Simplification of Laboratory Workflows for the Analysis of Common Contaminants as Required per EPA Methods 8270E, 625, Appendix IX, 8081B, 8141B by the Use of Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry

Optimizing Laboratory Operations
Oral Presentation

Prepared by A. Fornadel, E. George, T. Astill, �. Rajski, S. Crumlett, M. Belmont, T. Jeffers
Thermo Fisher, 104 Quinn Road, Severna Park, Maryland, 21146, United States


Contact Information: [email protected]; 443-346-0728

ABSTRACT

Environmental testing laboratories share common challenges related to the productivity, sample throughput, and accuracy of the results. One of the main sources of these challenges is the fact that various analytical methods are employed to target certain analytes and compound classes (SVOCs, pesticides, PCBs, etc.) in various matrices (drinking water, surface water, wastewater, soils, sludges). Historically, method-specific instruments that require operator training and expertise on that individual platform, had to be appointed for each method. Some of these instruments must be run in a dual-line configuration or a confirmation on a separate instrument using a second injection is required. Finally, redundancies for these method-specific instruments may be necessary to mitigate for unplanned downtime.

Many EPA methods recommend analog detection systems, including ECD (EPA 8081B), NPD (EPA 8141B) or FPD (EPA 8141B). One of the biggest challenges when working with this type of detection systems is to avoid coelution of other compounds. Whilst single quadrupole mass spectrometer can significantly reduce the influence of co-eluting compounds, sample preparation must often still include steps for clean-up, to ensure the availability of ideally three interference-free ions. A more effective approach is to use triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, which is superior in terms of sensitivity and selectivity. Most of the interference can be eliminated thanks to Selected Rection Monitoring (SRM) mode. Moreover, increased selectivity offers the opportunity to simplify the sample preparation protocols, as cleanup does not have to be as extensive as with other GC detectors.

The power of triple quadrupole mass spectrometry can be easily used to modernize existing workflows. This approach eliminates reliance analog detectors for common methods, and reduces the challenges associated with licensing fees, specialized training, and safety concerns. With GC-MS/MS there is no need for dual-line configurations or running separate confirmatory analyses – all is done in a single run.

This presentation will demonstrate how laboratories can reduce complexity of the analytical setup down to a single GC-MS/MS configuration, and by that the reduce the cost of sustaining different instruments and cross-trained operators for running common EPA methods in the field of environmental analysis.