Enhanced Drinking Water Analysis Using Comprehensive Environmental GC/MS Productivity Solutions

Thermo Fisher Scientific (USA) announce enhanced drinking water analytical capabilities of the Thermo Scientific Environmental GC/MS Online Productivity Solutions with respect to United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) Methods 524.2 and 525.2. The powerful Thermo Scientific 524 and 525 Productivity Solutions integrate the Thermo Scientific DSQ II GC/MS instrument with layered application software, analytical columns, consumables, standard operating procedures and quick start guides to streamline method development, implementation and validation. The system can instantly be rededicated to a different method as the laboratory grows. The unique capabilities are demonstrated in two application notes available for immediate download via the new Thermo Scientific’s website.

The GC/MS analysis of volatile organics in drinking water, according to US EPA Method 524.2, entails a number of analytical challenges, ranging from water handling to very low target compound concentrations. Traditionally a 25 mL purge volume has been used for purge and trap concentration prior to GC/MS analysis, however the best purging efficiency for polar compounds can be achieved using a 5 mL sample volume. This necessitates the use of a highly sensitive GC/MS system in order to achieve the required method detection limits (MDLs). This added sensitivity ensures rapid migration to EPA Method 524.3. In addition, another challenge is the analysis of drinking water for semi-volatile organics of varying polarities. However, using a surged splitless injection on a GC/MS can help laboratories achieve the MDLs required by US EPA Method 525.2.