The ability of the analytical instrumentation to simultaneously satisfy requirements of multiple methods provides a distinct advantage for the production-oriented laboratory
Many laboratories face significant production pressures and equipment limitations.
EPA Method 8260 is widely employed by numerous environmental laboratories for analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
This method is generally applied to multi-media matrices with wide variation in analyte concentrations.
At the same time, many programmes (groundwater monitoring, for example) have very low detection limit requirements that approach drinking water standards.
To accommodate the requirements of multiple programmes, it is a distinct advantage to demonstrate a wide dynamic range that delivers the sensitivity required for low detection limit programs and linearity at higher concentrations to minimise required dilution analyses for highly contaminated samples.
In this application, a procedure was demonstrated for a rapid analysis of volatile organics utilising EPA Method 8260 with a wide dynamic range.
The detection limits and calibration ranges for EPA Methods 8260 and 524 overlap, but the superior sensitivity and dynamic range of the Shimadzu GCMS-QP2010s provides the ability to calibrate over the concentration ranges typically used for both EPA Methods 8260 and 524.
The patented water management features and accelerated cycle time of the OI 4660 Eclipse purge and trap concentrator complement the GCMS system.
Linear calibration was demonstrated over the range of 0.2-200ug/l for over sixty target compounds.
Extensive report features of the Shimadzu GCMSsolution software provide flexible, customised reporting for a variety of specific project requirements.
