METHODS FOR OR6ANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES AND  CHLOROPHENOXY
               ACID HERBICIDES  IN DRINKING WATER AND RAW SOURCE  WATER
                                       INTERIM
                                Pending  Issuance of
>^                          Methods for  Organic Analysis
\                               of Water and Wastes
                       U. S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
                  ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND SUPPORT  LABORATORY
                              CINCINNATI, OHIO  45268
                                     July  1978

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                                  FOREWORD
       The National Interim Primary  Drinking Mater  Regulations
promulgated on December 24, 1975,  in  accordance with  the  provisions  of
the Safe Drinking Water Act (Public  Law 93-523),  have set maximum
contaminant levels for a variety of  pollutants.   The  methods  contained
herein are provided to determine compliance with  para.  141.12 (a)
chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides  and  141.12 (b) chlorophenoxy
herbicides.  Endrin, Undane, methoxychlor and toxphene may be  determined
by the chlorinated hydrocarbon method while 2,4-0 and 2,4,5-TP  (311vex)
may be determined by the chlorophenoxy method.

       These methods have been assembled  by the staff of  the
Environmental Monitoring and Support  Laboratory - Cincinnati  (EMSL-CIN)
and are provided only for the interim period until  the manual,  "Methods
for Organic Anaysis of Water and Wastes," becomes available.
                      Dwight G. Ballinger, Director
       Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory  - Cincinnati
                                      11

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                                DISCLAIMER
       The mention of trade names or commercial products  1n this manual
Is for Illustration purposes, and does not constitute endorsement or
recommendation for use by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.
                                    ill

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          METHOD FOR ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES IN DRINKING WATER
1.     Scope and Application
       1.1   This method covers the determination of organochlorine
             pesticides in drinking water and raw source water.  Lindane,
             endrin, methoxychlor and toxaphene are determined by this
             procedure.
       1.2   The method sensitivity is 0.001 to 0.010 ug/1 for single
             component pesticides and 0.050 to 1.0 ug/1 for
             muHi-component pesticides when analyzing a 1 liter sample
             with the electron capture detector.
       1.3   Other organochlorine pesticides, such as BHCr~heptachlor,
             aldrin, heptachlor epoxide, dieldrin, Captan, DOE, ODD, DDT,
             endosulfan, dichloran, mi rex, pentachloronitrobenzene, tri-
             fluralin, Strobane, chlordane (tech.) and others may also be
             determined by this method.
2.     Summary
       2.1   The method offers several analytical alternatives, dependent
             on the analyst's assessment of the nature and extent of
             interferences and/or the complexity of the pesticide mix-
             tures found.  Specifically, the procedure describes the use
             of an effective co-solvent for efficient sample extraction;
             provides, through use of column chromatography and liquid-
             liquid partition, methods for elimination of non-pesticide
             interferences and the pre-separation of pesticide mixtures.

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             Identification is made by selective gas chromatographic
             separations and may be corroborated through the use of two
             or more unlike columns.  Detection and measurement is
             accomplished by electron capture, microcoulometric or
             electrolytic conductivity gas chromatography.  Results are
             reported 1n micrograms per liter.
       2.2   Confirmation of the identity of the compounds should be made
             by GC-MS when a new or undefined sample type is being
             analyzed and the concentration is adequate for such
             determination.
       2.3   This method 1s recommended for use only by experienced
             pesticide analysts or under the close supervision of such
             qualified persons.
3.     Interferences
       3.1   Solvents, reagents, glassware, and other  sample processing
             hardware may yield discrete artifacts and/or elevated base-
             lines, causing misinterpretation of gas chromatograms.
             All of these materials must be demonstrated  to be free from
             Interferences under the  conditions of the analysis.   Specific
             selection of  reagents  and purification of solvents by dis-
             tillation  in  all-glass  systems may be required.  Refer  to
             Part  I, Sections  1.4  and 1.5  (1).
       3.2   The  interferences  in  drinking water  should not  pose  any
             difficulty  in obtaining  accurate  and precise measurement of
             organochlorine pesticides.

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3.3   Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) - Special attention  is
      called to industrial plasticizers and hydraulic fluids such
      as the PCBs, which are a potential source of interference  in
      pesticide analysis.  The presence of PCBs is indicated by  a
      large number of partially resolved or unresolved peaks which
      may occur throughout the entire chromatogram.  Par-
      ticularly severe PCB interference will require special
      separation procedures (2,3).
3.4   Phthalate Esters - These compounds, widely used as plasti-
      cizers, respond to the electron capture detector and  are a
      source of interference in the determination of organo-
      chlorine pesticides using this detector.  Water leaches
      these materials from plastics, such as polyethylene bottles
      and tygon tubing.  The presence of phthaiate esters is
      implicated  in samples that respond to electron capture but
      not to the mlcrocoulometric or electrolytic conductivity
      halogen detectors.
3.5   Organophosphorus Pesticides - A number of organophosphorus
      pesticides, such as those containing a nitro group, e.g.,
      parathlon, respond to the electron capture detector and may
      interfere with the determination of the organochlorine
      pesticides.  Such compounds can be identified by their
      response to the flame photometric detector (4).

