Trace Level Analysis of (4-Methylcyclohexyl)methanol (MCHM) and Propylene Glycol Phenyl Ether (PPH) in Source and Finished Drinking Waters

Oral Presentation

Prepared by C. Rattray
Restek, 110 Benner Circle, Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, 16823, United States


Contact Information: [email protected]; 814-353-1300


ABSTRACT

On January 9th, 2014, approximately 7000 gallons of a mixture composed of (4-methylcyclohexyl)methanol (MCHM) and propylene glycol phenyl ether (PPH) seeped from a storage tank into the Elk River in southern West Virginia. Eventually, the MCHM and PPH made their way into the water supply prompting Governor Tomblin and President Obama to issue a state of emergency for the affected counties. Using the micro-extraction EPA Method 3511 combined with gas chromatography - scanning quadrupole mass spectrometry, we developed a trace (MDL < 1.0 µg/L) analytical method with a fast sample prep method using 2 mL of solvent per sample.