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Reduced Volume Technology: Modernization of Collection & Preparation Techniques in Extractable Organic Analyses
Poster Presentation
Prepared by J. Morgan1, J. Gentry2
1 - ESC Lab Sciences, 12065 Lebanon Road, Mt. Juliet, TN, 37122
2 - ESC Lab Sciences, 12065 Lebanon Road, Mt. Juliet, TN, 37122
Contact Information: jmorgan@esclabsciences.com; 615-773-9657
ABSTRACT
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires the use of approved methods to analyze samples for compliance purposes. For semi-volatile organic analyses, the current traditional methods typically require a sample volume of 1000mLs for sample preparation, followed by Gas Chromatography, Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry, or High Performance Liquid Chromatography. This technique requires a substantial use of the toxic solvent Methylene Chloride. The preparation time, sample handling, sample collection time and solvent use can be significantly reduced by the use of new and innovative micro extraction techniques. The information presented will be centered on innovations in sample preparation techniques combined with Large Volume Injection Technology that provides options to reduce the use and exposure to solvent and results in significant benefits to the client sample collection process, environment, and laboratory analytical process.
New methods in SW-846 and the flexibility of existing methods has allowed for technology that provides advancements that are reshaping the focus of the analytical industry. While there is no replacement chemical for the widely used extraction solvent (methylene chloride) that is required in the current suite of approved EPA methods, there are ways to reduce its use and with no sacrifice to quality. ESC has enhanced and retooled traditional organic sample preparation with validation of two new choices that result in reduced sample collection volume and subsequent decreased solvent volume. In order to preserve detection levels, Large Volume Injection technology on traditional GC and GC/MS instrumentation is necessary. Method 3511 brings the required volume of 180mLs solvent, in traditional liquid-liquid extractions, to a mere 2mLs, which is a 98.9% reduction in solvent. The enhanced version of Method 3510 reduces the solvent volume by 90%. In addition, the sample size is reduced to 40mL for 3511 and 100mL for the enhanced 3510.
Aside from the obvious benefits, there are some hidden savings that are notable. The smaller container is easier to handle and pack, thus reducing breakage and bulkiness of field supplies, not to mention the additional benefit where a low purge well exists. In addition, the overall individual container weight is reduced by ~95%, making cooler size smaller and lighter, resulting in less fuel to transport and finally less waste for disposal. The analytical data shows that both techniques are equal to or superior to their traditional larger volume counterparts.
(Related Session: Advances in Sample Preparation and Clean-up)
Poster Presentation
Prepared by J. Morgan1, J. Gentry2
1 - ESC Lab Sciences, 12065 Lebanon Road, Mt. Juliet, TN, 37122
2 - ESC Lab Sciences, 12065 Lebanon Road, Mt. Juliet, TN, 37122
Contact Information: jmorgan@esclabsciences.com; 615-773-9657
ABSTRACT
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires the use of approved methods to analyze samples for compliance purposes. For semi-volatile organic analyses, the current traditional methods typically require a sample volume of 1000mLs for sample preparation, followed by Gas Chromatography, Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry, or High Performance Liquid Chromatography. This technique requires a substantial use of the toxic solvent Methylene Chloride. The preparation time, sample handling, sample collection time and solvent use can be significantly reduced by the use of new and innovative micro extraction techniques. The information presented will be centered on innovations in sample preparation techniques combined with Large Volume Injection Technology that provides options to reduce the use and exposure to solvent and results in significant benefits to the client sample collection process, environment, and laboratory analytical process.
New methods in SW-846 and the flexibility of existing methods has allowed for technology that provides advancements that are reshaping the focus of the analytical industry. While there is no replacement chemical for the widely used extraction solvent (methylene chloride) that is required in the current suite of approved EPA methods, there are ways to reduce its use and with no sacrifice to quality. ESC has enhanced and retooled traditional organic sample preparation with validation of two new choices that result in reduced sample collection volume and subsequent decreased solvent volume. In order to preserve detection levels, Large Volume Injection technology on traditional GC and GC/MS instrumentation is necessary. Method 3511 brings the required volume of 180mLs solvent, in traditional liquid-liquid extractions, to a mere 2mLs, which is a 98.9% reduction in solvent. The enhanced version of Method 3510 reduces the solvent volume by 90%. In addition, the sample size is reduced to 40mL for 3511 and 100mL for the enhanced 3510.
Aside from the obvious benefits, there are some hidden savings that are notable. The smaller container is easier to handle and pack, thus reducing breakage and bulkiness of field supplies, not to mention the additional benefit where a low purge well exists. In addition, the overall individual container weight is reduced by ~95%, making cooler size smaller and lighter, resulting in less fuel to transport and finally less waste for disposal. The analytical data shows that both techniques are equal to or superior to their traditional larger volume counterparts.
(Related Session: Advances in Sample Preparation and Clean-up)