METHOD 549.2 DETERMINATION OF DIQUAT AND PARAQUAT IN DRINKING
WATER BY LIQUID-SOLID EXTRACTION AND HIGH
PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY WITH
ULTRAVIOLET DETECTION
Revision 1.0
June 1997
J.W. Hodgeson (USEPA), W.J. Bashe (Technology Applications Inc.), and J.W.
Eichelberger (USEPA) - Method 549.1, Revision 1.0 (1992)
J.W. Munch (USEPA) and W.J. Bashe (DynCorp/TAI) - Method 549.2, Revision 1.0 (1997)
NATIONAL EXPOSURE RESEARCH LABORATORY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
CINCINNATI, OHIO 45268
549.2-1
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METHOD 549.2
DETERMINATION OF DIQUAT AND PARAQUAT IN DRINKING WATER
BY LIQUID-SOLID EXTRACTION AND HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID
CHROMATOGRAPHY WITH ULTRAVIOLET DETECTION
1. SCOPE AND APPLICATION
1.1 This is a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the
determination of diquat (1,1 '-ethylene-2,2'-bipyridilium dibromide salt) and paraquat
(1,1 '-dimethyl-4,4'- bipyridilium dichloride salt) in drinking water sources and
finished drinking water (1).
1.2 When this method is used to analyze unfamiliar samples, compound identification
should be supported by at least one additional qualitative technique. The use of a
photodiode array detector provides ultraviolet spectra that can be used for the
qualitative confirmation.
1.3 The method detection limits (MDL, defined in Sect. 13) (2) for diquat and paraquat
are listed in Table 1.
1.4 This method is restricted to use by or under the supervision of analysts experienced
in the use of HPLC. Each analyst must demonstrate the ability to generate
acceptable results with this method using the procedure described in Sect. 9.3.
2. SUMMARY OF METHOD
2.1 A measured volume of liquid sample, approximately 250 mL, is extracted using a C8
solid sorbent cartridge or a C8 disk which has been specially prepared for the
reversed-phase, ion-pair mode. The disk or cartridge is eluted with 4.5 mL of an
acidic aqueous solvent. After the ion-pair reagent is added to the eluate, the final
volume is adjusted to 5.0 mL. Liquid chromatographic conditions are described
which permit the separation and measurement of diquat and paraquat in the extract
by absorbance detection at 308 nm and 257 nm, respectively. A photodiode array
Analvtes
Chemistry Abstract Services
Registry Number
Diquat
Paraquat
85-00-7
1910-42-5
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detector is utilized to provide simultaneous detection and confirmation of the
method analytes (1).
2.2 Analysis of diquat and paraquat is complicated by their ionic nature. Glassware
should be deactivated to prevent loss of analytes. The substitution of
polyvinylchloride (PVC) for glass is recommended.
3. DEFINITIONS
3.1 LABORATORY REAGENT BLANK (LRB) — An aliquot of reagent water or
other blank matrix that is treated exactly as a sample including exposure to all
glassware, equipment, solvents, reagents, internal standards, and surrogates that are
used with other samples. The LRB is used to determine if method analytes or other
interferences are present in the laboratory environment, the reagents, or the
apparatus.
3.2 FIELD REAGENT BLANK (FRB) -- An aliquot of reagent water or other blank
matrix that is placed in a sample container in the laboratory and treated as a sample
in all respects, including shipment to the sampling site, exposure to sampling site
conditions, storage, preservation and all analytical procedures. The purpose of the
FRB is to determine if method analytes or other interferences are present in the
field environment.
3.3 LABORATORY FORTIFIED BLANK (LFB) — An aliquot of reagent water or
other blank matrix to which known quantities of the method analytes are added in
the laboratory. The LFB is analyzed exactly like a sample, and its purpose is to
determine whether the methodology is in control, and whether the laboratory is
capable of making accurate and precise measurements.
3 .4 LABORATORY FORTIFIED SAMPLE MATRIX (LFM) -- An aliquot of an
environmental sample to which known quantities of the method analytes are added in
the laboratory. The LFM is analyzed exactly like a sample, and its purpose is to
determine whether the sample matrix contributes bias to the analytical results. The
background concentrations of the analytes in the sample matrix must be
determined in a separate aliquot and the measured values in the LFM corrected for
background concentrations.
3.5 STOCK STANDARD SOLUTION (SSS) - A concentrated solution containing one
or more method analytes prepared in the laboratory using assayed reference
materials or purchased from a reputable commercial source.
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PRIMARY DILUTION STANDARD SOLUTION (PDS) - A solution of several
analytes prepared in the laboratory from stock standard solutions and diluted as
needed to prepare calibration solutions and other needed analyte solutions.
