Improved Analysis of 1, 4-Dioxane in Drinking Water

Topics in Drinking Water
Oral Presentation

Presented by Z. Grosser
Prepared by M. Ebitson1, P. Bassignani2, M. Lever1
1 - Horizon Technology, Inc., 16 Northwestern Dr, Salem, NH, 03079, United States
2 - Alpha Analytical, 320 Forbes Boulevard, Mansfield, MA, 02048, United States


Contact Information: mebitson@horizontechinc.com; 603-386-3640


ABSTRACT

The compound 1, 4-dioxane is a suspected carcinogen and requires additional monitoring to understand the magnitude and location of contamination in groundwater and drinking water. 1,4-dioxane is a likely contaminant at many sites contaminated with certain chlorinated solvents (particularly 1,1,1-trichloroethane [TCA]) because of its widespread use as a stabilizer for chlorinated solvents. The physical and chemical properties and behavior of 1,4-dioxane create challenges for its characterization and treatment. It is highly mobile and does not readily biodegrade in the environment.1
The water solubility of 1,4-dioxane makes it difficult to extract for analysis. It is also volatile, so evaporation during sample preparation can be an issue. Although US EPA Method 522 was developed for drinking water analysis under UCMR 3, more reliable detection at lower limits is always desirable.
This work will outline a productive automated method, meeting quality control requirements designated in the method. The ability to use both disks and cartridge SPE in the same automated system can increase productivity and maximize laboratory payback.
1. Technical Fact Sheet –1,4-Dioxane, November 2017.