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4.     Apparatus and Materials
       4.1   Gas Chromatograph - Equipped with  glass  lined  injection  port.
       4.2   Detector Options:
             4.2.1  Electron Capture  - Radioactive  (tritium or  nickel-63)
             4.2.2  Microcoulometric  Titration
             4.2.3  Electrolytic Conductivity
       4.3   Recorder - Potentiometric strip chart  (10  in.)  compatible
             with the detector.
       4.4   Gas Chromatographic Column Materials:
             4.4.1  Tubing - Pyrex  (180 cm  long X 4 mm  ID)
             4.4.2  Glass Wool - Silanized
             4.4.3  Solid Support - Gas-Chrom-Q (100-120  mesh)
             4.4.4  Liquid Phases - Expressed as weight percent coated on
                    solid support.
                    4.4.4.1  OV-1,  3*
                    4.4.4.2  OV-210,  535
                    4.4.4.3  OV-17, 1.5% plus QF-1  or OV-210,  1.95%
                    4.4.4.4  QF-1,  6% plus  SE-30, 4%
       4.5   Kuderna-Danish (K-D) Glassware
             4.5.1  Snyder Column - three ball  (macro)  and  two  ball
                    (micro)
             4.5.2  Evaporative Flasks - 500 ml
             4.5.3  Receiver Ampuls - 10 ml, graduated
             4.5.4  Ampul Stoppers

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       4.6   Chromatographic Column - Chromaflex  (400  run long  x 19 mm ID)
             with coarse fritted plate on bottom  and Teflon  stopcock; 250
             ml reservoir bulb at top of column with flared  out funnel
             shape at top of bulb - a special order (Kontes  K-420540-
             9011).
       4.7   Chromatographic Column - pyrex  (approximately 400 mm long x
             20 mm ID) with coarse fritted plate  on bottom.
       4.8   Micro Syringes -  10, 25, 50 and  100  ul.
       4.9   Separatory funnels • 125 ml, 1000 ml  and  2000 ml  with Teflon
             stopcock.
       4.10  Graduated cylinders - 100 and 250 ml.
5.     Reagents, Solvents, and Standards
       5.1   Sodium Hydroxide  - (ACS) 10 N in distilled  water.
       5.2   Sodium Sulfate -  (ACS) Granular, anhydrous  (conditioned at
             400 C for 4 hrs.).
       5.3   SuIfuric Acid - (ACS) Mix equal volumes of  cone.  H2S04
             with distilled water.
       5.4   Florisll - PR Grade (60-100 mesh); purchase activated at
             1250°F and store  in the dark in glass containers  with
             glass stoppers or foil-lined screw caps.  Before  use,
             activate each batch overnight at 130°C in foil-covered
             .glass container.  Determine 1auric-acid value (See Section
             13).
       5.5   Diethyl Ether - Nanograde, redistilled in glass,  if
             necessary.

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             5.5.1 Must be  free  of  peroxides  as  Indicated by EM Quant
                   test strips.   (Test  strips are  available from EM
                   Laboratories,  Inc.,  500  Executive Blvd., Elmsford, NY
                   10523.)
             5.5.2 Procedures recommended for removal  of peroxides are
                   provided with  the  test strips.
       5.6   Hexane, Methanol, Methylene Chloride,  Petroleum Ether
             (boiling range 30-60 C)  -  nanograde,  redistill in  glass if
             necessary.
       5.7   Pesticide Standards  -  Reference  grade.
6.     Calibration
       6.1   Gas chromatographic  operating  conditions  are considered
             acceptable if the response to  dicapthon 1s  at least 502 of
             full scale when  ~<0.06 ng  is injected  for electron capture
             detection and  *100  ng 1s  Injected  for microcoulometric or
             electrolytic conductivity  detection.   For all quantitative
             measurements, the detector must  be  operated within its
             linear response range  and  the  detector noise level should be
             less than 22 of full scale.
       6.2   Standards are  injected frequently as  a check on the sta-
             bility of operating  conditions.   Gas  chromatograms of
             several standard pesticides are  shown  in  Figures 1, 2, 3 and
             4 and provide reference  operating conditions for the four
             recommended columns.
       6.3   The elution order and  retention  ratios of various  organo-
             chlorine pesticides  are  provided in Table 1, as a  guide.

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                                           IS                10
                                          RETENTION TIME IN MINUTES
Figure  1. Column Packing: 1.5% OV-17 + 1.95% QF-1, Carrier Gas: Argon/Methane at 60 ml/rain,
                     Column Temperature: 200 C, Detector: Electron Capture.

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IS
0
                          10                 5
                      RETENTION TIME  IN MINUTES
Figure  2.  Column Packing: 5% OY-210, Carrier  Gas: Argon/Methane
           at  70 ml/rain. Column Temperature:  180  C, Detector:
           Electron Capture.
                       8

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    25
                                      IS                10
                                     RETENTION TIME IN MINUTES
Figure  3. Column Packing: 6% QF-1 t 4% SE-30, Carrier Gas: Argon/Methane at 60 ml/min,
                   Column  Temperature: 200  C, Detector: Electron Capture.

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                                                                              a:
                                                                              CJ
25
21
5
                              IS               II
                            IETENTIOH TIME IN MINUTES

Figure  4. Column Packing: 3% 0V 1, Carrier Gas: Argon/Methane at 70 ml/mm,

         Column Temperature: 180 C, Detector:  Electron Capture.

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                                    Table  1
    RETENTION RATIOS OF VARIOUS ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES RELATIVE TO ALDRIN
Liquid
Phase' 1
Column Temp.
Argon/Methane
Carrier Flow
Pesticide
Tr1flural1n
-BHC
PCNB
Lindane
Oichloran
Heptachlor
Aldrln
Heptachlor Epoxide
Endosulfan I
p,p'-OOE
Dieldrln
Captan
Endrln
o.p'-DDT
p.p'-DDO
Endosulfan II
p,p'-ODT
Mi rex
Methoxychlor
Aldrin
(Win. absolute)
1.556 OV-17
*
.95% QF-l2
200 C
60 ml/min
RR
0.39
0.54
0.68
0.69
0.77
0.82
1.00
1.54
1.95
2.23
2.40
2.59
2.93
3.16
3.48
3.59
4.18
6.1
7.6
3.5
5%
OV-210
180 C
70 ml/min
RR
1.11
0.64
0.85
0.81
1.29
0.87
1.00
1.93
2.48
2.10
3.00
4.09
3.56
2.70
3.75
4.59
4.07
3.78
6.5
2.6
3%
OV-1
180 C
70 ml/min
RR
0.33
0.35
0.49
0.44
0.49
0.78
1.00
1.28
1.62
2.00
1.93
1.22
2.18
2.69
2.61
2.25
3.50
6.6
5.7
4.0
6% QF-1
+
4* SE-30
200 C
60 ml/min
RR
0.57
0.49
0.63
0.60
0.70
0.83
1.00
1.43
1.79
1.82
2.12
1.94
2.42
2.39
2.55
2.72
3.12
4.79
4.60
5.6
     columns glass, 180 cm x 4 mm ID, solid support Gas-Chrom Q (100/120
 mesh)
'OV-210 also may be used

