Concentration of Samples Complying to US EPA 8270

Oral Presentation

Prepared by J. Reid1, D. Meier1, G. Lawrence2
1 - Buchi Corporation, 19 Lukens Drive, New Castle, DE, 19720, United States
2 - Phoenix Environmental Laboratories, 587 East Middle Turnpike, Manchester, CT, 06040, United States


Contact Information: reid.j@buchi.com; 302-225-2453


ABSTRACT

Phoenix Environmental Laboratories performs environmental testing for a diverse customer base that includes engineering firms, small to large industrial clients, along with state and federal agencies. The US EPA method SW-846-8270 is used to determine the concentration of a wide range of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOC) in solvent extracts prepared from many types of solid waste matrices, soils, and water samples. A paramount step in this method is the reproducible concentration of the extracted sample before prior to the quantitative evaluation using GC/MS techniques (Agilent, GC-MS). When performing concentrations in compliance with US EPA 8270 and the Solvent Emission Program it is important to generate reproducible results, along with adequate analyte and solvent recovery.

A vortex parallel evaporator (BUCHI, Syncore Analyst) was used for the evaporation of up to 12 samples simultaneously. Programmed pressure/time profiles allow for smooth evaporation conditions yielding exceptional analyte recoveries and high reproducibility. To abide with the US EPA standards on the Emissions Reduction Program a two solvent recovery systems was used, resulting in a >95% solvent recovery when performing concentrations.