SEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
www.epa.gov
Promulgated 1984
Method 613: 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro-
dibenzo-p-Dioxin
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APPENDIX A TO PART 136
METHODS FOR ORGANIC CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF MUNICIPAL AND
INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER
METHOD 613—2,3,7,8-TETRACHLORODIBENZO-P-DIOXIN
1. Scope and Application
1.1 This method covers the determination of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
(2,3,7,8-TCDD). The following parameter may be determined by this method:
237 8-TCDD
Parameter
STORET No.
34675
CAS No.
1746-01-6
1.2 This is a gas chromatographic/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) method applicable to the
determination of 2,3,7,8-TCDD in municipal and industrial discharges as provided
under 40 CFR Part 136.1. Method 625 may be used to screen samples for
2,3,7,8-TCDD. When the screening test is positive, the final qualitative confirmation
and quantification must be made using Method 613.
1.3 The method detection limit (MDL, defined in Section 14.1)1 for 2,3,7,8-TCDD is listed
in Table 1. The MDL for a specific wastewater may be different from that listed,
depending upon the nature of interferences in the sample matrix.
1.4 Because of the extreme toxicity of this compound, the analyst must prevent exposure
to himself, of to others, by materials knows or believed to contain 2,3,7,8-TCDD.
Section 4 of this method contains guidelines and protocols that serve as minimum
safe-handling standards in a limited-access laboratory.
1.5 Any modification of this method, beyond those expressly permitted, shall be
considered as a major modification subject to application and approval of alternate
test procedures under 40 CFR Parts 136.4 and 136.5.
1.6 This method is restricted to use by or under the supervision of analysts experienced
in the use of a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer and in the interpretation of
mass spectra. Each analyst must demonstrate the ability to generate acceptable results
with this method using the procedure described in Section 8.2.
2. Summary of Method
2.1 A measured volume of sample, approximately 1 L, is spiked with an internal standard
of labeled 2,3,7,8-TCDD and extracted with methylene chloride using a separatory
funnel. The methylene chloride extract is exchanged to hexane during concentration
to a volume of 1.0 mL or less. The extract is then analyzed by capillary column
GC/MS to separate and measure 2,3,7,8-TCDD.2,3
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2.2 The method provides selected column chromatographic cleanup proceudres to aid in
the elimination of interferences that may be encountered.
3. Interferences
3.1 Method interferences may be caused by contaminants in solvents, reagents, glassware,
and other sample processing hardware that lead to discrete artifacts and/or elevated
backgrounds at the masses (m/z) monitored. All of these materials must be routinely
demonstrated to be free from interferences under the conditions of the analysis by
running laboratory reagent blanks as described in Section 8.1.3.
3.1.1 Glassware must be scrupulously cleaned.4 Clean all glassware as soon as
possible after use by rinsing with the last solvent used in it. Solvent rinsing
should be followed by detergent washing with hot water, and rinses with tap
water and distilled water. The glassware should then be drained dry, and
heated in a muffle furnace at 400°C for 15-30 minutes. Some thermally stable
materials, such as PCBs, may not be eliminated by the treatment. Solvent
rinses with acetone and pesticide quality hexane may be substituted for the
muffle furnace heating. Thorough rinsing with such solvents usually
eliminates PCB interference. Volumetric ware should not be heated in a muffle
furnace. After drying and cooling, glassware should be sealed and stored in a
clean environment to prevent any accumulation of dust or other contaminants.
Store inverted or capped with aluminum foil.
3.1.2 The use of high purity reagents and solvents helps to mininmize interference
problems. Purification of solvents by distillation in all-glass systems may be
required.
3.2 Matrix interferences may be caused by contaminants that are coextracted from the
sample. The extent of matrix interferences will vary considerably from source to
source, depending upon the nature and diversity of the industrial complex or
municipality being sampled. 2,3,7,8-TCDD is often associated with other interfering
chlorinated compounds which are at concentrations several magnitudes higher than
that of 2,3,7,8-TCDD. The cleanup producers in Section 11 can be used to overcome
many of these interferences, but unique samples may require additional cleanup
approaches1'5 7 to eliminate false positives and achieve the MDL listed in Table 1.
3.3 The primary column, SP-2330 or equivalent, resolves 2,3,7,8-TCDD from the other 21
TCDD insomers. Positive results using any other gas chromatographic column must
be confirmed using the primary column.
4. Safety
4.1 The toxicity or carcinogenicity of each reagent used in this method has not been
precisely defined; however, each chemical compound should be treated as a potential
health hazard. From this viewpoint, exposure to these chemicals must be reduced to
the lowest possible level by whatever means available. The laboratory is responsible
for maintaining a current awareness file of OSHA regulations regarding the safe
handling of the chemicals specified in this method. A reference file of material data
handling sheets should also be made available to all personnel involved in the
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chemical analysis. Additional references to laboratory safety are available and have
been identified810 for the information of the analyst. Benzene and 2,3,7,8-TCDD have
been identified as suspected human or mammalian carcinogens.
4.2 Each laboratory must develop a strict safety program for handling 2,3,7,8-TCDD. The
following laboratory practices are recommended:
4.2.1 Contamination of the laboratory will be minimized by conducting all
manipulations in a hood.
4.2.2 The effluents of sample splitters for the gas chromatograph and roughing
pumps on the GC/MS should pass through either a column of activated
charcoal or be bubbled through a trap containing oil or high-boiling alcohols.
4.2.3 Liquid waste should be dissolved in methanol or ethanol and irradiated with
ultraviolet light with a wavelength greater than 290 nm for several days. (Use
F 40 BL lamps or equivalent). Analyze liquid wastes and dispose of the
solutions when 2,3,7,8-TCDD can no longer be detected.
