Standard Practice for Identification and Quantitation of Organic Compounds in Water by Combined Gas Chromatography and Electron Impact Mass Spectrometry

1.1 This guide covers the identification and quantitation of organic compounds by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) (electron impact) that are present or extracted from water and are capable of passing through a gas chromatograph without alteration. The guide is intended primarily for solutions for which 1 ng or more of any component of interest can be introduced onto a gas chromatographic column. This guide has the advantage of providing tentative identifications of volatile and semi-volatile organics, but is restricted to (a) compounds for which reference spectra can be obtained and (b) compounds that can be separated by gas chromatography (GC). These restrictions are imposed on the guide, but are not a limitation of the technique. The guide is written for, but not restricted to, analysis using automated data acquisition and handling.

1.2 Guidelines have been included for quantitation using ASTM Test Methods D3871, D3973, and other GC-MS volatile/semivolatile procedures used for environmental analysis. A detection amount of 1 ng can only be considered approximate. The actual detection limits for each component must be determined in each laboratory. Actual detection amounts will vary with the complexity of the matrix, the kind and condition of the GC-MS system, the sample preparation technique chosen, and the application of cleanup techniques to the sample extract, if any. Lower levels of detection can be achieved using modern sensitive instruments or with selected ion monitoring (SIM). To determine the interlaboratory detection estimate (IDE) and the interlaboratory quantitation estimate (IQE), follow Practices D 6091 and D 6512.

1.3 The guide is applicable to the identification of many organic constituents of natural and treated waters. It includes all modes of sample introduction, including injection of organic extracts, direct aqueous injection, and purge and trap techniques.

1.4 The guide is applicable to either packed or capillary column gas chromatography, including wide-bore capillary columns. Because of their greatly enhanced resolution, capillary columns are strongly recommended.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.