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 7.      Sample Collection and Handling
        7.1    Wash all bottles and cap liners in detergent water.  Rinse
              with tap water and finally distilled water.
        7.2    Allow bottles and cap liners to air-dry.  Muffle the sample
              bottles at 400°C for 1 hour.
        7.3    Rinse the cap liners with pesticide-grade hexane.
        7.4    When cool, seal the bottles and store in a dust-free
              environment.
        7.5    Collect samples in 1 quart narrow-mouth bottles with a
              Teflon lined  screw cap (option 1 quart widemouth screw-cap
              bottles with  Teflon lid liner).  Collect all samples in
              duplicate.
        7.6    Sampling from a water tap:   Turn on water and allow system
              to flush.   When the temperature has stabilized, adjust the
              flow to about 1 1/min.   Fill the bottle about 90* full and
              seal.
        7.7    The  sample should be maintained near 4°C until  analysis
              and  should be extracted  as  soon as  possible after collection.
8.      Sample Procedure
       8.1    Quantitatively transfer  the entire  sample into  a two-liter
              separatory funnel.   Rinse the container with 60 ml  of 15%
             methylene  chloride  in hexane (v:v)  and add  to the separatory
              funnel.  Also rinse the  sample bottle with  each succeeding
              volume  of  extracting solvent.
                                      12

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       8.2    Shake the  sample in the separatory funnel vigorously for two
              minutes.   Allow the mixed  solvent to separate from the
              sample,  then  draw the water into a one-liter Erlenmeyer
              flask.   Pour  the organic layer into a 100-ml beaker and then
              pass  it  through a column containing 3 to 4 inches of
              anhydrous  sodium sulfate,  and  collect it in a 500-ml K-0
              flask equipped  with a 10 ml ampul.   Return the water phase
              to the separatory funnel.   Rinse the sample bottle and the
              Erlenmeyer flask with a second 60 ml volume of solvent; add
              the solvent to  the separatory  funnel and complete the
              extraction procedure a second  time.   Perform a third
              extraction in the same manner.
       8.3    Combine  the extracts and concentrate in the K-0 evaporator
              on a  hot water  bath.
       8.4    Adjust the ampul  volume to  10.0 ml  with hexane.
       8.5    Analyze  by gas  chromatography.   If  interferences are noted,
              proceed  to Section 9.
       8.6    The sample extract can be  further concentrated using a micro
              Snider column if  greater sensitivity is required.
9.     Clean-up and Separation Procedures
       9.1    Interferences in  the  form of distinct peaks and/or high
              background  in the initial gas  chromatographic analysis,  as
             well  as the physical  characteristics  of the extract (color,
             cloudiness, viscosity)  and  background knowledge  of the
             sample will indicate whether clean-up is  required.   When
                                      13

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       these interfere with measurement of the pesticides, or
       affect column life or detector sensitivity, proceed as
       directed below.
 9.2   Florisil Column Adsorption Chromatography
       9.2.1 Adjust the sample extract-volume to 10 ml.
       9.2.2 Place a charge of activated Florisil (weight deter-
             mined by lauric-acid value, see Section 13) in a
             Chromaflex column.  After settling the Florisil by
             tapping the column,  add about one-half inch layer of
             anhydrous granular sodium sulfate to the top.
       9.2.3 Pre-elute the column,  after cooling, with 50-60 mT of
             petroleum ether.   Discard the eluate and just prior to
             exposure of the sulfate layer to air,  quantitatively
             transfer the  sample  extract into the column by
             decantation and subsequent  petroleum ether washings.
             Adjust the elution rate to  about 5 ml  per minute and,
             separately, collect  the two eluates  in 500 ml  K-0
             flasks equipped with 10 ml  ampuls  (see Eluate
             Composition  10.3.).   Perform  the first elution with
             200 ml  of  6%  ethyl ether in petroleum  ether, and the
             second elution  with  200 ml  of 15S ethyl  ether  in
             petroleum  ether.
      9.2.4  Concentrate the eluates to  6-10  ml in  the  K-0
             evaporator  in a hot  water bath.
      9.2.5  Analyze by gas  Chromatography.
9.3   Eluate Composition  - By using an equivalent quantity  of  any
                              14

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              batch  of  Florisil,  as  determined  by its  lauric acid
              value,the pesticides will  be  separated  into  the eluates
              indicated below:
                              6% Eluate
              Aldrin           DOT                  Pentachloronitrobenzene
              BHC              Heptachlor           Strobane
              Chlordane        Heptachlor Epoxide  Toxaphene
              ODD              Lindane              Trifluralin
              DDE              Methoxychlor        PCB's
                              Mi rex
              15% Eluate                     50%  Eluate
              Endosulfan  I                   Endosulfan  II
              Endrin                         Captan
              Dieldrin
              Dichloran
              Phthalate esters
              Certain thiophosphate pesticides  can  occur in  each  of the
              above fractions as  well as the 100* fraction.   For
              additional  information regarding  eluate  composition,  refer
              to the FDA  Pesticide Analytical Manual (6).
10.    Quality Control
       10.1   Duplicate and spiked sample analyses  are recommended  as
             quality control checks.  Quality  control charts  (5) should
             be developed and used as a check  on the  analytical  system.
             Quality control check samples and performance  evaluation
             samples should be analyzed on a regular basis.
       10.2 'Each time a set of samples is extracted, a method blank is
             determined on a volume of distilled water equivalent  to that
             used to dilute the sample.
11.    Calculation of Results
       11.1  Determine the pesticide concentration by using the  absolute
                                    15