4.3 Dow Chemical U.S.A. has issued the following precautimns (revised November 1978)
for safe handling of 2,3,7,8-TCDD in the laboratory:
4.3.1 The following statements on safe handling are as complete as possible on the
basis of available toxicological information. The precautions for safe handling
and use are necessarily general in nature since detailed, specific
recommendations can be made only for the particular exposure and
circumstances of each individual use. Inquiries about specific operations or
uses may be addressed to the Dow Chemical Company. Assistance in
evaluating the health hazards of particular plant conditions may be obtained
from certain consulting laboratories and from State Departments of Health or
of Labor, many of which have an industrial health service. 2,3,7,8-TCDD is
extremely toxic to laboratory animals. However, it has been handled for years
without injury in analytical and biological laboratories. Techniques used in
handling radioactive and infectious materials are applicable to 2,3,7,8,-TCDD.
4.3.1.1 Protective equipment—Throw-away plastic gloves, apron or lab coat,
safety glasses, and a lab hood adequate for radioactive work.
4.3.1.2 Training—Workers must be trained in the proper method of removing
contaminated gloves and clothing without contacting the exterior
surfaces.
4.3.1.3 Personal hygiene—Thorough washing of hands and forearms after each
manipulation and before breaks (coffee, lunch, and shift).
4.3.1.4 Confinement—Isolated work area, posted with signs, segregated
glassware and tools, plastic-backed absorbent paper on benchtops.
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4.3.1.5 Waste—Good technique includes minimizing contaminated waste.
Plastic bag liners should be used in waste cans. Janitors must be
trained in the safe handling of waste.
4.3.1.6 Disposal of wastes—2,3,7,8-TCDD decomposes above 800°C. Low-level
waste such as absorbent paper, tissues, animal remains, and plastic
gloves may be burned in a good incinerator. Gross quantities
(milligrams) should be packaged securely and disposed through
commercial or governmental channels which are capable of handling
high-level radioactive wastes or extremely toxic wastes. Liquids should
be allowed to evaporate in a good hood and in a disposable container.
Residues may then be handled as above.
4.3.1.7 Decontamination—For personal decontamination, use any mild soap
with plenty of scrubbing action. For decontamination of glassware,
tools, and surfaces, Chlorothene NU Solvent (Trademark of the Dow
Chemical Company) is the least toxic solvent shown to be effective.
Satisfactory cleaning may be accomplished by rinsing with Chlorothene,
then washing with any detergent and water. Dishwater may be
disposed to the sewer. It is prudent to minimize solvent wastes
because they may require special disposal through commercial sources
which are expensive.
4.3.1.8 Laundry—Clothing known to be contaminated should be disposed with
the precautions described under Section 4.3.1.6. Lab coats or other
clothing worn in 2,3,7,8-TCDD work areas may be laundered.
Clothing should be collected in plastic bags. Persons who convey the
bags and launder the clothing should be advised of the hazard and
trained in proper handling. The clothing may be put into a washer
without contact if the launderer knows the problem. The washer
should be run through a cycle before being used again for other
clothing.
4.3.1.9 Wipe tests—A useful method of determining cleanliness of work
surfaces and tools is to wipe the surface with a piece of filter paper.
Extraction and analysis by gas chromatography can achieve a limit of
sensitivity of 0.1 ug per wipe. Less than 1 ug of 2,3,7,8-TCDD per
sample indicates acceptable cleanliness; anything higher warrants
further cleaning. More than 10 ug on a wipe sample constitutes an
acute hazard and requires prompt cleaning before further use of the
equipment or work space. A high (10 ug) 2,3,7,8-TCDD level indicates
that unacceptable work practices have been employed in the past.
4.3.1.10 Inhalation—Any procedure that may produce airborne contamination
must be done with good ventilation. Gross losses to a ventilation
system must not be allowed. Handling of the dilute solutions normally
used in analytical and animal work presents no inhalation hazards
except in the case of an accident.
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4.3.1.11 Accidents—Remove contaminated clothing immediately, taking
precautions not to contaminate skin or other articles. Wash exposed
skin vigorously and repeatedly until medical attention is obtained.
5. Apparatus and Materials
5.1 Sampling equipment, for discrete or composite sampling.
5.1.1 Grab sample bottle—1 L or 1 qt, amber glass, fitted with a screw cap lined with
Teflon. Foil may be substituted for Teflon if the sample is not corrosive. If
amber bottles are not available, protect samples from light. The bottle and cap
liner must be washed, rinsed with acetone or methylene chloride, and dried
before use to minimize contamination.
5.1.2 Automatic sampler (optional)—The sampler must incorporate glass sample
containers for the collection of a minimum of 250 mL of sample. Sample
containers must be kept refrigerated at 4°C and protected from light during
compositing. If the sampler uses a peristaltic pump, a minimum length of
compressible silicone rubber tubing may be used. Before use, however, the
compressible tubing should be thoroughly rinsed with methanol, followed by
repeated rinsings with distilled water to minimize the potential for
contamination of the sample. An integrating flow meter is required to collect
flow proportional composites.
5.1.3 Clearly label all samples as "POISON" and ship according to U.S. Department
of Transportation regulations.
5.2 Glassware (All specifications are suggested. Catalog numbers are included for
illustration only)
5.2.1 Separatory funnels—2 L and 125 mL, with Teflon stopcock.
5.2.2 Concentrator tube, Kuderna-Danish—10 mL, graduated (Kontes K-570050-1025
or equivalent). Calibration must be checked at the volumes employed in the
test. Ground glass stopper is used to prevent evaporation of extracts.
5.2.3 Evaporative flask, Kuderna-Danish—500 mL (Kontes K-570001-0500 or
equivalent). Attach to concentrator tube with springs.
5.2.4 Snyder column, Kuderna-Danish—Three-ball macro (Kontes K-503000-0121 or
equivalent).
5.2.5 Snyder column, Kuderna-Danish—Two-ball micro (Kontes K-569001-0219 or
equivalent).
