Detecting Low Level SVOCs without Selected Ion Monitoring
Detecting Low Level SVOCs without Selected Ion Monitoring
Environmental NEWS - Fall 2009
Detecting Low Level SVOCs without Selected Ion Monitoring
Lancaster Laboratories recently installed two new Thermo Scientific DSQ II GC/MS instruments that provide improved detection limits for semivolatile organic compounds (SVOC). to better meet regulatory requirements. In the past, clients with permits that require testing for very low concentrations needed to request two separate analytical tests: one full scan to monitor a comprehensive list of compounds and a second, using Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM) for target compounds with lower reporting requirements. The newly acquired instruments provide greater sensitivity, often eliminating the need for the extra SIM testing.
Tim Trees, principal chemist in the GC/MS Semivolatiles Department,
analyzes water samples on a new Thermo Scientific DSQ II GC/MS instrument.
The novel design of the Thermo Scientific DSQ II GC/MS units features a combination of noise reduction and increased source and detector performance that results in lower detection limits. Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), pentachlorophenol (PCP) and N-nitrosodimethlyamine (NDMA) are examples of the pollutants that are frequently regulated at concentrations below the level detected by typical full-scan analysis. However, the method detection limits (MDLs) being generated with the DSQ II units for these compounds are about an order of magnitude lower than those being reported with existing GC/MS instruments.
“Anyone needing lower reporting limits for SVOCs will benefit. These instruments offer significantly greater sensitivity while maintaining the selectivity of a full scan method,” says Rick Karam, manager of the GC/MS Semivolatiles Department. “Instead of two separate tests, only one extraction, one analysis and one data package will be needed, resulting in greater efficiency for us and lower cost for our customers,” he adds.
Lancaster Labs has years of experience and certification for testing a variety of matrices with EPA method 8270C or 8270D, which are the analytical methods used. The laboratory is in the process of validating detection limits for the SVOCs and expects to be testing client samples by the end of the year. For more information about low level full scan SVOC testing, contact Environmental Client Services at 717-656-2300.