NOAA NST: 130.10:  Organic contaminants in marine sediments by GC-ECD

  • Summary
  • Analytes
  • Revision
  • Data and Sites
Official Method Name
Gas chromatography electron capture detector (GC-ECD) analysis for organic contaminates in marine sediments.
Current Revision
March 1998
Media
SOILS/SEDIMENT
Instrumentation
Gas Chromatography with Electron Capture Detection
Method Subcategory
Organic
Method Source
  NOAA NST
Citation
Sampling and Analytical Methods of the National Status and Trends Program Mussel Watch Project: 1993-1996 Update.
NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS ORCA 130. March 1998. Silver Spring, MD. 233pp.
Brief Method Summary
Chlorinated hydrocarbons are quantitatively determined by gas chromatography with an electron capture detector (ECD). The ECD is very sensitive and allows for detection of the chlorinated hydrocarbons at trace concentrations (ppb) in marine sediments. Silica gel/alumina cleanup with activated copper is used to remove interfering materials from the sample prior to analysis.
Scope and Application
This method quantitatively determines chlorinated pesticides and PCBs in soils and sediments using GC/ECD.
Applicable Concentration Range
5 to 200 ng/g
Interferences
Method interferences may be caused by contaminants in solvents, reagents, glassware, and other sample processing hardware, and lead to false positives during instrumental analysis. All materials used in this method are routinely demonstrated to be free from interferences by processing procedural blanks identical to samples (one blank per 20 samples or each batch whichever is more frequent). Matrix interferences result from co-extraction of compounds other than the analytes of interest. Elemental sulfur and naturally occurring lipids can cause interferences in the analysis of sediment extracts.
Quality Control Requirements
The quality assurance / quality control requirements were as follows: Initial calibration and continuing calibration checks. Method blank analysis. Surrogate compound analysis. Matrix spike analysis. Reference sample analysis.
Sample Handling
Collect samples in a glass container and store in the dark at or below -20 deg. C. Store extracts in the dark at 4 deg. C.
Maximum Holding Time
6 months (frozen)
Relative Cost
$201 to $400
Sample Preparation Methods
NOAA TM #130