5.2.6 Vials—10-15 mL, amber glass, with Teflon-lined screw cap.
5.2.7 Chromatographic column—300 mm long x 10 mm ID, with Teflon stopcock and
coarse frit filter disc at bottom.
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5.2.8 Chromatographic column—400 mm long x 11 mm ID, with Teflon stopcock and
coarse frit filter disc at bottom.
5.3 Boiling chips—Approximately 10/40 mesh. Heat to 400°C for 30 minutes or Soxhlet
extract with methylene chloride.
5.4 Water bath—Heated, with concentric ring cover, capable of temperature control
(±2°C). The bath should be used in a hood.
5.5 GC/MS system
5.5.1 Gas chromatograph—An analytical system complete with a temperature
programmable gas chromatograph and all required accessories including
syringes, analytical columns, and gases. The injection port must be designed
for capillary columns. Either split, splitless, or on-column injection techniques
may be employed, as long as the requirements of Section 7.1.1 are achieved.
5.5.2 Column—60 m long x 0.25 mm ID glass or fused silica, coated with SP-2330 (or
equivalent) with a film thickness of 0.2 um. Any equivalent column must
resolve 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD from the other 21 TCDD isomers.16
5.5.3 Mass spectrometer—Either a low resolution mass spectrometer (LRMS) or a
high resolution mass spectrometer (HRMS) may be used. The mass
spectrometer must be equipped with a 70 V (nominal) ion source and be
capable of aquiring m/z abundance data in real time selected ion monitoring
(SIM) for groups of four or more masses.
5.5.4 GC/MS interface—Any GC to MS interface can be used that achieves the
requirements of Section 7.1.1. GC to MS interfaces constructed of all glass or
glass-lined materials are recommended. Glass surfaces can be deactivated by
silanizing with dichlorodimethylsilane. To achieve maximum sensitivity, the
exit end of the capillary column should be placed in the ion source. A short
piece of fused silica capillary can be used as the interface to overcome problems
associated with straightening the exit end of glass capillary columns.
5.5.5 The SIM data acquired during the chromatographic program is defined as the
Selected Ion Current Profile (SICP). The SICP can be acquired under computer
control or as a real time analog output. If computer control is used, there must
be software available to plot the SICP and report peak height or area data for
any m/z in the SICP between specified time or scan number limits.
5.6 Balance—Analytical, capable of accurately weighing 0.0001 g.
6. Reagents
6.1 Reagent water—Reagent water is defined as a water in which an interferent is not
observed at the MDL of 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD.
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6.2 Sodium hydroxide solution (10 N)—Dissolve 40 g of NaOH (ACS) in reagent water
and dilute to 100 mL. Wash the solution with methylene chloride and hexane before
use.
6.3 Sodium thiosulfate—(ACS) Granular.
6.4 Sulfuric acid—Concentrated (ACS, sp. gr. 1.84).
6.5 Acetone, methylene chloride, hexane, benzene, ortho-xylene, tetradecane—Pesticide
quality or equivalent.
6.6 Sodium sulfate—(ACS) Granular, anhydrous. Purify by heating at 400°C for four
hours in a shallow tray.
6.7 Alumina—Neutral, 80/200 mesh (Fisher Scientific Co., No. A-540 or equivalent).
Before use, activate for 24 hours at 130°C in a foil-covered glass container.
6.8 Silica gel—High purity grade, 100/120 mesh (Fisher Scientific Co., No. S-679 or
equivalent).
6.9 Stock standard solutions (1.00 ug/uL)—Stock standard solutimns can be prepared
from pure standard materials or purchased as certified solutions. Acetone should be
used as the solvent for spiking solutions; ortho-xylene is recommended for calibration
standards for split injectors; and tetradecane is recommended for splitless or on-colum
injectors. Analyze stock internal standards to verify the absence of native
2,3,7,8-TCDD.
6.9.1 Prepare stock standard solutions of 2,3,7,8-TCDD (mol wt 320) and either 37C14
2,3,7,8-TCDD (mol wt 328) or 13KC112K 2,3,7,8-TCDD (mol wt 332) in an
isolated area by accurately weighing about 0.0100 g of pure material. Dissolve
the material in pesticide quality solvent and dilute to volume in a 10 mL
volumetric flask. When compound purity is assayed to be 96% or greater, the
weight can be used without correction to calculate the concentration of the
stock standard. Commercially prepared stock standards can be used at any
concentration if they are certified by the manufacturer or by an independent
source.
6.9.2 Transfer the stock standard solutions into Teflon-sealed screw-cap bottles. Store
in an isolated refrigerator protected from light. Stock standard solutions should
be checked frequently for signs of degradation or evaporation, especially just
prior to preparing calibration standards or spiking solutions from them.
6.9.3 Stock standard solutions must be replaced after six months, or sooner if
comparison with check standards indicates a problem.
6.10 Internal standard spiking solution (25 ng/mL)—Using stock standard solution,
prepare a spiking solution in acetone of either 13KC112K or 37KC14K 2,3,7,8-TCDD at a
concentration of 25 ng/mL. (See Section 10.2)
6.11 Quality control check sample concentrate—See Section 8.2.1.
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7. Calibration
7.1 Establish gas chromatograhic operating conditions equivalent to those given in Table 1
and SIM conditions for the mass spectrometer as described in Section 12.2. The
GC/MS system must be calibrated using the internal standard technique.
7.1.1 Using stock standards, prepare calibration standards that will allow
measurement of relative response factors of at least three concentration ratios of
2,3,7,8-TCDD to internal standard. Each calibration standard must be prepared
to contain the internal standard at a concentration of 25 ng/mL. If any
interferences are contributed by the internal standard at m/z 320 and 322, its
concentration may be reduced in the calibration standards and in the internal
standard spiking solution (Section 6.10). One of the calibration standards
should contain 2,3,7,8-TCDD at a concentration near, but above, the MDL and
the other 2,3,7,8-TCDD concentrations should correspond to the expected range
of concentrations found in real samples or should define the working range of
the GC/MS system.