CALIBRATION STANDARD (CAL) — A solution prepared from the primary
dilution standard solution and stock standard solutions and the internal standards and
surrogate analytes. The CAL solutions are used to calibrate the instrument response
with respect to analyte concentration.
QUALITY CONTROL SAMPLE (QCS) -- A solution of method analytes of
known concentration which is used to fortify an aliquot of LRB or sample matrix.
The QCS is obtained from a source external to the laboratory and different from
the source of calibration standards. It is used to check laboratory performance with
externally prepared test materials.
EXTERNAL STANDARD (ES) — A pure analyte(s) that is measured in an
experiment separate from the experiment used to measure the analyte(s) in the
sample. The signal observed for a known quantity of the pure external standard(s) is
used to calibrate the instrument response for the corresponding analyte(s). The
instrument response is used to calculate the concentrations of the analyte(s) in the
sample.
4. INTERFERENCES
4.1 Method interferences may be caused by contaminants in solvents, reagents,
glassware, and other sample processing hardware that lead to discrete artifacts
and/or elevated baselines in the chromatogram. All of these materials must be
routinely demonstrated to be free from interferences under the conditions of the
analysis by analyzing laboratory reagent blanks as described in Sect. 9.2.
4.1.1 Glassware must be scrupulously cleaned (3). Clean all glassware as soon
as possible after use by rinsing with the last solvent used in it. This should
be followed by detergent washing with hot water and rinses with tap water
and distilled water. It should then be drained dry and heated in a
laboratory oven at 130°C for several hours before use. Solvent rinses with
methanol may be substituted for the oven heating. After drying and
cooling, glassware should be stored in a clean environment to prevent any
accumulation of dust or other contaminants.
4.1.2 Before the initial use of all glassware, the procedure described in Sect.
4.1.1 should be followed. Silanization of all glassware which will come in
contact with the method analytes is necessary to prevent adsorption of the
diquat and paraquat cations onto glass surfaces (7.13).
3.7
3.8
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4.1.3 Plasticware should be washed with detergent and rinsed in tap water and
distilled water. It should be drained dry before use.
4.1.4 The use of high purity reagents and solvents helps to minimize interference
problems. Purification of solvents by distillation in all-glass systems may
be required.
4.2 Interferences may be caused by contaminants that are coextracted from the sample.
The extent of matrix interferences will vary considerably from source to source.
Because of the selectivity of the detection system used here, no interferences have
been observed in the matrices studied. If interferences occur, some additional
cleanup maybe necessary.
4.3 This method has been shown to be susceptible to interferences from Ca+2 and Mg+2
ions which may be present in hard water samples. These divalent cations can cause
low recovery of method analytes, by interfering with the ion exchange process. Use
of LFM samples can assist the analyst in evaluating the affect of these interferences
in different matrices.
5. SAFETY
5.1 The toxicity or carcinogenicity of each reagent used in this method has not been
precisely defined. Each chemical compound should be treated as a potential health
hazard. From this viewpoint, exposure to these chemicals must be minimized. The
laboratory is responsible for maintaining a current awareness file ofOSHA
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 chemical analysis.
6. EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
6.1 SAMPLING EQUIPMENT, discrete or composite sampling.
6.1.1 Grab sample bottle — Amber polyvinylchloride (PVC) high density, 1-L,
fitted with screw caps. If amber bottles are not available, protect samples
from light. The container must be washed, rinsed with deionized water,
and dried before use to minimize contamination.
6.2 GLASSWARE
6.2.1 Volumetric flask — 5 mL, silanized
6.2.2 Autosampler vials — 4 mL, silanized
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6.3
6.4
6.5
BALANCE — analytical, capable of accurately weighing 0.0001 g
pH METER - capable of measuring pH to 0.1 units
HPLC APPARATUS
6.5.1 Isocratic pumping system, constant flow (Waters M6000AHPLC pump or
equivalent).
6.5.2 Manual injector or automatic injector, capable of delivering 200 |il_.
6.5.3 Analytical column — any column which produces results equal to or
better than those listed below may be used.
6.5.3.1 Phenomenex Spherisorb (3 |i, 100mm X 4.6mm),
Hamilton PRP-1, (5 |i, 150 mm x 4.1 mm), or MICRA
NPS RP-C18 (1.5 |i, 33 mmX 4.6mm) or equivalent.
6.5.3.2 Guard column, C8 packing
6.5.4 Column Oven (Fiatron, Model CH-30 and controller, Model TC-50, or
equivalent).
6.5.5 Photodiode array detector (LKB 2140 Rapid Spectral Detector or
equivalent). Any detector which has the capability to switch between
257 nm and 308 nm maybe used.
