the Upper Prediction Interval of Results (PIR) and Lower PIR meet the recovery criteria. Upper PIR ≤ 150%

Lower PIR ≥ 50%

Section 9.2.5 Quality Control Sample (QCS) Analyze mid

- level QCS. Results must be within ± 2 0% of the true value.



### Table 15. Ongoing Quality Control Requirements

Method Reference Requirement Specification and Frequency Acceptance Criteria

Section 10.1.1 Bromofluorobenzene ( BFB ) Tune Check 1μ g/mL in elution solv ent in full scan mode with each initial calibration
, or after major mass spectrometer service. Table 1 , Section 17

Section 10.2 Initial calibration Use the internal standard cali bration technique to generate a linear o r quadratic calibration

curve. Use at le ast 6 standard

concen trations. Evaluate the

ca li bration curve as described in Section 10.2.3

. When each calibr ation standard is calculated as an unknown using the calibration curve, the lowest level standard should be within ± 50% of the true value. All other points should be within ± 30% of the true value.
Section 9.3.1 Laboratory Reagent Blank (LRB) Include one LRB with each Extraction Batch. Analyze one LRB with each Analysis Batch. Demonstrate that all method

ana lytes are below one

- third the Minimum Reporting Level (MRL), and that possible interference from reagents a nd glassware do not prevent identi fication and quantitation of method analytes.35 Method Reference Requirement Specification and Frequency Acceptance Criteria

Section 9.3.3 Laboratory Fortified Blank Include one LFB with each Extraction Batch. For an alytes fortified at

concen trations ≤ 2 x the MRL, the result must be within ± 50% of the true value; ± 30% of the true value if fortified at concentrations greater than 2 x the MRL.
Section 10.3 Continuing Calibra tion Check (CCC) Ve rify initial calibration by

ana lyzing a low

- level CCC at the beg inning of each Analysis Batch. Subsequent CCCs are required after every tenth field sample and
to complete the batch. The lowest level CCC must be within
± 50% of the true value. All other poin ts must be within ± 30% of the true value.

Section 9.3.5 Internal standard s (IS) Internal standards are ad ded to all standards and sample extracts

. Peak area counts for each IS must be within ± 30% of the area in the most recent CCC, and ± 50% of the average peak area in the initial calibration.
Section 9.3.6 Surrogate analytes Surrogates are added to all field samples and QC samples prior to extraction

. 70% to 130% recovery

Section 9.3.7 Laboratory Fortified Sample Matrix (LFSM) Include one LFSM per Extraction Batch. Fortify the LFS M with method analytes at a

con centration close to but greater than the native concentrations (if known). F or analytes fortified at

concen trations ≤ 2 x the MRL, the result must be within ± 50% of the true value; ± 30% of the true value if fortified at concentrations greater than 2 x the MRL.
Section 9.3.8 Laborat or y Fortified Sample Matrix Dup licate (LFSMD) or Field Duplicate (FD) Include at least one LFSMD or FD with each Extraction Batch. For LFSMDs or FDs, relative percent differences must be ≤30% (≤50 % if concentration ≤2 x the MRL ).

Section 9.3.9 QC failures associated with retention time shifts Evaluate retention times for analytes, surrogates, and internal standards fai ling QC criteria

. Retention times of the method analytes must be within the windows determined using dry calibration standards ( Sect. 12.1 )

. SPE drying procedures must be optimized for each extraction format ( Sect. 9.1 ).
Sect ion 9.3. 10 Quality Control Sample (QCS) Analyze a QCS at least quarterly. Results must be ± 2 0% of the true value.36 

### Figure 1. Drying apparatus and proper placement of rotameter in flow path37 

### Figure 2. Reconstruct ed ion chromatogram (RIC), SIM mode

, for calibration st andard38 

### Figure 3. Extracted ion current profiles for calibration standard; concentrations as listed39 

### Figure 4. RIC , SIM mode, for unfortified drinking water from a surface water source40 

### Figure 5. RIC
, SIM mode

, for unfortified drinking water from a ground water sourc e