7.1.2 Using injections of 2-5 uL, analyze each calibration standardaccording to
Section 12 and tabulate peak height or area response against the concentration
of 2,3,7,8-TCDD and internal standard. Calculate response factors (RF) for
2,3,7,8-TCDD using Equation 1.
Equation 1
RF
(Als) (C.)
where:
As = SIM response for 2,3,7,8-TCDD m/z 320.
Ais = SIM response for the internal standard, m/z 332 for 13jf
2,3,7,8-TCDD m/z 328 for 37C14 2,3,7,8-TCDD.
Cis = Concentration of the internal standard (ug/L).
Cs = Concentration of 2,3,7,8-TCDD (ug/L).
If the RF value over the working range is a constant (<10% relative standard
deviation, RSD), the RF can be assumed to be invariant and the average RF can
be used for calculations. Alternatively, the results can be used to plot a
calibration curve of response ratios, As/Ais, vs. concentration ratios Cs/Cis*.
7.1.3 The working calibration curve or RF must be verified on each working day by
the measurement of one or more 2,3,7,8-TCDD calibration standards. If the
response for 2,3,7,8-TCDD varies from the predicted response by more than
*This equation corrects an error made in the original method publication (49 FR 43234,
October 26, 1984). This correction will be formalized through a rulemaking in FY97.
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±15%, the test must be repeated using a fresh calibration standard.
Alternatively, a new calibration curve must be prepared.
7.2 Before using any cleanup procedure, the analyst must process a series of calibration
standards through the procedure to validate elution patterns and the absence of
interferences from the reagents.
8. Quality Control
8.1 Each laboratory that uses this method is required to operate a formal quality control
program. The minimum requirements of this program consist of an initial
demonstration of laboratory capability and an ongoing analysis of spiked samples to
evaluate and document data quality. The laboratory must maintain records to
document the quality of data that is generated. Ongoing data quality checks are
compared with established performance criteria to determine if the results of analyses
meet the performance characteristics of the method. When results of sample spikes
indicate atypical method performance, a quality control check standard must be
analyzed to confirm that the measurements were performed in an in-control mode of
operation.
8.1.1 The analyst must make an initial, one-time, demonstration of the ability to
generate acceptable accuracy and precision with this method. This ability is
established as described in Section 8.2.
8.1.2 In recognition of advances that are occurring in chromatography, the analyst is
permitted certain options (detailed in Sections 10.5, 11.1, and 12.1) to improve
the separations or lower the cost of measurements. Each time such a
modification is made to the method, the analyst is required to repeat the
procedure in Section 8.2
8.1.3 Before processing any samples, the analyst must analyze a reagent water blank
to demonstrate that interferences from the analytical system and glassware are
under control. Each time a set of samples is extracted or reagents are changed,
a reagent water blank must be processed as a safeguard against laboratory
contamination.
8.1.4 The laboratory must, on an ongoing basis, spike and analyze a minimum of
10% of all samples with native 2,3,7,8-TCDD to monitor and evaluate laboratory
data quality. This procedure is described in Section 8.3.
8.1.5 The laboratory must, on an ongoing basis, demonstrate through the analyses of
quality control check standards that the operation of the measurement system is
in control. This procedure is described in Section 8.4. The frequency of the
check standard analyses is equivalent to 10% of all samples analyzed but may
be reduced if spike recoveries from samples (Section 8.3) meet all specified
quality control criteria.
8.1.6 The laboratory must maintain performance records to document the quality of
data that is generated. This procedure is described in Section 8.5.
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8.2 To establish the ability to generate acceptable accuracy and precision, the analyst must
perform the following operations.
8.2.1 A quality control (QC) check sample concentrate is required containing
2,3,7,8-TCDD at a concentration of 0.100 ug/mL in acetone. The QC check
sample concentrate must be obtained from the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory in Cincinnati, Ohio,
if available. If not available from that source, the QC check sample concentrate
must be obtained from another external source. If not available from either
source above, the QC check sample concentrate must be prepared by the
laboratory using stock standards prepared independently from those used for
calibration.
8.2.2 Using a pipet, prepare QC check samples at a concentration of 0.100 l-ig/L
(100 ng/L) by adding 1.00 mL of QC check sample concentrate to each of four
1 L aliquots of reagent water.
8.2.3 Analyze the well-mixed QC check samples according to the method beginning
in Section 10.
8.2.4 Calculate the average recovery (X) in l-ig/L, and the standard deviation of the
recovery (s) in l-ig/L, for 2,3,7,8-TCDD using the four results.
8.2.5 Compare s and (X) with the corresponding acceptance criteria for precision and
accuracy, respectively, found in Table 2. If s and X meet the acceptance
criteria, the system performance is acceptable and analysis of actual samples
can begin. If s exceeds the precision limit or X falls outside the range for
accuracy, the system performance is unacceptable for 2,3,7,8-TCDD. Locate and
correct the source of the problem and repeat the test beginning with
Section 8.2.2.
8.3 The laboratory must, on an ongoing basis, spike at least 10% of the samples from each
sample site being monitored to assess accuracy. For laboratories analyzing one to ten
samples per month, at least one spiked sample per month is required.
8.3.1 The concentration of the spike in the sample should be determined as follows:
8.3.1.1 If, as in compliance monitoring, the concentration of 2,3,7,8-TCDD in
the sample is being checked against a regulatory concentration limit,
the spike should be at that limit or one to five times higher than the
background concentration determined in Section 8.3.2, whichever
concentration would be larger.
