Leck Mitchell: ME355.01: Cyanide in Drinking Water by GC/MS
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Official Method Name
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Determination of Cyanide in Drinking Water by GC/MS Headspace Analysis |
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Current Revision
| Revision 1.0, May 2009 |
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Media
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WATER |
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Instrumentation
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Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry Detection |
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Method Subcategory
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Inorganic |
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Method Source
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Citation
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Eaton, J.E., 2009, Determination of Cyanide in Drinking Water by GC/MS headspace analysis, H&E Testing Laboratory, 221 State Street, Augusta, Maine, 04333 |
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Brief Method Summary
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A drinking water sample containing soluble cyanide salts is analyzed by direct headspace injection after acidification. The analyte is initially cryofocused on the head of the GC column using a liquid nitrogen cooled cryo trap. All the initial preparation steps are done using a Gerstel Auto injector/Prep station. |
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Scope and Application
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This method provides for the determination of soluble cyanide salts in drinking water or source water. This method is applicable to all forms of cyanide that readily release HCN under acidic conditions (Cyanide amenable to chlorination). and meets or exceeds the level of detection needed for cyanide under the safe drinking water act. The MCL for cyanide is 200 ppb. |
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Applicable Concentration Range
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Interferences
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Care must be taken to insure all the analytical equipment is clean. The analysis of field and laboratory blanks provides information about the presence of contaminants. Interfering contamination may occur when a sample containing a low concentration of the compound is analyzed immediately after a sample containing a relatively high concentration of the compound. Syringes and splitless injection port liners must be cleaned carefully or replaced as needed. After analysis of a sample containing high concentrations of the compound, a laboratory reagent blank should be analyzed to ensure that the accurate value is obtained for the next sample. |
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Quality Control Requirements
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The minimum requirements of this program consist of an initial demonstration of laboratory capability, the periodic analysis of laboratory reagent blanks, fortified blanks, and other laboratory solutions as a continuing check on performance. The laboratory is required to maintain performance records that define the |
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Sample Handling
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Maintain the sample at 4 degrees C in the dark until time for analysis. |
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Maximum Holding Time
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Samples should be analyzed within seven days of collection. |
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Relative Cost
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Less than $50 |
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Sample Preparation Methods
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