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             calibration procedure described below or the relative cali-
             bration procedure described in Part I, Section 3.4.2 (1).
            ( 1 )    Micrograms/1 i ter =
                                             (Vs
                   A = ng standard
                       Standard area
                   8 = Sample aliquot area
                   VT = Volume of extract injected (ul)
                   Vt= Volume of total extract (ul)
                   Vs= Volume of water extracted (ml)
12.     Reporting Results
       12.1  Report results in micrograms per liter without correction
             for recovery data.  When duplicate and spiked samples are
             analyzed, all data obtained should be reported.
13.     Standardization of Florisil column by weight adjustment based on
       adsorption of lauric acid
       13.1  A rapid method for determining adsorptive capacity of
             Florisil is based on adsorption of lauric acid from hexane
             solution (6) (8).  An excess of lauric acid is used and the
             amount not adsorbed is measured by alkali titration.  The
             weight of lauric acid adsorbed is used to calculate, by
             simple proportion, equivalent quantities of Florisil for
             batches having different adsorptive capacities.
       13.2  Apparatus
             13.2.1    Buret - 25 ml with 1/10 ml graduations.
             13.2.2    Erlenmeyer flasks - 125 ml narrow mouth and 25 ml
                       glass stoppered.
             13.2.3    Pipet - 10 and 20 ml transfer.
             13.2.4    Volumetric flasks - 500 ml.
                                     16

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13.3  Reagents and Solvents
      13.3.1    Alcohol, ethyl  - USP or absolute,  neutralized  to
                phenolphthalein.
      13.3.2    Hexane - Distilled from all glass  apparatus.
      13.3.3    Laurie acid - Purified, CP.
      13.3.4    Laurie acid solution - Transfer  10.000  g  lauric
                acid to 500 ml  volumetric flask, dissolve  in
                hexane, and dilute to 500 ml  (1 ml  - 20 mg).
      13.3.5    Phenolphthalein Indicator - Dissolve 1  g  in
                alcohol and dilute to 100 ml.
      13.3.6    Sodium hydroxide - Dissolve 20 g NaOH (pellets,
                reagent grade)  in water and dilute  to 500  ml
                (IN).  Dilute 25 ml IN NaOH to 500  ml with water
                (0.05N0.  Standardize as follows:   Weigh  100-200
                mg lauric acid  into 125 ml Erlenmeyer flask.   Add
                50 ml neutralized ethyl alcohol and 3 drops
                phenolphthalein indicator; titrate  to permanent
                end point.  Calculate mg lauric acid/ml O.OSjY  NaOH
               i.
                (about 10 mg/ml).
13.4  Procedure
      13.4.1    Transfer 2.000 g F1or1s1l to 25-ml  glass-stoppered
                Erlenmeyer flasks.   Cover loosely with  aluminum
      •
                foil  and heat overnight at 130°C.   Stopper, cool
                to room temperature,  add 20.0 ml lauric acid
                solution (400 mg),  stopper, and shake occasionally
                for .15 minutes.   Let  the adsorbent  settle  and
                              17

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                pipet 10.0 ml  of supernatant into 125 ml
                Erlenmeyer flask.   Avoid inclusion of any Florisil.
      13.4.2    Add 50 ml  of neutral alcohol and 3 drops of
                indicator  solution; titrate with 0.05f< to a
                permanent  end  point.
13.5  Calculation of lauric acid value and adjustment of column
      weight
      13.5.1    Calculate  amount of lauric acid adsorbed on
                Florisil as follows:
                Lauric add value a mg lauric acid/g Florisil 3
                200 - (ml  required for titration x mg lauric
                add/ml 0.05N NaOH).
      13.5.2    To obtain an equivalent quantity of any batch of
                Florisil,  divide 110 by lauric acid value for that
                batch and multiply by 20 g.  Verify proper elution
                of pesticides  by 13.6.
13.6  Test for proper elution  pattern and recovery of pesticides
      13.6.1    Prepare a test mixture containing aldrln,
                heptachlor epoxide, p,p'-ODE, dieldrin, Parathion
                and malathion.  Oieldrin and Parathion should
                elute in the 15% eluate; all but a trace of
                malathion in the 50% eluate and the others in the
                6% eluate.
                              18

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REFERENCES

1.     "Method for Organic Pesticides  in  Water  and  Wastewater",
       Environmental Protection Agency, National  Environmental  Research
       Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45268, 1971.

2.     Monsanto Methodology for Aroclors  - Analysis of  Environmental
       Materials for Biphenyls, Analytical Chemistry Method  71-35,
       Monsanto Company, St. Louis, Missouri, 63166,  1970.

3.     "Method for Polychlorinated Biphenyls  in Industrial  Effluents,"
       Environmental Protection Agency, National  Environmental  Research
       Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45268, 1973.

4.     "Method for Organophosphorus Pesticides  in Industrial  Effluents,"
       Environmental Protection Agency, National  Environmental  Research
       Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45268, 1973.

5.     "Handbook for Analytical Quality Control in  Water  and Wastewater
       Laboratories," Chapter 6, Section  6.4, U.S.  Environmental  Pro-
       tection Agency, National Environmental Research  Center,  Analytical
       Quality Control Laboratory, Cincinnati,  Ohio,  45268,  1973.