8.3.1.2 If the concentration of 2,3,7,8-TCDD in the sample is not being checked
against a limit specific to that parameter, the spike should be at
0.100 l-ig/L or one to five times higher than the background
concentration determined in Section 8.3.2, whichever concentration
would be larger.
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8.3.1.3 If it is impractical to determine background levels before spiking (e.g.,
maximum holding times will be exceeded), the spike concentration
should be (1) the regulatory concentration limit, if any; or, if none
(2) the larger of either five times higher than the expected background
concentration or 0.100 l-ig/L.
8.3.2 Analyze one sample aliquot to determine the background concentration (B) of
2,3,7,8-TCDD. If necessary, prepare a new QC check sample concentrate
(Section 8.2.1) appropriate for the background concentration in the sample.
Spike a second sample aliquot with 1.0 mL of the QC check sample concentrate
and analyze it to determine the concentration after spiking (A) of 2,3,7,8-TCDD.
Calculate percent recovery (P) as 100 (A-B)%T, where T is the known true value
of the spike.
8.3.3 Compare the percent recovery (P) for 2,3,7,8-TCDD with the corresponding QC
acceptance criteria found in Table 2. These acceptance criteria were calculated
to include an allowance for error in measurement of both the background and
spike concentrations, assuming a spike to background ratio of 5:1. This error
will be accounted for to the extent that the analyst's spike to background ratio
approaches 5:1.11 If spiking was performed at a concentration lower than
0.100 l-ig/L, the analyst must use either the QC acceptance criteria in Table 2, or
optional QC acceptance criteria calculated for the specific spike concentration.
To calculate optional acceptance criteria for the recovery of 2,3,7,8-TCDD:
(1) Calculate accuracy (X') using the equation in Table 3, substituting the spike
concentration (T) for C; (2) calculate overall precision (S') using the equation in
Table 3, substituting X' for X; (3) calculate the range for recovery at the spike
concentration as (100 X'/T) ±2.44(100 SVT)%.n
8.3.4 If the recovery of 2,3,7,8-TCDD falls outside the designated range for recovery,
a check standard must be analyzed as described in Section 8.4.
8.4 If the recovery of 2,3,7,8-TCDD fails the acceptance criteria for recovery in Section 8.3,
a QC check standard must be prepared and analyzed.
NOTE: The frequency for the required analysis of a QC check standard will
depend upon the complexity of the sample matrix and the performance of
the laboratory.
8.4.1 Prepare the QC check standard by adding 1.0 mL of QC check sample
concentrate (Section 8.2.1 or 8.3.2) to 1 L of reagent water.
8.4.2 Analyze the QC check standard to determine the concentration measured (A) of
2,3,7,8-TCDD. Calculate the percent recovery (PSK) as 100 (A/T)%, where T is
the true value of the standard concentration.
8.4.3 Compare the percent recovery (PSK) with the corresponding QC acceptance
criteria found in Table 2. If the recovery of 2,3,7,8-TCDD falls outside the
designated range, the laboratory performance is judged to be out of control, and
the problem must be immediately identified and corrected. The analytical
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result for 2,3,7,8-TCDD in the unspiked sample is suspect and may not be
reported for regulatory compliance purposes.
8.5 As part of the QC program for the laboratory, method accuracy for wastewater
samples must be assessed and records must be maintained. After the analysis of five
spiked wastewater samples as in Section 8.3, calculate the average percent recovery
(P) and the spandard deviation of the percent recovery (Sp). Express the accuracy
assessment as a percent recovery interval from P-2sp to P+2Sp. If P=90% and^ =10%,
for example, the accuracy interval is expressed as 70-110%. Update the accuracy
assessment on a regular basis (e.g., after each 5-10 new accuracy measurements).
8.6 It is recommended that the laboratory adopt additional quality assurance practices for
use with this method. The specific practices that are most productive depend upon
the needs of the laboratory and the nature of the samples. Field duplicates may be
analyzed to assess the precision of the environmental measurements. Whenever
possible, the laboratory should analyze standard reference materials and participate in
relevant performance evaluation studies.
9. Sample Collection, Preservation, and Handling
9.1 Grab samples must be collected in glass containers. Conventional sampling practices12
should be followed, except that the bottle must not be prerinsed with sample before
collection. Composite samples should be collected in refrigerated glass containers in
accordance with the requirements of the program. Automatic sampling equipment
must be as free as possible of Tygon tubing and other potential sources of
contamination.
9.2 All samples must be iced or refrigerated at 4°C and protected from light from the
time of collection until extraction. Fill the sample bottles and, if residual chlorine is
present, add 80 mg of sodium thiosulfate per liter of sample and mix well. EPA
Methods 330.4 and 330.5 may be used for measurement of residual chlorine.13 Field
test kits are available for this purpose.
9.3 Label all samples and containers "POISON" and ship according to applicable U.S.
Department of Transportation regulations.
9.4 All samples must be extracted within seven days of collection and completely
analyzed within 40 days of extraction.2
10. Sample Extraction
CAUTION: When using this method to analyze for 2,3,7,8-TCDD, all of the following
operations must be performed in a limited-access laboratory with the analyst wearing
full protective covering for all exposed skin surfaces. See Section 4.2.
10.1 Mark the water meniscus on the side of the sample bottle for later determination of
sample volume. Pour the entire sample into a 2 L separatory funnel.
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10.2 Add 1.00 mL of internal standard spiking solution to the sample in the separatory
funnel. If the final extract will be concentrated to a fixed volume below 1.00 mL
(Section 12.3), only that volume of spiking solution should be added to the sample so
that the final extract will contain 25 ng/mL of internal standard at the time of
analysis.