6.5.6 Data system — Use of a data system to report retention times and peak
areas is recommended but not required.
6.6 EXTRACTION APPARATUS
6.6.1 Liquid solid extraction cartridges, C8, 500 mg or equivalent.
Note: EPA has observed significant variability between brands of C8
LSE media, and also between lots of the same brand of C8 LSE media.
Verification of analyte recovery should be performed any time a new brand
or lot of LSE media is used.
6.6.2 Liquid solid extraction system (Baker - 10 SPE, or equivalent).
6.6.3 Liquid solid extraction disks (C-8 Empore, 47 mm, or equivalent).
Note: EPA has observed significant variability between brands of C8 LSE
media, and also between lots of the same brand of C8 LSE media.
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Verification of analyte recovery should be performed any time a new brand
or lot of LSE media is used.
6.6.4 Liquid solid extraction system, Empore, 47 mm, 6 position manifold
(Varian Associates or equivalent).
6.6.5 Vacuum pump, 100 VAC, or other source ofvacuum, capable of
maintaining a vacuum of 8-10 mm of Hg.
6.6.6 Membrane Filters, 0.45 |im pore-size, 47 mm diameter, Nylon.
7. REAGENTS AND STANDARDS
7.1 DEIONIZED WATER — Water which has been processed through a series of
commercially available filters including a particulate filter, carbon bed, ion exchange
resin and finally a bacterial filter to produce deionized, reagent grade water. Any
other source of reagent water maybe used provided the requirements of Sect. 9 are
met.
7.2 METHANOL — HPLC grade or higher purity
7.3 ORTHOPHOSPHORIC ACID, 85% (w/v) - Reagent grade
7.4 DIETHYLAMINE — Reagent grade
7.5 CONCENTRATED SULFURIC ACID - ACS reagent grade
7.6 SODIUM HYDROXIDE — Reagent grade
7.7 CONCENTRATED HYDROCHLORIC ACID, 12 N - Reagent grade
7.8 CETYL TRIMETHYL AMMONIUM BROMIDE, 95% - Aldrich Chemical
7.9 SODIUM THIOSULFATE - Reagent grade
7.10 1 -HEXANESULFONIC ACID, sodium salt, 98%, Aldrich Chemical
7.11 1 -HEPTANESULFONIC ACID, sodium salt, 98%, Aldrich Chemical
7.12 AMMONIUM HYDROXIDE, ACS, Concentrated
7.13 SYLON CT — Silanization solution, Supelco
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7.14 REAGENT SOLUTIONS
7.14.1 Conditioning solution A — Dissolve 0.500 g of cetyl trimethyl ammonium
bromide and 5 mL of concentrated ammonium hydroxide in 500 mL of
deionized water and dilute to 1000 mL in volumetric flask.
7.14.2 Conditioning solution B — Dissolve 10.0 g of 1-hexanesulfonic acid,
sodium salt and 10 mL of concentrated ammonium hydroxide in 250 mL of
deionized water and dilute to 500 mL in volumetric flask.
7.14.3 Sodium hydroxide solution, 10% w/v — Dissolve 50 g of sodium hydroxide
into 400 mL of deionized water and dilute to 500 mL in a volumetric flask.
7.14.4 Hydrochloric acid, 10% v/v — Add 50 mL of concentrated hydrochloric
acid to 400 mL of deionized water and dilute to 500 mL in a volumetric
flask.
7.14.5 Disk or cartridge eluting solution -- Add 13.5 mL of orthophosphoric acid
and 10.3 mL of diethylamine to 500 mL of deionized water and dilute to
1000 mL in a volumetric flask.
7.14.6 Ion-pair concentrate — Dissolve 3.75 g of 1 -hexanesulfonic acid in 15 mL
of the disk or cartridge eluting solution and dilute to 25 mL in a volumetric
flask with the disk eluting solution.
7.15 STOCK STANDARD SOLUTIONS
7.15.1 Diquat dibromide and Paraquat dichloride.
7.15.2 Stock diquat and paraquat solutions (1000 mg/L). Dry diquat and
paraquat salts in an oven at 110°C for 3 hr. Cool in a desiccator.
Repeat process to a constant weight. Weigh 0.1968 g of dried diquat
salt and 0.1770 g of dried paraquat salt and place into a silanized glass or
polypropylene 100-mL volumetric flask. Dissolve with approximately
50 mL of deionized water. Dilute to the mark with deionized water.
7.15.3 The salts used in preparing the stock standards (Sect. 7.15.2) were taken
to be diquat dibromide monohydrate and paraquat dichloride
tetrahydrate (4). The drying procedure described in Sect. 7.15.2 will
provide these hydration levels.