6.     "Pesticide Analytical Manual,"  U.S. Dept.  of Health,  Education and
       Welfare, Food and Drug Administration, Washington, O.C.

7.     "Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Human and Environmental
       Samples," U.S. Environmental Protection  Agency,  Perrine  Primate
       Research Laboratories, Perrine, Florida,  33157,  1971.

8.     Mills, P.A., "Variation of Florisil Activity:  Simple Method for
       Measuring Adsorbent Capacity and Its Use in  Standardizing  Florisil
       Columns," Journal of the Association of  Official Analytical
       Chemists. 5J_, 29 (1968).

9.     Goerlitz, O.F. and Brown, E., "Methods for Analysis  of Organic
       Substances in Water," Techniques of Water  Resources  Investigations
       of the'United States Geological Survey,  Book 5,  Chapter  A3, U.S.
       Department of the Interior, Geological Survey, Washington,  O.C.
       20242, 1972, pp. 24-40.

10.    Steere, N.V., editor, "Handbook of Laboratory Safety," Chemical
       Rubber Company, 18901 Cranwood Parkway,  Cleveland, Ohio, 44128,
       1971, pp. 250-254.
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        METHOD FOR CHLOROPHENOXY ACID  HERBICIDES  IN  DRINKING  WATER

1.  Scope and Application
    1.1  This method covers  the determination of  chlorinated  phenoxy acid
         herbides in drinking water and raw  source water.   The  compounds
         2,4-dichlorophenoxy-acetic acid  (2,4-D)  and 2-(2,4,5-trichloro-
         phenoxy) propionic  acid (silvex)  are determined by this
         procedure.
    1.2  The detection limits are 20 ng/1  for 2,4-0  and 5  ng/1  for Silvex
         and 2,4,5-T.
    1.3  Since these compounds may occur  in  water in various  forms (i.e.,
         acid, salt, ester,  etc.} a hydrolysis  step  is  included to permit
         the determination of the active  part of  the herbicide.   The
         method may be applied to additional phenoxy acids  such as
         2,3-dichloro-o-anisic acid (dicamba) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy-
         acetic acid (2,4,5-T) and certain phenols.
2.  Summary
    2.1  Chlorinated phenoxy acids and their esters  are extracted from
         the acidified water sample with  ethyl  ether.  The  esters are
         hydrolyzed to adds and extraneous  organic  material  is removed
         by a solvent wash.  The acids are converted to methyl  esters
         which are extracted from the  aqueous phase.  Identification of
                •
         the esters is made by selective  gas chromatographic  separations
         and may be corroborated through  the use  of  two or  more unlike
         columns.  Detection and measurement is accomplished  by electron
                                     20

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         capture, microcoulometric or electrolytic conductivity gas
         chromatography (1).  Results are reported in micrograms per
         liter.
    2.2  This method is recommended for use only by experienced pesticide
         analysts or under the close supervision of such qualified
         persons.
3.  Interferences
    3.1  Solvents, reagents, glassware, and other sample processing
         hardware may yield discrete artifacts and/or elevated baselines
         causing misinterpretation of gas chromatograms.  All of these
         materials must be demonstrated to be free from interference
         under the conditions of the analysis.  Specific selection of
         reagents and purification of solvents by distillation in
         a11-glass systems may be required.  Refer to Part  1, Section 1.4
         and 1.5, (2).
    3.2  The interferences encountered in drinking water should not pose
         great difficulty in obtaining accurate and precise measurement
         of chlorinated phenoxy acid herbicides.
    3.3  Organic acids, expecially chlorinated acids, cause the most
         direct interference with the determination.   Phenols including
         chlorophenols  will also interfere with this procedure.
    3.4  Alkaline hydrolysis and subsequent extraction eliminates many of
         the predominant chlorinated insecticides which might otherwise
             •
         interfere with the test.
                                     21

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    3.5  The herbicides, being strong organic acids, react readily with
         alkaline substances and may be lost during analysis.  Glassware
         and glass wool should be acid-rinsed and sodium sulfate should
         be acidified with sulfuric acid to avoid this possibility.
4.  Apparatus and Materials
    4.1  Gas Chromatograph - Equipped with glass  lined  injection port.
    4.2  Detector Options:
         4.2.1  Electron Capture - Radioactive  (tritium or nickel-63)
         4.2.2  Microcoulometric Titration
         4.2.3  Electrolytic Conductivity
    4.3  Recorder - Potentiometric strip chart  (10  in.) compatible with
         the detector.
    4.4  Gas Chromatograph1c Column Materials:
         4.4.1  Tubing  - Pyrex  (180 cm  long X 4 mm  ID)
         4.4.2  Glass Wool - Silanizsd
         4.4.3  Solid Support  -  Gas-Chrom-Q (100-120  mesh)
         4.4.4  Liquid  Phases  - Expressed  as  weight percent  coated on
                solid support.
                4.4.4.1  OV-210,  5X
                4.4.4 2  OV-17,  1.5X  plus  QF-1, 1.95X
    4.5  Kuderna-Danlsh (K-0)  Glassware
                •
         4.5.1  Snyder  Column  - three ball (macro)  and two ball (micro)
         4.5.2  Evaporative  Flasks - 250 ml
         4.5.3  Receiver Ampuls - 10 ml, graduated
         4.5.4  Ampul  Stoppers
                                      22

