Getting the Best Out of Your Combustion Analyzer: Optimizing TOC Analysis of Wastewater and Soil Samples for EPA Method Compliance

New Organic Monitoring Techniques
Oral Presentation

Prepared by J. Gantt
Analytik Jena, 14525 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX, 77047, United States


Contact Information: [email protected]; 346-262-3679

ABSTRACT

Environmental laboratories are under increasing pressure to deliver high‑quality data while managing diverse sample matrices, fast turnaround expectations, and limited operator availability. Total Organic Carbon (TOC) measurements play a critical role in monitoring surface waters, industrial effluents, and soil samples. However, these environmental matrices often contain high salinity, suspended solids, and non‑homogeneous compositions, especially in the case of soils, that complicate oxidation and detection, leading to inconsistent results or elevated maintenance demands.
High‑temperature, catalyst‑free combustion is a widely used and robust technique for addressing these challenges. Successful operation, however, depends on careful instrument configuration, effective rinsing strategies, and systems that can self‑monitor for performance drift.
This presentation outlines workflow strategies for improving throughput and data reliability using two high‑temperature combustion analyzers equipped with NDIR detection. The multi N/C 3300 Duo is designed for high‑salinity samples and incorporates a salt kit that protects combustion components and reduces maintenance frequency. The multi N/C 2300 supports direct injection of particle‑rich or turbid samples, enabling reliable oxidation and measurement without extensive sample pretreatment.
Customer case examples will illustrate practical approaches for handling hypersaline groundwater, industrial effluents with variable organic content, and challenging soil matrices frequently encountered in environmental testing.