7.16 MOBILE PHASE — Make mobile phase by adding the following to 500 mL of
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deionized water: 13.5 mL of orthophosphoric acid; 10.3 mL of diethylamine; 3.0 g
of 1-hexanesulfonic acid, sodium salt. Mix and dilute with deionized water to a final
volume of 1 L.
8. SAMPLE COLLECTION. PRESERVATION AND STORAGE
8.1 Grab samples must be collected in either amber PVC high density bottles or silanized
amber glass bottles. Conventional sampling procedures should be followed (5).
Automatic sampling equipment must be free as possible of adsorption sites which
might extract the sample.
8.2 The samples must be iced or refrigerated at approximately 4°C from the time of
collection until extraction. The analytes are light-sensitive, particularly diquat.
8.3 Samples which are known or suspected to contain residual chlorine must be
preserved with sodium thiosulfate (100 mg/L). Samples which are biologically
active must be preserved by adding sulfuric acid to pH 2 to prevent adsorption of
method analytes by the humectant material.
8.4 Analyte stability over time may depend on the matrix tested. All samples must be
extracted within 7 days of collection. Extracts must be analyzed within 21 days of
extraction (6).
9. QUALITY CONTROL
9.1 Minimum quality control (QC) requirements are initial demonstration of laboratory
capability, analysis of laboratory reagent blanks, laboratory fortified matrix samples,
and laboratory fortified blanks. The MDL (2) must also be determined for each
analyte. The analyst should institute quality control practices to ensure that the
brand and lot of LSE media being used show reliable recoveries of method analytes.
The laboratory must maintain records to document the quality of the data generated.
Additional quality control practices are recommended.
9.2 LABORATORY REAGENT BLANKS (LRB) — Before processing any samples,
the analyst must analyze a LRB to demonstrate that all deactivated glassware or
plasticware, and reagent interferences are reasonably free of contamination In
addition, each time a set of samples is extracted or reagents are changed, a LRB
must be analyzed. If within the retention time window (Sect. 11.4.2) of the analyte
of interest, the LRB produces a peak that would prevent the determination of that
analyte, determine the source of contamination and eliminate the interference before
processing samples.
9.3 INITIAL DEMONSTRATION OF CAPABILITY
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9.3.1 Prepare laboratory fortified blanks (LFBs) at analyte concentrations of 100
|ig/L. With a syringe, add 25 |iL of the stock standard (Sect. 7.15.2) to at
least four 250 rnL aliquots of reagent water and analyze each aliquot
according to procedures beginning in Sect. 11.2.
9.3.2 Calculate the recoveries and relative standard deviation (RSD). The
recovery (R) value for each sample, should be within ± 30% of the fortified
amount. The RSD of the mean recovery should be less than 30%. For
analytes that fail this critera, initial demonstration procedures should be
repeated.
9.3.3 For each analyte, determine the MDL. Prepare a minimum of 4-7 LFBs (7
is recommended) at a low concentration. Fortification concentrations in
Table 1 may be used as a guide, or use calibration data obtained in Section
10 to estimate a concentration for each analyte that will produce a peak
with a 3-5 times signal to noise response. Extract and analyze each
according to Sections 11 and 12. It is recommended that these LFBs be
prepared and analyzed over a period of several days, so that day to day
variations are reflected in precision measurements. Calculate mean
recovery and standard deviation for each analyte. Use the standard
deviation and the equation in Section 13 to calculate the MDL.
9.3.4 The initial demonstration of capability is used primarily to preclude a
laboratory from analyzing unknown samples via a new, unfamiliar method
prior to obtaining some experience with it. As laboratory personnel gain
experience with this method the quality of the data should improve beyond
the requirements stated in Sect. 9.3.2.
The analyst is permitted to use other HPLC columns, HPLC conditions, or HPLC
detectors to improve separations or lower analytical costs. Each time such method
modifications are made, the analyst must repeat the procedures in Sect. 9.3.
LABORATORY FORTIFIED BLANKS
9.5.1 The laboratory must analyze at least one laboratory fortified blank (LFB)
sample per sample set (all samples extracted within a 24-hr period). The
fortified concentration of each analyte in the LFB should be 10 times the
MDL. If the recovery of either analyte falls outside the control limits
(Sect. 9.5.2), that analyte is judged out of control, and the source of the
problem must be identified and resolved before continuing analyses.
9.5.2 Until sufficient data become available, usually a minimum of results from
20 to 30 analyses, the laboratory should assess laboratory performance
549.2-10
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against the control limits in Sect. 9.3.2. When sufficient internal
performance data become available, develop control limits from the mean
percent recovery (R) and standard deviation (Sr) of the percent recovery.
