Environmentally Friendly Implementation of EPA 8270E by Solid-Phase Extraction and Hydrogen Carrier Gas GC/MS Analysis

EPA Method 8270E represents the latest update in the environmental chemistry sector’s
routine analysis for semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs). Traditionally reliant on
helium for its ideal chemical properties, the method now incorporates hydrogen as a
carrier gas, reflecting an industry shift toward a more sustainable and cost-effective
alternative. The method now includes an appendix with guidelines for using hydrogen
as a carrier gas, supporting laboratories in transitioning to this alternative. Additionally,
the EPA’s recent regulation on methylene chloride (DCM) requires
laboratories reduce hazardous solvent use in analytical methods. The method offers
solid-phase extraction (SPE) for sample preparation. By switching to SPE, laboratories
significantly cut solvent consumption, decreasing environmental impact and improving
lab safety by reducing exposure to toxic chemicals.
Using hydrogen as a carrier gas, a 20 minute analysis method was developed on a
single-quadrupole GC-MS. Compliance with EPA calibration protocols confirmed
linearity of 133 target compounds. An extraction procedure of 1L water samples was
optimized using UCT 8270 SPE cartridges, which are developed to isolate acidic, basic,
and neutral compounds in tandem with an activated carbon cartridge to retain highly
polar analytes such as 1,4-dioxane. This combination was used to extract 133 analytes
at levels of 10 µg/L or lower, covering compounds on the EPA Priority Pollutant List
(PPL), the RCRA Appendix IX list, and the Superfund Analytical Methods target list
(SFAM01.1). Statistical analyses were carried out to determine accuracy and precision.