The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published two rapid screening methods for chemical dispersants in sea water using Waters' Acquity UPLC/Quattro Premier XE (UPLC/MS/MS).
The analytical procedures were developed by Dr Lawrence Zintek, national organic methods development expert, and Dr David Schroeder, US EPA Region Five Chicago Regional Laboratory (CRL) in collaboration with Dr Johnson Mathew, Region Six Houston Laboratory.
These two methods specifically target the analysis of dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether (DPGBE), ethylene glycol monobutyl ether (EGBE), and dioctyl sulphosuccinate (DOSS) in sea water; three compounds used in the Gulf of Mexico in response the recent oil leak.
Joe Romano, senior manager of chemical analysis for the Waters Division, said: 'The key to these dispersant methods developed by EPA Region Five Laboratory is the direct sample injection while meeting the water quality criteria goals.
'While the scientific community is just starting to understand the impact of the oil spill in the Gulf, what is clear is that preparing samples, such as sea water samples, may be the most challenging step in the analytical process.
'Direct injection of sea water into the UPLC/MS/MS system streamlines sample preparation and ensures analytical consistency.
'This rapid low-level analysis also saves time and money,' added Romano.