These data are used to establish upper and lower control limits as follows:
UPPER CONTROL LIMIT = R + 3 Sr
LOWER CONTROL LIMIT = R - 3 Sr
After each five to ten new recovery measurements, new control limits
should be calculated using only the most recent 20-30 data points.
These calculated control limits should not exceed the limits established in
Sect. 9.3.2.
LABORATORY FORTIFIED SAMPLE MATRIX
9.6.1 The laboratory must add a known fortified concentration to a minimum of
10% of the samples or one fortified sample per set, whichever is greater.
The fortified concentration should not be less than the background
concentration of the original sample. Ideally, the fortified concentration
should be the same as that used for the laboratory fortified blank (Sect.
9.5). Over time, samples from all routine samples sources should be
fortified.
9.6.2 Calculate the accuracy as percent recovery (R) for each analyte,
corrected for background concentrations measured in the original sample,
and compare these values to the control limits established in Sect. 9.5.2
from the analyses of LFBs.
9.6.3 If the recovery of any such analyte falls outside the designated range,
and the laboratory performance for that analyte is shown to be in control
(Sect. 9.5), the recovery problem encountered with the dosed sample is
judged to be matrix related, not system related. The result for that analyte
in the original sample is labeled suspect/matrix to inform the data user that
the results are suspect due to matrix effects.
QUALITY CONTROL SAMPLES (QCS) -- Each quarter the laboratory should
analyze one or more QCS. If criteria provided with the QCS are not met,
corrective action should be taken and documented.
The laboratory may adopt additional quality control practices for use with this
method. The specific practices that are most productive depend upon the needs of
549.2-11
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the laboratory and the nature of the samples. For example, field or laboratory
duplicates may be analyzed to assess the precision of the environmental
measurements or field reagent blanks may be used to assess contamination of
samples under site conditions, transportation and storage.
10. CALIBRATION AND STANDARDIZATION
10.1 Establish HPLC operating conditions indicated in Table 1. The chromatographic
system can be calibrated using the external standard technique.
10.2 In order to closely match calibration standards to samples, process standards by
the following method: Using C8 disks or C8 cartridges conditioned according to
Sect. 11.2.1, pass 250 mL of reagent water through the disk or cartridge and
discard the water. Dry the disk or cartridge by passing 5 mL of methanol through
it. Discard the methanol. Pass 4.0 mL of the el uting solution through the disk or
cartridge and catch in a 5 mL silanized volumetric flask. Fortify the eluted solution
with 100 |iL of the ion-pair concentrate and with 500 |iL of the stock standard and
dilute to the mark with eluting solution. This provides a 10:1 dilution of the stock.
Use serial dilution of the calibration standard by the same method to achieve lower
concentration standards.
10.3 Analyze a minimum of three calibration standards prepared by the procedure
described in Sect. 10.2 utilizing the HPLC conditions given in Table 1. From full
spectral data obtained, extract the 308 nm chromatographic trace for diquat and
the 257 nm trace for paraquat. Integrate and record the analyte peak areas. Any
mathematical manipulations performed to aid in data reduction must be recorded and
performed on all sample chromatograms. Tabulate the peak area against quantity
injected. The results may be used to prepare calibration curves for diquat and
paraquat.
10.4 The working calibration curve must be verified on each working day by
measurement of a calibration check standard, at the beginning of the analysis day.
These check standards should be at two different concentration levels to verify the
calibration curve. For extended periods of analysis (greater than 8 hr), it is strongly
recommended that check standards be interspersed with samples at regular intervals.
If the response for any analyte varies from the predicted response by more than
+20%, the test must be repeated using a fresh calibration standard. If the results still
do not agree, generate a new calibration curve.
11. PROCEDURE
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11.1 SAMPLE CLEANUP -- Cleanup procedures may not be necessary for a relatively
clean sample matrix. The cleanup procedures recommended in this method have
been used for the analysis of various sample types. If particular circumstances
demand the use of an alternative cleanup procedure, the analyst must demonstrate
that the recovery of the analytes is within the limits specified by the method.
11.1.1 If the sample contains particulates, or the complexity is unknown, the
entire sample should be passed through a 0.45 |im Nylon membrane filter
into a silanized glass or plastic container.
11.1.2 Store all samples at 4°C unless extraction is to be performed immediately.
11.2 CARTRIDGE EXTRACTION
11.2.1 Before sample extraction, the C8 extraction cartridges must be conditioned
by the following procedure.
11.2.1.1 Place a C8 cartridge on the cartridge extraction system
manifold.
11.2.1.2 Elute the following solutions through the cartridge in the
stated order. Take special care not to let the column go
dry. The flow rate through the cartridge should be
approximately 10 mL/min.