10.3 Add 60 mL of methylene chloride to the sample bottle, seal, and shake 30 seconds to
rinse the inner surface. Transfer the solvent to the separatory funnel and extract the
sample by shaking the funnel for two minutes with periodic venting to release excess
pressure. Allow the organic layer to separate from the water phase for a minimum of
10 minutes. If the emulsion interface between layers is more than one-third the
vmlume of the solvent layer, the analyst must employ mechanical techniques to
complete the phase separation. The optimum technique depends upon the sample,
but may include stirring, filtration of the emulsion through glass wool, centrifugation,
or other physical methods. Collect the methylene chloride extract in a 250 mL
Erlenmeyer flask.
10.4 Add a second 60 mL volume of methylene chloride to the sample bottle and repeat
the extraction procedure a second time, combining the extracts in the Erlenmeyer
flask. Perform a third extraction in the same manner.
10.5 Assemble a Kuderna-Danish (K-D) concentrator by attaching a 10 mL concentrator
tube to a 500 mL evaporative flask. Other concentration devices or techniques may be
used in place of the K-D concentrator if the requirements of Section 8.2 are met.
10.6 Pour the combined extract into the K-D concentrator. Rinse the Erlenmeyer flask with
20-30 mL of methylele chloride to complete the quantitative transfer.
10.7 Add one or two clean boiling chips to the evaporative flask and attach a three-ball
Snyder column. Prewet the Snyder column by adding about 1 mL of methylene
chloride to the top. Place the K-D apparatus on a hot water bath (60-65°C) so that the
concentrator tube is partially immersed in the hot water, and the entire lower
rounded surface of the flask is bathed with hot vapor. Adjust the vertical position of
the apparatus and the water temperature as required to complete the concentration in
15-20 minutes. At the proper rate of distillation the balls of the column will actively
chatter but the chambers will not flood with condensed solvent. When the apparent
volume of liquid reaches 1 mL, remove the K-D apparatus and allow it to drain and
cool for at least 10 minutes.
10.8 Momentarily remove the Snyder column, add 50 mL of hexane and a new boiling
chip, and reattach the Snyder column. Raise the temperature of the water bath to
85-90°C. Concentrate the extract as in Section 10.7, except use hexane to prewet the
column. Remove the Snyder column and rinse the flask and its lower joint into the
concentrator tube with 1-2 mL of hexane. A 5 mL syringe is recommended for this
operation. Set aside the K-D glassware for reuse in Section 10.14.
10.9 Pour the hexane extract from the concentrator tube into a 125 mL separatory funnel.
Rinse the concentrator tube four times with 10 mL aliquots of hexane. Combine all
rinses in the 125 mL separatory funnel.
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10.10 Add 50 mL of sodium hydroxide solution to the funnel and shake for 30-60 seconds.
Discard the aqueous phase.
10.11 Perform a second wash of the organic layer with 50 mL of reagent water. Discard the
aqueous phase.
10.12 Wash the hexane layer with a least two 50 mL aliquots of concentrated sulfuric acid.
Continue washing the hexane layer with 50 mL aliquots of concentrated sulfuric acid
until the acid layer remains colorless. Discard all acid fractions.
10.13 Wash the hexane layer with two 50 mL aliquots of reagent water. Discard the
aqueous phases.
10.14 Transfer the hexane extract into a 125 mL Erlenmeyer flask containing 1-2 g of
anhydrous sodium sulfate. Swirl the flask for 30 seconds and decant the hexane
extract into the reassembled K-D apparatus. Complete the quantitative transfer with
two 10 mL hexane rinses of the Erlenmeyer flask.
10.15 Replace the one or two clean boiling chips and concentrate the extract to 6-10 mL as
in Section 10.8.
10.16 Add a clean boiling chip to the concentrator tube and attach a two-ball micro-Snyder
column. Prewet the column by adding about 1 mL of hexane to the top. Place the
micro-K-D apparatus on the water bath so that the concentrator tube is partially
immersed in the hot water. Adjust the vertical position of the apparatus and the
water temperature as required to complete the concentration in 5-10 minutes. At the
proper rate of distillation the balls of the column will actively chatter but the
chambers will not flood. When the apparent volume of liquid reaches about 0.5 mL,
remove the K-D apparatus and allow it to drain and cool for at least 10 minutes.
Remove the micro-Snyder column and rinse its lower joint into the concentrator tube
with 0.2 mL of hexane.
Adjust the extract volume to 1.0 mL with hexane. Stopper the concentrator tube and
store refrigerated and protected from light if further processing will not be performed
immediately. If the extract will be stored longer than two days, it should be
transferred to a Teflon-sealed screw-cap vial. If the sample extract requires no further
cleanup, proceed with GC/MS analysis (Section 12). If the sample requires further
cleanup, proceed to Section 11.
10.17 Determine the original sample volume by refilling the sample bottle to the mark and
transferring the liquid to a 1000 mL graduated cylinder. Record the sample volume to
the nearest 5 mL.
11. Cleanup and Separation
11.1 Cleanup procedures may not be necessary for a relatively clean sample matrix. If
particular circumstances demand the use of a cleanup procedure, the analyst may use
either procedure below or any other appropriate procedure.1'5 7 However, the analyst
first must demonstrate that the requirements of Section 8.2 can be met using the
method as revised to incorporate the cleanup procedure. Two cleanup column
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options are offered to the analyst in this section. The alumina column should be used
first to overcome interferences. If background problems are still encountered, the
silica gel column may be helpful.
11.2 Alumina column cleanup for 2,3,7,8-TCDD
11.2.1 Fill a 300 mm long x 10 mm ID chromatographic column with activated
alumina to the 150 mm level. Tap the column gently to settle the alumina and
add 10 mm of anhydrous sodium sulfate to the top.
11.2.2 Preelute the column with 50 mL of hexane. Adjust the elution rate to
1 mL/min. Discard the eluate and just prior to exposure of the sodium sulfate
layer to the air, quantitatively transfer the 1.0 mL sample extract onto the
column using two 2 mL portions of hexane to complete the transfer.
