EPA-EAD: 610:  Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons by GC

  • Summary
  • Analytes
  • Revision
  • Data and Sites
Official Method Name
Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Current Revision
40 CFR Part 136, Appendix A (Current Edition)
Media
WATER
Instrumentation
High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Method Subcategory
Organic
Method Source
  EPA-EAD
Citation
  EPA Method Guidance CD-ROM (includes MCAWW Methods, and most current EPA Methods)
Brief Method Summary
A measured volume of sample, approximately 1L, is extracted with methylene chloride using a separatory funnel. The methylene chloride extract is dried and concentrated. The extract is then sepearated by HPLC or GC. Ultraviloet (UV) and fluoresence detectors are used with HPLC to identify and measure PAHs. A flame ionization detector is used with GC.
Scope and Application
This method allows for determination of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in municipal and industrial discharges as provided under 40 CFR 136.1.
Applicable Concentration Range
DL - * (* Upper detection limit is defined as the highest calibration point, as determined by analyst).
Interferences
(1) Method interferences caused by contaminants in solvents, reagents, glassware, and other sample processing hardware that lead to discrete artifacts and/or elevated baselines in the chromatograms. (2) Matrix interferences caused by contaminants co-extracted from the sample.
Quality Control Requirements
reagent blanks (RB), quality control samples (QCS)
Sample Handling
Collect samples in glass containers. If samples contain residual chlorine, add 80 mg of sodium thiosulfate per liter of sample. All samples must be refrigerated.
Maximum Holding Time
Relative Cost
$201 to $400
Sample Preparation Methods