11.2.1.2.1 Cartridge Conditioning Sequence
a. Deionized water, 5 mL
b. Methanol, 5 mL
c. Deionized water, 5 mL
d. Conditioning Solution A, 5 mL
e. Deionized water, 5 mL
f. Methanol, 10 mL
g. Deionized water, 5 mL
h. Conditioning Solution B, 20 mL
11.2.1.2.2 Retain conditioning solution B in the C8
cartridge to keep it activated.
11.2.2 The C8 cartridges should not be prepared more than 48 hr prior to use.
After conditioning, the cartridge should be capped and stored at 4°C.
549.2-13
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11.2.3 Measure a 250-mL aliquot of the sample processed through Sect. 11.1 in
a silanized, volumetric flask.
11.2.4 Measure the pH of the sample. If the pH is between 7.0 and 9.0, the
sample can be analyzed without adjustment. If the pH is not in this range,
or if the sample has been acidified for preservation purpo ses, adjust the
pH of sample to between 7.0 and 9.0 with 10% w/v NaOH (aq) or 10%
v/v HC1 (aq) before extracting.
11.2.5 Place a conditioned C8 cartridge on the solid phase extraction vacuum
manifold. Attach a 60-mL reservoir to the C8 cartridge with the
appropriate adapter. Put a 250-mL beaker inside the extraction manifold
to catch waste solutions and sample. Transfer the measured volume in
aliquots to the reservoir. Turn on the vacuum pump or house vacuum and
adjust the flow rate to 3 to 6 mL/min. Filter the sample through the C8
cartridge, and wash the column with 5 mL of HPLC grade methanol.
Continue to draw the vacuum through the cartridge for one additional
minute to dry the cartridge. Release the vacuum and discard the sample
waste and methanol.
11.2.6 Place a silanized 5-mL volumetric flask beneath the collection stem in the
vacuum manifold. Add 4.5 mL of the eluting solution to the sample
cartridge. Turn on the vacuum and adjust the flow rate to 1 to 2 mL/min.
11.2.7 Remove the 5-mL volumetric flask with the extract. Fortify the extract
with 100 |iL of the ion-pair concentrate. Adjust the volume to the mark
with cartridge eluting solution, mix thoroughly, and seal tightly until
analyzed.
11.2.8 Analyze sample by HPLC using conditions described in Table 1.
Integration and data reduction must be consistent with that performed in
Sect. 10.3.
11.3 DISK EXTRACTION — The top surface of the disk matrix must remain covered
with liquid at all times. If the disk is exposed to air at any step in the disk cleanup
procedure, the elution procedure should be restarted. Eluants applied to the disk
should be allowed to soak into the disk before drawing them through. Vacuum
should then be applied to draw most of the eluant through the disk, leaving a thin
layer of solution on the top of the disk. Flow rate through the disk is not critical.
11.3.1 Assemble the 47 mm disk in the disk holder or a filter apparatus. Be sure
that the surfaces of the holder are either silanized glass or Teflon coated to
avoid adsorption or decomposition of the analytes.
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11.3.2 Measure the pH of the sample. If the pH is between 7.0 and 9.0, the
sample can be analyzed without adjustment. If the pH is not in this range,
or if the sample has been acidified for preservation purpo ses, adjust the
pH of sample to between 7.0 and 9.0 with 10% w/v NaOH (aq) or 10%
v/v HC1 (aq) before extracting.
11.3.3 Apply 10 mL of methanol to the disk. Apply vacuum to begin elution, then
immediately vent the vacuum when drops of liquid appear at the drip tip.
Allow the methanol to soak into the disk for a minimum of 1 min, then
reapply the vacuum to bring the methanol to just above the top surface of
the disk.
11.3.4 Draw 2 10-mL aliquots of reagent water through to just above the top
surface of the disk to remove the methanol.
11.3.5 Apply 10 mL of Conditioning Solution A to the disk. As with the
methanol, draw a few drops through, then allow the disk to soak for at
least 1 min. Draw the Conditioning Solution A through the disk to just
above its top surface.
11.3.6 Draw 2 10-mL aliquots of reagent water through to just above the top
surface of the disk.
11.3.7 Apply 20 mL of Conditioning Solution B to the disk. Draw a few drops
through using vacuum and allow the disk to soak for at least 1 min. Draw
the remaining Conditioning Solution B through to just above the top
surface of the disk.
11.3.8 Measure 250 mL of the sample using a polypropylene graduated cylinder.
Pour the sample aliquot into the filtration apparatus reservoir and apply
vacuum to draw the sample through the disk. Pass the entire sample
through the disk, leaving no liquid on the top of the disk, then vent the
vacuum.
11.3.9 Assemble a graduated collection tube under the drip tip with the tip
descending into the tube slightly to prevent losses of eluants. Be sure
the tube will hold at least 10 mL of eluate.