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    4.6   Graduated  cylinders  - 100 and 250 ml.
    4.7   Erlenmeyer flasks  -  125  ml,  250 ml ground glass T 24/40 with
          stopper
    4.8   Micro  Syringes  -  10,  25, 50  and 100 ul.
    4.9   Pipets - Pasteur,  glass  disposable (140  mm long X 5 mm ID).
    4.10  Separatory Funnels -  60  ml  and 2000 ml with Teflon stopcock.
    4.11  Glass wool  - Filtering grade,  acid washed.
    4.12  Diazald Kit - Recommended for the generation of diazomethane
          (available  from Aldrich  Chemical  Co., Cat.  #210,025-2)
    4.13  Florisil -  PR grade (60-100  mesh)  purchased activated at 1250F
          and stored  at 130  C.
5.  Reagents. Solvents and  Standards
    5.1   Boron Trifluoride-Methanol-esterification-reagent,  14 percent
         boron trifluorlde  by weight.
    5.2  N-methyl-N-nitroso-p-toluenesulfonamide  (Diazald)  - High purity,
         melting point range 60-62 C.   Precursor  for the generation of
         diazomethane (see Appendix I).
    5.3  Potassium Hydroxide Solution  - A 37 percent (w:v)  aqueous
         solution prepared from reagent grade potassium  hydroxide pellets
         and reagent water.
    5.4  Sodium Sulfate,  Acidified - (ACS)  granular  sodium  sulfate,
         treated as  follows:  Add 0.1 ml of cone,  sulfuric  acid  to lOOg
         of sodium sulfate slurried with enough ethyl ether  to just cover
         the solid.   Remove  the ether with the vacuum.  Mix  1 g  of the
         resulting solid  with  5 ml of reagent water  and ensure the
         mixture  to  have  a pH  below 4.  Store at  130 C.
                                      23

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5.5  Su If uric acid - (ACS) concentrated, Sp. Gr.  1.84.
     5.5.1     Sulfuric Acid (1:1) - Carefully mix equal volumes of
               HgSt^ (5.5) with distilled water.  Cool while
               adding acid.
     5.5.2     Sulfuric Acid (1+3) - Carefully mix  1  volume of
               H2S04 (5.5) with 3 volumes of distilled water.
               Cool while adding acid.
5.6  Carbitol (diethylene glycol monoethyl  ether).
5.7  Oiethyl Ether - Nanograde, redistilled in glass,  if necessary.
     5.7.1     Must be free of peroxides as indicated by EM Quant
               test strips (available from  EM Laboratories, Inc.,  500
               Executive Blvd., Elmsford, N.Y.,  10523).
     5.7.2     Procedures recommended for removal of  peroxides  are
               provided with the test strips.
5.8  Benzene Hexane - Nanograde, redistilled  in  glass,  if  necessary.
5.9  Pesticide Standards - Acids and Methyl Esters, reference grade.
     5.9.1     Stock standard  solutions - Dissolve  100 mg  of  each
               herbicide  in 50 ml ethyl ether;  then make  to  100 ml
               with redistilled hexane.   Solution contains 1  rag/ml.
     5.9.2     Working standard - Pipet  1.0 ml  of each stock  solution
               into a  single  100 ml volumetric  flask.  Make  to volume
            •
               with a  mixture  of ethyl  ether  and hexane  (1:1).
               Solution contains  10 ug/ml of  each standard.
     5.9.3     Standard for  Chromatography  (Oiazomethane Procedure)  -
               Pipet  1.0 ml  of the working  standard into a glass
               stoppered  test  tube  and  evaporate off  the solvent

                                 24

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                   using steam bath.  Add 2 ml  diazomethane  to the
                   residue.  Let  stand  10 minutes with  occasional
                   shaking, then  allow  the  solvent  to  evaporate
                   spontaneously.   Dissolve the residue in 200 ul  of
                   hexane for gas chromatography.
         5.9.4     Standard for Chromatgraphy  (Boron Trifluoride
                   Procedure) - Pipet 1.0 ml of the working  standard into
                   a glass stoppered test tube.  Add 0.5 ml  of benzene
                   and evaporate  to 0.4 ml  using a  two-ball  Snyder
                   microcolumn and  a steam  bath.  Proceed as in 10.3.1.
                   Esters are then  ready for gas chromatography.
6.  Calibration
    6.1  Gas chromatographic operating  conditions are  considered
         acceptable if the response to  dicapthon 1s at  least 50% of full
         scale when   0.06 ng is  injected for  electron  capture detection
         and   100 ng is injected for microcoulometric  or electrolytic
         conductivity detection.  For all quantitative  measurements, the
         detector must be operated  within its  linear response range and
         the detector noise level should be less than  2% of  full scale.
    6.2  Standards, prepared from methyl esters  of  phenoxy acid
         herbicides calculated as the acid  equivalent,  are injected
         frequently as a check on the stability of  operating conditions.
         Gas chromatograms of several chlorophenoxys are shown in  Figure
         1.
    6.3  The elution order and retention ratios  of  methyl esters of
                                     25

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64
 RETENTION
3
IN
      0
MINUTES
                 TIME
Ftq. I Column: 1.5 % 0V -17 + 1.93 % OF- I ,
Carrier Gas : Argon (5%) / Methane : 70ml/min.,
Column Temp. 185 C, Detector: Electron Capture .
                           26

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                         Table  1

 RETENTION RATIOS  FOR  METHYL ESTERS  OF SOME CHLORINATED
       PHENOXY ACID  HERBICIDES RELATIVE TO 2,4-D
Liquid Phase1

Column Temp.
Argon /Methane
Carrier FTow
Herbicide
dlcamba
2,4-0
sllvex
2,4,5-T
2,4-0
(minutes absolute)
1.5* OV-17
1.95* QF-1
185 C
70 ml/m1n
RR
0.60
1.00
1.34
1.72
2.00

5* OV-210
185 C
70 ml/min
RR
0.61
1.00
1.22
1.51
1.62
Ull  columns alas:., 180 cm x 4 mm ID, solid support
 Gas  Chrom Q (100/120 mesh)
                            27