11.2.3 Just prior to exposure of the sodium sulfate layer to the air, add 50 mL of 3%
methylene chloride/95% hexane (V/V) and continue the elution of the column.
Discard the eluate.
11.2.4 Next, elute the column with 50 mL of 20% methylene chloride/80% hexane
(V/V) into a 500 mL K-D flask equipped with a 10 mL concentrator tube.
Concentrate the collected fraction to 1.0 mL as in Section 10.16 and analyze by
GC/MS (Section 12).
11.3 Silica gel column cleanup for 2,3,7,8-TCDD
11.3.1 Fill a 400 mm long x 11 mm ID chromatmgraphic column with silica gel to the
300 mm level. Tap the column gently to settle the silica gel and add 10 mm of
anhydrous sodium sulfate to the top.
11.3.2 Preelute the column with 50 mL of 20% benzene/80% hexane (V/V). Adjust
the elution rate to 1 mL/min. Discard the eluate and just prior to exposure of
the sodium sulfate layer to the air, quantitatively transfer the 1.0 mL sample
extract onto the column using two 2 mL portions of 20% benzene/80% hexane
to complete the transfer.
11.3.3 Just prior to exposure of the sodium sulfate layer to the air, add 40 mL of
20% benzene/80% hexane to the column. Collect the eluate in a clean 500 mL
K-D flask equipped with a 10 mL concentrator tube. Concentrate the collected
fraction to 1.0 mL as in Section 10.16 and analyze by GC/MS.
12. GC/MS Analysis
12.1 Table 1 summarizes the recommended operating conditions for the gas
chromatograph. Included in this table are retention times and MDL that can be
achieved under these conditions. Other capillary columns or chromatographic
conditions may be used if the requirements of Sections 5.5.2 and 8.2 are met.
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12.2 Analyze standards and samples with the mass spectrometer operating in the selected
ion monitoring (SIM) mode using a dwell time to give at least seven points per peak.
For LRMS, use masses at m/z 320, 322, and 257 for 2,3,7,8-TCDD and either m/z 328
for 37C14 2,3,7,8-TCDD or m/z 332 for13Q2 2,3,7,8-TCDD. For HRMS, use masses at
m/z 319.8965 and 321.8936 for 2,3,7,8-TCDD and either m/z 327.8847 for 37C14
2,3,7,8-TCDD or m/z 331.9367 for 13C12 2,3,7,8-TCDD.
12.3 If lower detection limits are required, the extract may be carefully evaporated to
dryness under a gentle stream of nitrogen with the concentrator tube in a water bath
at about 40°C. Conduct this operation immediately before GC/MS analysis.
Redissolve the extract in the desired final volume of ortho-xylene or tetradecane.
12.4 Calibrate the system daily as described in Section 7.
12.5 Inject 2-5 uL of the sample extract into the gas chromatograph. The volume of
calibration standard injected must be measured, or be the same as all sample injection
volumes.
12.6 The presence of 2,3,7,8-TCDD is qualitatively confirmed if all of the following criteria
are achieved:
12.6.1 The gas chromatographic column must resolve 2,3,7,8-TCDD from the other 21
TCDD isomers.
12.6.2 The masses for native 2,3,7,8-TCDD (LRMS-m/z 320, 322, and 257 and
HRMS-m/z 320 and 322) and labeled 2,3,7,8-TCDD (m/z 328 or 332) must
exhibit a simultaneous maximum at a retention time that matches that of native
2,3,7,8-TCDD in the calibration standard, with the performance specifications of
the analytical system.
12.6.3 The chlorine isotope ratio at m/z 320 and m/z 322 must agree to within ±10%
of that in the calibration standard.
12.6.4 The signal of all peaks must be greater than two and one-half times the noise
level.
12.7 For quantitation, measure the response of the m/z 320 peak for 2,3,7,8-TCDD and the
m/z 332 peak for 13C12 2,3,7,8-TCDD or the m/z 328 peak for 37Q1 2,3,7,8-TCDD.
12.8 Co-eluting impurities are suspected if all criteria are achieved except those in
Section 12.6.3. In this case, another SIM analysis using masses at m/z 257, 259, 320
and either m/a 328 or m/z 322 can be performed. The masses at m/z 257 and
m/z 259 are indicative of the loss of one chlorine and one carbonyl group from
2,3,7,8-TCDD. If masses m/z 257 and m/z 259 give a chlorine isotope ratio that
agrees to within ±10% of the same cluster in the calibration standards, then the
presence of TCDD can be confirmed. Co-eluting DDD, DDE, and PCB residues can be
confirmed, but will require another injection using the appropriate SIM masses or full
repetitive mass scans. If the response for 37C14 2,3,7,8-TCDD at m/z 328 is too large,
PCB contamination is suspected and can be confirmed by examining the response at
both m/z 326 and m/z 328. The 37C14 2,3,7,8-TCDD internal standard gives negligible
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response at m/z 326. These pesticide residues can be removed using the alumina
column cleanup procedure.
12.9 If broad background interference restricts the sensitivity of the GC/MS analysis, the
analyst should employ additional cleanup procedures and reanalyze by GC/MS.
12.10 In those circumstances where these procedures do not yield a definitive conclusion,
the use of high resolution mass spectrometry is suggested.5
13. Calculations
13.1 Calculate the concentration of 2,3,7,8-TCDD in the sample using the response factor
(RF) determined in Section 7.1.2 and Equation 2.
Equation 3"
(As) ds)
RF
(Ais) (RF) (V0)
where:
As = Response for the parameter to be measured.
Ais = Response for the internal standard.
Is = Amount of internal standard added to each extract (ug).
V0 = Volume of water extracted (L).
13.2 For each sample, calculate the percent recovery of the internal standard by comparing
the area of the m/z peak measured in the sample to the area of the same peak in the
calibration standard. If the recovery is below 50%, the analyst should review all
aspects of his analytical technique.