11.3.10 With the vacuum vented, drip enough methanol onto the disk to cover it
completely (0.5-1.0 mL). Allow the methanol to soak into the disk for 1
min. Add more methanol as needed to keep the disk covered as it soaks.
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11.3.11 Pipet 4 mL of Disk Eluting Solvent onto the disk. Apply vacuum until
drops appear at the drip tip. Vent the vacuum and allow the disk to soak
for 1 min.
11.3.12 Draw the Disk Eluting Solution through to just above the top surface of
the disk. Add 4 mL of Disk Eluting Solution and draw it completely
through the disk. Tap the disk holder assembly gently to loosen
adhering drops into the collection tube.
11.3.13 Vent the vacuum, disassemble the disk extraction device, and remove the
collection tube. Fortify the extract with 200 |xL of the ion-pair
concentrate. Add Disk Eluting Solution to the tube to a final volume of
10 mL.
11.3.14 Analyze samples by HPLC. Some suggested conditions, which were used
in developing this method, are listed in Table 1. This table includes the
retention times and MDLs that were obtained using the suggested
conditions.
11.4 IDENTIFICATION OF ANALYTES
11.4.1 Identify a sample component by comparison of its retention time to the
retention time of a reference chromatogram. If the retention time of an
unknown compound corresponds, within limits (Sect. 11.4.2), to the
retention time of a standard compound, then identification is considered
positive.
11.4.2 The width of the retention time window used to make identification should
be based upon measurements of actual retention time variations of
standards over the course of a day. Three times the standard deviation of a
retention time can be used to calculate a suggested window size for a
compound. However, the experience of the analyst should weigh heavily in
the interpretation of chromatograms.
11.4.3 Identification requires expert judgment when sample components are not
resolved chromatographically. When peaks obviously represent more than
one sample component (i.e., broadened peak with shoulder(s) or valley
between two or more maxima), or any time doubt exists over the
identification of a peak in a chromatogram, a confirmatory technique must
be employed. Through the use of the photodiode array detector, full
spectra of the analyte peaks are obtained (Figure 2). When a peak of an
unknown sample fells within the retention time windows of method
analytes, confirm the peak identification by spectral comparison with
549.2-16
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analyte standards.
If additional confirmation is required, replace the 1-hexanesulfonic acid salt
with 1-heptanesulfonic acid, sodium salt in the mobile phase and reanalyze
the samples. Comparison of the ratio of retention times in the samples by
the two mobile phases with that of the standards will provide additional
confirmation.
11.4.4 If the peak area exceeds the linear range of the calibration curve, a smaller
sample volume should be used. Alternatively, the final solution may be
diluted with mobile phase and reanalyzed.
12. DATA ANALYSIS AND CALCULATIONS
12.1 Determine the concentration of the analytes in the sample.
12.1.1 Calculate the concentration of each analyte injected from the peak area
using the calibration curves in Sect. 10.3 and the following equation.
Concentration, |ig/L = (A) x ("VF)
(VS)
where: A = Peak area of analyte in sample extract
VF = Final volume of sample extract, in mL
VS = Sample volume, in mL
12.2 Report results as micrograms per liter without correction for recovery data. When
duplicate and fortified samples are analyzed, report all data obtained with sample
results.
13. METHOD PERFORMANCE
13 .1 METHOD DETECTION LIMITS -- 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 the background level (2). The MDL data
listed in Table 1 were obtained using disks with reagent water as the matrix.
MDL — S t^n_ij_alpha = Q.99)
where:
t(n-u-aiPha = 0 99)= Student's t value for the 99% confidence level with n-1 degrees
of freedom
549.2-17
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n = number of replicates
S = standard deviation of replicate analyses.
13.2 This method has been tested for linearity of recovery from fortified reagent water
and has been demonstrated to be applicable over the range from approximately 4
x MDL to 100 x MDL.
13.3 Single-laboratory precision and accuracy results at several concentration levels in
drinking water matrices using disks are presented in Table 2.
13.4 This methodology has been shown to be sensitive to brand differences and even
lot differences in C8 LSE media. This is presumed to be due to variations in
manufacturing processes. If the method does not demonstrate performance data
similar to those demonstrated in Sect. 17, C8 LSE media should be obtained
from a different source.
14. POLLUTION PREVENTION
14.1 Only an extremely small volume of an organic solvent is used in this method. A
maximum of 15 mL ofmethanolisusedper sample to condition each cartridge or
disk. Methanol is not considered to be a toxic or hazardous solvent. All other
chemicals used in this method are can be handled in a non-hazardous way when
used in the prescribed manner and amounts.