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    chlorinated phenoxy acid herbicides  are provided  in  Table  1,  as a
    guide.
7.  Sample Collection and Handling
    7.T  Mash all bottles and cap liners  in detergent  water.   Rinse with
         tap water and finally distilled  water.
    7.2  Allow bottles and cap liners  to  air-dry.   Muffle  the  sample
         bottles at 400°C for 1 hour.
    7.3  Rinse the cap liners with pesticide-grade  hexane.
    7.4  When cool, seal the bottles and  store  in a dust-free  environment.
    7.5  Collect samples in 1 quart narrow-mouth bottles with  a Teflon
         lined screw cap (option  1 quart  widemouth  screw-cap bottles with
         Teflon lid liner).  Collect all  samples in duplicate.
    7.6  Sampling from a water tap:  Turn on water  and allow system to
         flush.  When the temperature  has stabilized,  adjust the flow to
         about 1 1/min.  Fill the bottle  about  90%  full  and seal.
    7.7  The sample should be maintained  near 4°C until  analysis and
         should be extracted as soon as  possible after collection.
8.  Sample Procedure
    8.1  Quantitatively transfer  1  liter  of sample  into  a  two-liter
         separatory funnel, and acidify  to approximately pH 2  with
         concentrated suIfuric acid.   Check pH  with indicator  paper.
    8.2  Add 150 ml of ether to the sample in the separatory funnel and
         shake vigorously for one minute. Allow the  contents  to separate
         for at least ten minutes.  After the  layers  have  separated,
         drain the water phase into a  one-liter Erlenmeyer flask.  Then
                                     28

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         collect  the  extract  in a 250  ml  ground-glass Erlenmeyer flask
         containing 2 ml  of 37  percent aqueous  potassium hydroxide.
    8.3  Extract  the  sample two more  times  using 50 ml  of ether each
         time, and combine the  extracts in  the  Erlenmeyer flask.  (Rinse
         the one-liter  flask  with each additional aliquot of extracting
         solvent.)
9.  Hydrolysis
    9.1  Add 15 ml of distilled water  and a small boiling stone to the
         flask containing the ether extract,  and fit the flask  with  a
         3-ball Snyder  column.   Evaporate the ether on  a steam  bath  and
         continue heating for a total  of  60 minutes.
    9.2  Transfer the concentrate to a 60 ml  separatory funnel.  Extract
         the basic solution two times  with  20 ml  of ether and discard the
         ether layers.  The herbicides remain in the aqueous phase.
    9.3  Acidify the contents of  the separatory funnel  by adding 2 ml of
         cold (4°C) sulfuric  acid (1+3).  Extract the herbicides once
         with 20 ml of  ether  and  then  two more  times  with 10 ml of
         ether.  Collect the  extracts  in  a  125  ml  Erlenmeyer flask
         containing about 0.5 g of acidified  anhydrous  sodium sulfate
         (5.4).  Allow  the extract to  remain  in contact with the sodium
         sulfate for approximately two  hours.
10.  Esterification (4,5)
    10.1 Transfer the ether extract into  a  Kuderna-Oanish flask equipped
         with a 10-ml  graduated ampul.  Use liberal washings of ether.
         Using  a glass rod,  crush any  caked sodium  sulfate during the
         washing.
                                     29

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      TO.1.1    If ester ification is to be done with diazomethane,
                evaporate to approximately 4 ml on a steam bath  (do
                not immerse the ampul in water) and proceed as
                directed in Section 10.2.
      10.1.2    If esterification is to be done with boron
                trifluoride,  add 0.5 ml benzene and evaporate to about
                5  ml  on a steam bath.   Remove the ampul from the flask
                and further concentrate the extract to 0.4 ml using a
                two-ball Snyder microcolumn and proceed as in 10.3.
 10.2  Oiazomethane Esterification
      10.2.1     Disconnect the ampul from the K-D flask and place in a
                hood  away  from steam bath.   Adjust volume to 4 ml with
                ether,  add 2 ml  diazomethane,  and let stand 10 minutes
                with occasional  swirling.
      10.2.2     Rinse  inside wall  of ampul  with several hundred
                micro liters of ethyl ether.   Take sample to
                approximately  2  ml to remove  excess diazomethane by
                allowing solvent to  evaporate  spontaneously (room
                temperature).
      10.2.3   'Dissolve residue in  5 ml  of hexane.   Analyze by gas
                chromatography.
     10.2.4     If further clean-up  of the sample  is  required,  proceed
               as in 10.3.4.
10.3 Boron Trifluoride Esterification
     10.3.1    After the benzene solution in the  ampul  has  cooled.
                                 30

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                   add 0.5 ml of boron trifluoride-methanol  reagent.   Use
                   the two-ball Snyder microcolumn as an air-cooled
                   condenser and hold the contents of the ampul  at 50°C
                   for 30 minutes on the steam bath.
         10.3.2    Cool and add about 4.5 ml of a neutral 5  percent
                   aqueous sodium sulfate solution.  Seal the flask with
                   a ground glass stopper and shake vigorously for about
                   one minute.  Allow to stand for three minutes for
                   phase separation.  Using a pipet, withdraw the bottom
                   water phase and discard.
         10.3.4    Pipet the solvent layer from the ampul to the top of a
                   small column prepared by plugging a disposable Pasteur
                   pipet with glass wool and packing with 2.0 cm of
                   sodium sulfate over 1.5 cm of Florisil adsorbent.
                   Collect the eluate in a graduated ampul.  Complete  the
                   transfer by repeatedly rinsing the ampul with small
                   quantities of benzene and passing the rinses through
                   the column until a final volume of 5.0 ml of eluate is
                   obtained.   Analyze by gas chromatography.
11.  Quality Control
    11.1  Duplicate and spiked sample analyses are recommended as quality
         control checks.   Quality control charts (3) should be developed
              *
         and used as a check  on the analytical system.   Quality control
         check samples and performance evaluation samples should be
         analyzed on a regular basis.
                                    31

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    11.2  Each time a set of samples is extracted,  a method blank 1s
         determined on  a volume of distilled water equivalent to that
         used to dilute the sample.
12.  Calculation of Results
    12.1  Determine the  methyl ester concentration  by using the absolute
         calibration procedure described below or  the relative
         calibration procedure described in Part I, Section 3.4.2 (2).