13.3 Report results in l-ig/L without correction for recovery data. All QC data obtained
should be reported with the sample results.
14. Method Performance
14.1 The method detection limit (MDL) is defined as the minimum concentration of a
substance that can be measured and reported with 99% confidence that the value is
above zero.1 The MDL concentration listed in Table 1 was obtained using reagent
water.14 The MDL actually achieved in a given analysis will vary depending on
instrument sensitivity and matrix effects.
14.2 This method was tested by 11 laboratories using reagent water, drinking water,
surface water, and three industrial wastewaters spiked at six concentrations over the
range 0.02-0.20 ug/L.15 Single operator precision, overall precision, and method
"This equation has been amended to reflect the original as published in 40
CFR 136, FRL-2636-6 49 FR 43234, October 26, 1984.
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accuracy were found to be directly related to the concentration of the parameter and
essentially independent of the sample matrix. Linear equations to describe these
relationships are presented in Table 3.
References
1. 40 CFR Part 136, Appendix B.
2. "Determination of TCDD in Industrial and Municipal Waste waters,"' EPA
600/4-82-028, National Technical Information Service, PB82-196882, Springfield,
Virginia 22161, April 1982.
3. Buser, H.R. and Rappe, C. "High Resolution Gas Chromatography of the 22
Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin Isomers," Analytical Chemistry, 52, 2257 (1980).
4. ASTM Annual Book of Standards, Part 31, D3694-78. "Standard Practices for
Preparation of Sample Containers and for Preservation of Organic Constituents,"
American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia.
5. Harless, R. L., Oswald, E. O., and Wilkinson, M. K. "Sample Preparation and Gas
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Determination of
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin," Analytical Chemistry, 52, 1239 (1980).
6. Lamparski, L. L. and Nestrick, T. J. "Determination of Tetra-, Hepta-, and
Octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin Isomers in Particulate Samples at Parts per Trillion
Levels," Analytical Chemistry, 52, 2045 (1980).
7. Longhorst, M. L. and Shadoff, L. A. "Determination of Parts-per-Trillion
Concentrations of Tetra-, Hexa-, and Octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxins in Human Milk,"
Analytical Chemistry, 52, 2037 (1980).
8. "Carcinogens-Working with Carcinogens," Department of Health, Education, and
Welfare, Public Health Service, Center for Disease Control, National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health, Publication No. 77-206, August 1977.
9. "OSHA Safety and Health Standards, General Industry," (29 CFR Part 1910),
Occuptional Safety and Health Administration, OSHA 2206 (Revised, January 1976).
10. "Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories," American Chemical Society Publication,
Committee on Chemical Safety, 3rd Edition, 1979.
11. Provost, L. P. and Elder, R. S. "Interpretation of Percent Recovery Data," American
Laboratory, 15, 58-63 (1983). (The value 2.44 used in the equation in Section 8.3.3 is
two times the value 1.22 derived in this report.)
12. ASTM Annual Book of Standards, Part 31, D3370-76, "Standard Practices for Sampling
Water," American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia.
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13. "Methods, 330.4 (Titrimetric, DPD-FAS) and 330.5 (Spectrophotometric DPD) for
Chlorine, Total Residual," Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes,
EPA-600/4-79-020, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Monitoring
and Support Laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, March 1979.
14. Wong, A.S. et al. "The Determination of 2,3,7,8-TCDD in Industrial and Municipal
Wastewaters, Method 613, Part 1-Development and Detection Limits," G. Choudhay,
L. Keith, and C. Ruppe, ed., Butterworth Inc., (1983).
15. "EPA Method Study 26, Method 613: 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin," EPA
600/4-84-037, National Technical Information Service, PB84-188879, Springfield,
Virginia 22161, May 1984.
Table 1—Chromatographic Conditions and Method Detection Limit
Parameter
2,3,7,8-TCDD
Retension
time (min)
13.1
Method detection
limit (ug/L)
0.002
Column conditions: SP-2330 coated on a 60 m long x 0.25 mm ID glass column with
hydrogen carrier gas at 40 cm/sec, linear velocity, splitless injection using tetradecane.
Column temperature held isothermal at 200°C for one minute, then programmed at
8°C/min. to 250°C and held. Use of helium carrier gas will approximately double the
retention time.
Table 2—QC Acceptance Criteria—Method 613
Parameter
2,3,7,8-TCDD
Test
Cone.
(ug/L)
0.100
Limit for s
(ug/L)
0.0276
Range for X
(ug/L)
0.0523-0.1226
Range for
P, Ps (%)
45-129
s_= Standard deviation of four recovery measurements, in u/L (Section 8.2.4).
X = Average recovery for four recovery measurements, in u/L (Section 8.2.4).
P, Ps = Percent recovery measured (Section 8.3.2, Section 8.4.2).
NOTE: These criteria are based directly upon the method performance data in Table 3.
Where necessary, the limits for recovery have been broadened to assure
applicability of the limits to concentrations below those used to develop
Table 3.
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Table 3—Method Accuracy and Precision as Functions of Concentration—Method 613
Parameter
2-Chloronaphthalene
Accuracy, as
recovery,
X' (ug/L)
075C+321
Single analyst,
precision,
sr,(ug/L)
0280X-1 17
Overall
precision,
S' (p-g/L)
038X-1 39
X' = Expected recovery for one or more measurements, of a sample containing a
concentration of C, in l-ig/L.
sr' = Expected single analyst standard deviation of measurements at an average concentration
found of X.8, in l-ig/L.
S' = Expected interlaboratory standard deviation of measurements at an average
concentration found of X, in l-ig/L.
C = True value for the concentration, in l-ig/L.
X = Average recovery found for measurements of samples containing a concentration of C,
in l-ig/L.
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