14.2 For information about pollution prevention that may be applicable to laboratory
operations, consult "Less is Better: Laboratory Chemical Management for Waste
Reduction" available from the American Chemical Society's Department of
Government Relations and Science Policy, 1155 16th Street N.W., Washington,
D C. 20036.
15. WASTE MANAGEMENT
15.1 There are generally no waste management problems involved with discarding
spent or left over samples in this method since most often the sample matrix is
drinking water. If a sample is analyzed which appears to be highly contaminated
with chemicals, analyses should be carried out to assess the type and degree of
contamination so that the samples may be discarded properly. The Agency
requires that laboratory waste management practices be conducted consistent
with all applicable rules and regulations, and that laboratories protect the air,
water, and land by minimizing and controlling all releases from fume hoods and
bench operations. Also, compliance is required with any sewage discharge
restrictions. For further information on waste management, consult "The Waste
549.2-18
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Management Manual for Laboratory Personnel" also available from the American
Chemical Society at the address in Sect. 14.2.
REFERENCES
1. Lagman, L. H. and J. R Hale, "Analytical Method for the Determination of
Diquat in Aquatic Weed Infested Lakes and Rivers in South Carolina",
Technology Conference Proceedings, WQTC-15, American Water Works
Association, November 15-20, 1987.
2. Glaser, J. A., D. L. Foerst, G. M. McKee, S. A. Quave, and W. L. Budde, "Trace
Analyses for Wastewaters", Environ. Sci. Techno!. 15. 1426, 1981.
3. ASTM Annual Book of Standards, Part 31, D3694, "Standard Practice for
Preparation of Sample Container and for Preservation", American Society for
Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, PA, p. 679, 1980.
4. Worobey, B. L., "Analytical Method for the Simultaneous Determination of
Diquat and Paraquat Residues in Potatoes by High Pressure Liquid
Chromatography", Pestic. Sci 18(41 245, 1987.
5. ASTM Annual Book of Standards, Part 31, D3370, "Standard Practice for
Sampling Water", American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, PA,
p. 76, 1980.
6. Hodgeson, J.W., Bashe, W.J. and J.W. Eichelberger, "Method 549.1 -
Determination of Diquat and Paraquat in Drinking Water by Liquid-Solid
Extraction and High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Ultraviolet
Detection", Methods for the Determination of Organic Compounds in Drinking
Water. Supplement II. EPA/600/R-92/129. U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, Envirinmental Monitoring Systems Laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45268,
1992.
549.2-19
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17. TABLES. DIAGRAMS. FLOWCHARTS. AND VALIDATION DATA
TABLE 1. HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY
CONDITIONS AND METHOD DETECTION LIMITS
Analyte
Method Detection Limits3
(l^g/L)
(disks)
Diquat
Paraquat
0.72
0.68
HPLC Conditions:
Column:
Column Temperature
Flow Rate:
Injection Volume:
Phenomenex Spherisorb, 3 ju., 4.6 mmx 100 mm
35.0° C
2.0 mL/min., Ion-Pair Mobile Phase
(Sect. 7.16)
200 |iL
Photodiode Array Detector Settings:
Wavelength Range: 210 - 370 nm
Sample Rate: 1 scan/sec.
Wavelength Step: 1 nm
Integration Time: 1 sec.
Run Time: 5.0 min.
Quantitation
Wavelengths:
Diquat - 308 nm
Paraquat - 257 nm
aMDL data were obtained from five samples fortified at 2.5 |ig/L diquat and 2.5 |ig/L paraquat.
549.2-20
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TABLE 2. SINGLE OPERATOR ACCURACY AND PRECISION
USING DISK (N = 5 FOR EACH TYPE OF WATER)
DIQUAT
Type of Fortified 2.5 |ig/L Fortified 10.5 |ig/L Fortified 52.5 |ig/L
Water Mean%Rec. % RSD Mean%Rec. % RSD Mean%Rec. % RSD
RW 90.9 8.4 94.1 5.2 92.1 2.9
TW 91.7 6.5 93.6 3.1 93.0 5.3
GW 91.4 6.4 93.7 3.0 90.2 3.3
PARAQUAT
Type of Fortified 2.5 |ig/L Fortified 10 |ig/L Fortified 50 |ig/L
Water Mean%Rec. % RSD Mean%Rec. % RSD Mean%Rec. % RSD
RW 94.7 7.7 92.3 5.5 88.8 4.2
DW 93.5 6.6 89.7 3.6 91.4 6.5
GW 92.0 8.1 89.9 2.5 90.4 2.5
RW = Reagent Water
TW = Tap Water (Dechlorinated with sodium thiosulfate)
GW = Ground Water
All samples adjusted to pH 7.
549.2-21
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