         (1)      Mlcrograms/liter - (A)  (B).JYt)
                                       \»1J  l»s'
                  A * ng standard
                      standard area
                  B » Sample aliquot area
                  VT Volume of extract Injected (ul)
                  Vt" Volume of totaT extract (ul)
                  Vsa Volume of water extracted (ml)
    12.2 Molecular weights for the calculation of methyl esters as the
         acid equivalents.
         2,4-0                 222.0      Olcamba                 221.0
         2,4-0 methyl ester    236.0      Dicamba methyl ester    236.1
         .SHvex                269.5      2,4,5-T                 255.5
         Sllvex methyl ester   283.5      2,4,5-T methyl ester    269.5
13. Reporting Results
    13.1 Report results  in micrograms per  liter as  the  acid  equivalent
         without correction for recovery data.  When  duplicate  and spiked
         samples  are analyzed  all  data  obtained should  be  reported.
                                      32

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REFERENCES

(1) Goerlitz, D. G., and  Lamar, W.  L.,  "Determination  of Phenoxy and
    Herbicides in Water by Electron-Capture  and Mlcrocoulometric Gas
    Chromatography", U. S. Geol.  Survey Water-Supply Paper  1817-C (1967).

(2) "Methods for Organic  Pesticides  in  Water and Wastewater",  (1971),
    U. S. Environmental Protection  Agency, National Environmental
    Research Center, Cincinnati,  Ohio,  45268.

(3) "Handbook for Analytical Quality Control 1n Water  and Wastewater
    Laboratories" (1972), U. S. Environmental Protection  Agency,  National
    Environmental Research Center, Analytical Quality  Control  Laboratory,
    Cincinnati, Ohio, 45268.

(4) Metcalf, L. 0., and   Schnrttz, A. A., "The Rapid Preparation  of Fatty
    «1d Jft?CL!?r Sas Chromatograpnlc Analysis", Analytical  Chemistry.
    33, 363 (1961).

(5) Schlenk, H. and Gellerman, J. L., "Esterlficatlon  of  Fatty Acids with
    Dlazomethane on a Small Scale", Analytical Chemistry. 32,  1412 (1960).

(6) "Pesticide Analytical Manual", U. S. Department of Health, Education
    and Welfare,  Food and Drug Administration, Washington, 0.  C.

(7) Steere,  N.  V.,  editor, "Handbook of Laboratory Safety", Chemical
    Rubber Company, 18901 Cranwood Parkway,  Cleveland, Ohio, 44128,  1971,
    pp. 250-254.
                                     33

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                                APPENDIX I
Dlazomethane 1n ether (6)
1.  CAUTIONS:
    Diazomethane 1s very toxic.   It can explode  under  certain  conditions.
The following precautions should  be observed.
    Use only 1n we 11-ventHated hood.
    Use safety screen.
    Do not pipette  solution  of dlazomethane by mouth.
    For pouring  solutions of dlazomethane,  use of gloves 1s optional.
    Do not heat  solutions  to 100°C (EXPLOSIONS).
    Store solutions of  gas  at low temperatures (freezer compartment of
      explosion-proof refrigerators).
    Avoid ground glass  apparatus, glass stlrrers and sleeve bearings
      where  grinding  may occur (EXPLOSIONS).
    Keep  solutions  away from alkali metals (EXPLOSIONS).
     Solutions of dlazomethane decompose rapidly  In presence of solid
       material such as copper powder, calcium chloride, boiling stones,
       etc.  These solid materials cause polymethylene  and  nitrogen
       gas to form.
 2.  PREPARATION:
     Use  a we 11-ventilated hood and cork stoppers for  all connections.
                 «
 Fit a 125 ml long-neck distilling flask with  a  dropping funnel and  an
 efficient condenser  set downward for  distillation.  Connect the  condenser
 to two receiving flasks in  a series  - a 500 ml  Erlenmeyer  followed  by a
  125 ml Erlenmeyer  containing 30  ml  ether.   The inlet  to the 125  ml
  Erlenmeyer  should  dip  below the  ether.   Cool  both receivers to 0°C.

                                       34

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    As water bath for  the  distilling  flask,  set up a 2-liter beaker on a
stirplate (hot plate and stinrer),  maintaining temperature at 70°C.
    Dissolve 6 g KOH in 10 ml water in  the distilling flask (no heat).
Add 35 ml Carbitol  (diethylene  glycol monoethyl ether),  stirring bar, and
another 10 ml ether.   Connect the distilling flask to the condenser and
immerse distilling  flask in water bath.   By  means  of the dropping funnel,
add a solution of 21.5 g Diazald in 140 ml ether over a  period of 20
minutes.  After distillation is apparently complete,  add another 20 ml
ether and continue  distilling until distillate is  colorless.   Combine the
contents of the two receivers in a  glass  bottle (WITHOUT ground glass
neck), stopper with cork,  and freeze overnight.  Decant  the diazomethane
from the ice crystals  Into a glass  bottle, stopper with  cork, and store
In freezer until ready for use.  The final solution may  be stored up to
six months without  marked  deterioration.
    The 21.5 g of Diazald  reacted in this manner produce about 3 g of
Diazomethane.

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